Matthew 2:19
“But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.”
Certainly! Here’s a Bible study on Matthew 2:19 (KJV) says, “But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.”
Historical Context:In order to understand the significance of this verse, it is important to consider the historical context. In the preceding verses, we learn about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. The Magi from the East had visited Jerusalem in search of the newborn King of the Jews, leading Herod to feel threatened and seek to destroy the child.
Herod’s Death:Matthew 2:19 begins by stating that Herod was dead. This refers to Herod the Great, the ruler of Judea during that time. Herod was known for his brutal and tyrannical rule. His death marked the end of his reign and brought about significant changes in the political landscape of Judea.
Divine Intervention:The verse goes on to mention that an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream while he was in Egypt. This indicates a divine intervention to guide and protect Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, we see multiple instances of divine guidance and intervention in the life of Jesus and his earthly parents.
Fulfilled Prophecy:Matthew often emphasizes how events in Jesus’ life fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. In this case, the verse does not explicitly mention a specific prophecy, but it can be understood in light of Hosea 11:1, which says, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew later refers to this prophecy in Matthew 2:15, indicating that Jesus’ stay in Egypt was a fulfillment of Hosea’s words.
Symbolism:The journey to Egypt and the subsequent return from there to Israel can be seen as a parallel to the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. Just as God delivered the Israelites from slavery and led them out of Egypt, Jesus, the Son of God, is brought out of Egypt to fulfill his mission of delivering humanity from the bondage of sin.
God’s Sovereignty:The death of Herod and the subsequent appearance of the angel to Joseph remind us of God’s sovereign control over the events of history. Despite the threats and challenges that arose, God’s plan to bring salvation through Jesus was not thwarted. This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in guiding and protecting His people.
