Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
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.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
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.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
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.
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.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
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.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
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.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
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.
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 enquired of the wise men.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
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.
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
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.
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea 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:
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.
Matthew 2 delves into the early life of Jesus, revealing both the adoration He received and the danger He faced. This chapter beautifully illustrates God's sovereign plan unfolding amidst human schemes, and highlights the contrast between those who sought to worship Him and those who sought to destroy Him. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness in protecting His Son and fulfilling His promises.
The Wise Men's Quest (Matthew 2:1-2)
Matthew 2:1-2 introduces us to a group of "wise men" (Greek: magoi) who journeyed from the east to Jerusalem, guided by a star. These were likely astrologers from Babylonia or Persia, scholars who studied the heavens and perhaps also delved into prophecy, medicine, and religion. Their arrival underscores the universal significance of Jesus' birth. They weren't Jewish, yet they recognized the sign and sought out the newborn "king of the Jews." Their question, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him," highlights their genuine desire to pay homage to the Messiah. This passage reveals that God’s revelation extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The wise men's journey, possibly lasting up to two years, demonstrates their dedication and the immense value they placed on encountering the King.
Herod's Treachery (Matthew 2:3-8)
The arrival of the wise men and their inquiry about the "king of the Jews" deeply disturbed King Herod (Matthew 2:3). Herod, an Idumean appointed by the Romans, was paranoid about losing his power. He gathered the chief priests and scribes, asking them where the Christ was to be born (Matthew 2:4). These religious leaders, well-versed in Scripture, correctly identified Bethlehem as the prophesied birthplace (Matthew 2:5-6, referencing Micah 5:2). However, despite their knowledge, they showed no personal interest in seeking out the Messiah (see John 5:39-40). Herod, under the guise of wanting to worship the child, secretly met with the wise men to learn when the star had appeared (Matthew 2:7-8). He then cunningly sent them to Bethlehem, instructing them to report back to him. His true motive, however, was to eliminate any potential threat to his throne.
Worship and Warning (Matthew 2:9-12)
The star reappeared, guiding the wise men to the house where Jesus was (Matthew 2:9-10). Note that the wise men didn't arrive at the manger scene. By the time they arrived, Joseph and Mary were living in a house, and Jesus was likely a toddler. Overjoyed, they entered the house and worshiped Him, presenting Him with precious gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These gifts were not only valuable but also symbolic. Gold represented kingship, frankincense symbolized deity and worship, and myrrh foreshadowed His future suffering and death. Having faithfully sought the Savior, the wise men received divine insight. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod and departed for their own country by another route (Matthew 2:12).
Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
Once again, Joseph received a crucial warning in a dream. An angel instructed him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's murderous intentions (Matthew 2:13). Joseph's immediate obedience underscores his faith and commitment to protecting his family. They remained in Egypt until Herod's death (Matthew 2:14-15). Matthew highlights this event as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I called my son." While Hosea was referring to Israel's exodus from Egypt, Matthew sees a typological connection, recognizing Israel as a type of God’s Son who was yet to come.
The Massacre of the Infants (Matthew 2:16-18)
Realizing he had been tricked, Herod flew into a rage and ordered the massacre of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). This brutal act reveals the depths of Herod's depravity and his desperate attempt to thwart God's plan. Matthew connects this tragic event to Jeremiah's prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children (Matthew 2:17-18, referencing Jeremiah 31:15). This prophecy speaks of the profound grief and lamentation over the loss of innocent lives.
Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)
After Herod's death, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-20). However, upon hearing that Archelaus, Herod's son, was ruling in Judea, Joseph was afraid to go there (Matthew 2:22). Receiving another warning in a dream, he went to the region of Galilee and settled in Nazareth (Matthew 2:22). Matthew concludes by stating that this fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23). While there isn't a specific Old Testament verse stating this, Matthew likely refers to the general prophetic theme of the Messiah being despised and rejected (see Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 22:6, Isaiah 49:7). Nazareth was a small, insignificant town, and being called a Nazarene would have carried a stigma. God sovereignly orchestrated events to bring the Messiah into the world, even in humble circumstances.
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
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.
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
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.
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
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.
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.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
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.
And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
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.
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
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.
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 enquired of the wise men.
Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
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.
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
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.
And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judea 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:
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.
Matthew 2 delves into the early life of Jesus, revealing both the adoration He received and the danger He faced. This chapter beautifully illustrates God's sovereign plan unfolding amidst human schemes, and highlights the contrast between those who sought to worship Him and those who sought to destroy Him. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness in protecting His Son and fulfilling His promises.
The Wise Men's Quest (Matthew 2:1-2)
Matthew 2:1-2 introduces us to a group of "wise men" (Greek: magoi) who journeyed from the east to Jerusalem, guided by a star. These were likely astrologers from Babylonia or Persia, scholars who studied the heavens and perhaps also delved into prophecy, medicine, and religion. Their arrival underscores the universal significance of Jesus' birth. They weren't Jewish, yet they recognized the sign and sought out the newborn "king of the Jews." Their question, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him," highlights their genuine desire to pay homage to the Messiah. This passage reveals that God’s revelation extends beyond cultural and religious boundaries. The wise men's journey, possibly lasting up to two years, demonstrates their dedication and the immense value they placed on encountering the King.
Herod's Treachery (Matthew 2:3-8)
The arrival of the wise men and their inquiry about the "king of the Jews" deeply disturbed King Herod (Matthew 2:3). Herod, an Idumean appointed by the Romans, was paranoid about losing his power. He gathered the chief priests and scribes, asking them where the Christ was to be born (Matthew 2:4). These religious leaders, well-versed in Scripture, correctly identified Bethlehem as the prophesied birthplace (Matthew 2:5-6, referencing Micah 5:2). However, despite their knowledge, they showed no personal interest in seeking out the Messiah (see John 5:39-40). Herod, under the guise of wanting to worship the child, secretly met with the wise men to learn when the star had appeared (Matthew 2:7-8). He then cunningly sent them to Bethlehem, instructing them to report back to him. His true motive, however, was to eliminate any potential threat to his throne.
Worship and Warning (Matthew 2:9-12)
The star reappeared, guiding the wise men to the house where Jesus was (Matthew 2:9-10). Note that the wise men didn't arrive at the manger scene. By the time they arrived, Joseph and Mary were living in a house, and Jesus was likely a toddler. Overjoyed, they entered the house and worshiped Him, presenting Him with precious gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These gifts were not only valuable but also symbolic. Gold represented kingship, frankincense symbolized deity and worship, and myrrh foreshadowed His future suffering and death. Having faithfully sought the Savior, the wise men received divine insight. They were warned in a dream not to return to Herod and departed for their own country by another route (Matthew 2:12).
Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
Once again, Joseph received a crucial warning in a dream. An angel instructed him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape Herod's murderous intentions (Matthew 2:13). Joseph's immediate obedience underscores his faith and commitment to protecting his family. They remained in Egypt until Herod's death (Matthew 2:14-15). Matthew highlights this event as a fulfillment of the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I called my son." While Hosea was referring to Israel's exodus from Egypt, Matthew sees a typological connection, recognizing Israel as a type of God’s Son who was yet to come.
The Massacre of the Infants (Matthew 2:16-18)
Realizing he had been tricked, Herod flew into a rage and ordered the massacre of all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). This brutal act reveals the depths of Herod's depravity and his desperate attempt to thwart God's plan. Matthew connects this tragic event to Jeremiah's prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children (Matthew 2:17-18, referencing Jeremiah 31:15). This prophecy speaks of the profound grief and lamentation over the loss of innocent lives.
Return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23)
After Herod's death, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to return to Israel (Matthew 2:19-20). However, upon hearing that Archelaus, Herod's son, was ruling in Judea, Joseph was afraid to go there (Matthew 2:22). Receiving another warning in a dream, he went to the region of Galilee and settled in Nazareth (Matthew 2:22). Matthew concludes by stating that this fulfilled the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23). While there isn't a specific Old Testament verse stating this, Matthew likely refers to the general prophetic theme of the Messiah being despised and rejected (see Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 22:6, Isaiah 49:7). Nazareth was a small, insignificant town, and being called a Nazarene would have carried a stigma. God sovereignly orchestrated events to bring the Messiah into the world, even in humble circumstances.