What does Matthew 2:14 mean?
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: Matthew 2:14
Explanation
Matthew 2:14 describes the immediate and obedient action of Joseph, who, upon receiving divine instruction in a dream, takes Mary and the infant Jesus and flees to Egypt by night. This flight was to escape King Herod’s impending order to kill all young male children in Bethlehem, aimed at eliminating the newborn “King of the Jews” whom the Magi had come to worship. This verse emphasizes the protective role of Joseph, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the divine orchestration of events for the safety of Jesus.
Historical Context
The verse is set in the context of first-century Judea under Roman occupation. Herod the Great was the king of Judea and a client ruler under the Romans. He was known for his brutality and paranoia about threats to his throne, which is reflected in his reaction to hearing about the birth of a potential rival king. The historical flight into Egypt would have occurred before Herod’s death, traditionally dated around 4 BCE, meaning that Joseph and Mary’s journey was a secretive and urgent escape from a real and present danger.
Theological Insights
This verse is theologically significant for several reasons. One viewpoint is that it signifies Jesus as the new Moses, paralleling the Old Testament account of Moses who as an infant escaped a similar decree from the Pharaoh of Egypt. Secondly, this event is seen by some as fulfilling Hosea 11:1, which says, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Theologically, this suggests that Jesus’ life is a continuation and fulfillment of Israel’s story.
From the perspective of divine providence, the verse shows that God actively intervenes in history to protect the Savior. It demonstrates Joseph’s faithfulness and responsiveness to God’s guidance, setting an example of obedience and trust in divine providence.
Practical Applications
This verse can inspire individuals to listen carefully for divine guidance and to act swiftly and decisively when they believe it has been given. It also teaches the importance of protecting the vulnerable among us, as Joseph did for Mary and Jesus. In daily life, people can apply this teaching by standing up against injustices and providing support to those in need of refuge.
Cross-References
- Hosea 11:1 – “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.”
- Matthew 2:13 – “And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
- Exodus 1:22 – “And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.”
- Exodus 4:19 – “And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.”
Language Study
The verse contains a few key terms:
- “Arose” (Greek: ἐγείρω, egeirō): This implies not only physically getting up but also responding to a call to action.
- “Child” (Greek: παιδίον, paidion): Indicates a young child, emphasizing the vulnerability of Jesus at this time.
- “Mother” (Greek: μήτηρ, mētēr): Refers specifically to Mary, Jesus’ mother, underscoring her role in caring for and protecting her son.
- “By night” (Greek: νυκτός, nuktos): This adds to the urgency and secrecy needed for the safe escape.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The flight into Egypt bears resemblance to other myths and legends from antiquity where a hero, often in infancy, escapes a death sentence or harm, such as the stories of Sargon of Akkad or even the Greek myth of Perseus. In religious interpretations, the flight is often seen as a meditation on the vulnerability of the divine in the Christian narrative, contrasting with the more detached gods of other ancient cultures.
Scientific Perspectives
From a modern scientific or historical perspective, the account is a narrative without direct evidence outside of the biblical text. Archaeology can sometimes shed light on the broader context, such as the existence of communities of Jews in Egypt at the time, which makes the story plausible. However, the escape to and return from Egypt described in the Gospel of Matthew is taken on faith by the Christian community and considered a divine intervention in history.
commentaries
Various biblical scholars and commentators have reflected on this verse. Some emphasize the obedience of Joseph as a model for Christian living, while others focus on the prophecy-fulfillment aspect of Jesus’ life mirroring Israel’s history. Still, others consider the political and social implications of Herod’s reign and the climate of fear that would necessitate such a flight. While traditional commentary upholds the historicity of the event, more critical scholarship often sees the narrative as theological storytelling meant to convey deeper truths about Jesus’ identity and mission.
Advertisement: