Matthew 2:19

¶ But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

But {G1161} when Herod {G2264} was dead {G5053}, behold {G2400}, an angel {G32} of the Lord {G2962} appeareth {G5316} in {G2596} a dream {G3677} to Joseph {G2501} in {G1722} Egypt {G125},

After Herod's death, an angel of ADONAI appeared in a dream to Yosef in Egypt

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,

Matthew 2:19 marks a crucial turning point in the early life of Jesus, signifying the end of the Holy Family's exile in Egypt and the removal of a significant threat.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of Jesus' infancy, including the visit of the Magi, Herod's murderous intent, and the subsequent flight of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus to Egypt. King Herod the Great, infamous for his paranoia and cruelty, had ordered the slaughter of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16) in an attempt to eliminate the prophesied "King of the Jews." The death of Herod, which occurred in 4 BC, removed this immediate danger, allowing for the next stage of God's plan for Jesus' upbringing.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Guidance: The verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering protection over His Son. Just as an angel had previously warned Joseph to flee, the "angel of the Lord" now reappears to signal safety and direct their return. This highlights God's constant oversight of His people.
  • God's Perfect Timing: The phrase "when Herod was dead" emphasizes divine providence. God allowed Herod's reign and wickedness to run their course, orchestrating the timing of his death precisely when it was safe for the Holy Family to return. This speaks to God's sovereign control over historical events.
  • Joseph's Obedience: Joseph consistently demonstrates faithful obedience to divine instructions received through dreams. This marks another instance where he acts promptly on God's word, showcasing his role as a protector and guardian under God's direction. His obedience is a recurring theme, seen also when he took Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20).

Linguistic Insights

The term "angel of the Lord" (Greek: angelos Kyriou) frequently appears throughout the Bible, often denoting a divine messenger with specific instructions from God. The communication method, "appeareth in a dream," was a common way God revealed His will in both the Old and New Testaments, particularly in the book of Matthew concerning Joseph's guidance. This direct, supernatural intervention underscores the divine importance of Jesus' early life.

Practical Application

Matthew 2:19 offers comfort and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, providing guidance and protection, even when circumstances seem perilous. We are called to trust in His perfect timing and to respond with obedience when He reveals His will. Just as Joseph was led step by step, we too can rely on God's providence to navigate life's challenges, knowing He watches over us and fulfills His purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 1:20

    But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

  • Daniel 8:25

    And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

  • Matthew 2:22

    But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

  • Isaiah 51:12

    I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

  • Matthew 2:12

    And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

  • 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.

  • Daniel 11:45

    And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
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