How does Matthew 2:19 connect with God's protection of Jesus in Exodus? Setting the Stage • Matthew 2 opens with Jesus’ birth, Herod’s murderous decree, and the family’s flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15). • Verse 19 marks the turning point: God signals that the danger has passed. Reading Matthew 2:19 “After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt” Echoes of Exodus 4:19 “Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, ‘Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.’” Notice the shared wording: • “those who were seeking your life are dead” (Exodus 4:19) • “Herod died” and the implied safety for the Child (Matthew 2:20) Patterns of Protection • Hostile ruler issues a death edict for babies – Pharaoh: Exodus 1:15–22 – Herod: Matthew 2:16–18 • God preserves His chosen deliverer – Moses hidden in a basket (Exodus 2:1–10) – Jesus taken to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15) • Divine cue to return when danger is gone – Exodus 4:19 to Moses – Matthew 2:19–20 to Joseph • Result: both return to accomplish redemption – Moses leads Israel’s exodus (Exodus 12–14) – Jesus inaugurates the new exodus from sin (Matthew 26:28; Luke 9:31) Jesus as the Greater Moses • Out of Egypt: Hosea 11:1 quoted in Matthew 2:15 links Israel’s history with Jesus personally. • Deliverance: Moses mediates the old covenant at Sinai (Exodus 19–20); Jesus mediates the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6). • Signs and wonders: Moses’ plagues and miracles (Exodus 7–12); Jesus’ healings and authority over creation (Matthew 8–9, 14). • Lawgiver vs. Fulfillment: Moses gives the Law; Jesus fulfills it (Matthew 5:17). Key Takeaway Matthew 2:19 intentionally mirrors Exodus 4:19 to show that the same God who shielded Moses now protects His Son. The Father’s faithful guardianship threads through both Testaments, underscoring that Jesus is the promised Deliverer, safely carried through danger to bring salvation to all who believe. |
    |