1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
3 When Herod the king had heard [these things], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found [him], bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
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.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping [for] her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
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:
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Overview of Matthew Chapter 2
Matthew Chapter 2 details the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, focusing on the visit of the Magi, King Herod’s reaction, and the subsequent flight into Egypt. This chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the divine protection of Jesus during his early life.
The Visit of the Magi (Verses 1-12)
The chapter opens with the arrival of the Magi, or Wise Men, from the East, who come to Jerusalem seeking the newborn King of the Jews. Their inquiry sets off a series of events that highlight both the recognition of Jesus’ significance and the opposition he would face.
- Significance of the Magi: The Magi, likely astrologers or scholars, represent the Gentile world acknowledging Jesus’ kingship.
- Star of Bethlehem: The guiding star symbolizes divine intervention and guidance, leading the Magi to Jesus.
- Herod’s Reaction: King Herod, feeling threatened by the news of a new king, seeks to manipulate the situation for his own gain.
Herod’s Deception and the Prophecy Fulfilled (Verses 3-8)
Upon learning of the Magi’s quest, Herod is troubled and gathers the chief priests and scribes to inquire about the Messiah’s birthplace. They inform him that the prophecy points to Bethlehem.
- Herod’s Manipulation: He instructs the Magi to report back to him after finding the child, intending to eliminate the perceived threat.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: The mention of Bethlehem fulfills the prophecy from Micah 5:2, demonstrating that Jesus’ birth was part of God’s divine plan.
The Worship of the Magi (Verses 9-12)
The Magi continue their journey, guided by the star, and eventually find Jesus. Their actions reflect the reverence and acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine nature.
- Gifts of the Magi: The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus’ kingship, divinity, and suffering, respectively.
- Divine Warning: After worshiping Jesus, the Magi are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, demonstrating God’s protection over Jesus.
The Flight into Egypt (Verses 13-15)
Following the Magi’s departure, an angel warns Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod’s murderous intentions.
- Divine Intervention: The angel’s message showcases God’s active role in safeguarding Jesus.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The flight to Egypt fulfills the prophecy found in Hosea 11:1, indicating that the events surrounding Jesus’ life are deeply rooted in Jewish scripture.
Herod’s Decree and the Slaughter of the Innocents (Verses 16-18)
Herod, realizing he has been outwitted by the Magi, orders the massacre of all male children in Bethlehem aged two and under, reflecting his ruthless desire to eliminate any threat to his throne.
- Herod’s Brutality: This act of violence highlights the lengths to which Herod will go to maintain power.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: The lamentation in Ramah fulfills Jeremiah 31:15, emphasizing the tragic consequences of Herod’s actions.
Return to Nazareth (Verses 19-23)
After Herod’s death, an angel again appears to Joseph, instructing him to return to Israel. However, upon learning that Herod’s son reigns in Judea, Joseph chooses to settle in Nazareth, fulfilling another prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.
- Divine Guidance: Joseph’s obedience to the angel’s messages illustrates the importance of faith and responsiveness to God’s direction.
- Prophetic Significance: The reference to Jesus as a Nazarene emphasizes his humble beginnings and the fulfillment of multiple prophecies regarding the Messiah.
Thematic Elements
Matthew Chapter 2 encapsulates several key themes:
- Divine Protection: God’s intervention through dreams and guidance protects Jesus and his family.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The chapter underscores the importance of Old Testament prophecies in establishing Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
- Contrast Between Kings: The chapter contrasts the humble birth of Jesus with the violent reign of Herod, highlighting the nature of true kingship.
Conclusion
Matthew Chapter 2 serves as a critical narrative in the early life of Jesus, illustrating the recognition of his significance by the world, the opposition he faced, and the divine orchestration of events that protected him. The chapter’s emphasis on prophecy and fulfillment sets the stage for understanding Jesus’ mission and identity as the Messiah.
