Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, dreams often serve as a medium through which God communicates His divine will and guidance to His people. One significant instance of this is the dream given to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, concerning the family's flight into Egypt. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and holds profound theological and historical significance.Biblical Account The account of Joseph's dream is found in Matthew 2:13-15 : "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. 'Get up!' he said. 'Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.' So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called My Son.'” Context and Significance The dream occurs after the visit of the Magi, who had come to worship the newborn King of the Jews. Herod the Great, feeling threatened by the prophecy of a new king, sought to destroy Jesus. In this context, the dream serves as a divine intervention to protect the infant Jesus from Herod's murderous intent. Joseph's immediate obedience to the dream's instructions underscores his righteousness and faithfulness. His actions ensured the safety of Jesus, allowing the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ. The journey to Egypt also fulfills the prophecy from Hosea 11:1, which Matthew cites, linking Jesus to the history of Israel and God's deliverance of His people. Theological Implications Theologically, this dream highlights several key themes: 1. Divine Providence and Protection: The dream illustrates God's sovereign care over His Son, ensuring His protection from earthly threats. It reassures believers of God's active involvement in the unfolding of His divine plan. 2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The reference to Hosea 11:1 emphasizes the continuity of God's salvific work from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus, as the true Israel, embodies the fulfillment of God's promises. 3. Obedience and Faith: Joseph's response to the dream exemplifies the importance of obedience to God's guidance. His faith-driven actions serve as a model for believers in responding to divine direction. 4. Typology of Christ: The flight into Egypt and subsequent return echo the experiences of Israel, drawing a parallel between Jesus and the nation of Israel. This typology reinforces Jesus as the ultimate deliverer and redeemer. Historical and Cultural Context Egypt, during the time of Jesus, was a Roman province and a place of refuge for many Jews. Its proximity to Judea made it a practical destination for those fleeing Herod's wrath. The Jewish community in Egypt would have provided a supportive environment for the Holy Family during their sojourn. The journey to Egypt and the return to Israel also reflect the broader historical context of Jewish diaspora and the constant movement of God's people throughout biblical history. This movement underscores the theme of exile and return, central to the Jewish experience and fulfilled in the life of Christ. In summary, the dream concerning Joseph's journey into Egypt is a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative, rich with theological depth and historical resonance. It underscores God's providential care, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the faithful obedience of those who trust in His divine plan. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 46:2And God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. Nave's Topical Index Library Joseph --The Savior of his People. Joseph and his Brethren The Census of Israel A Calm Evening, Promising a Bright Morning Matt. Ii. 2 Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus. Concerning Daniel and what Befell Him at Babylon. Chapter xv The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church The Book of Jubilees Resources Lucid dreaming - what is it? Is having a lucid dream a sin? | GotQuestions.orgHow did God use dreams and visions in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nebuchadnezzar? | GotQuestions.org Dream: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dream of Abimelech, , Concerning Sarah Dream of Daniel, Concerning the Four Beasts Dream of Eliphaz, of a Spirit Speaking to Him Dream of Jacob, Concerning the Ladder Dream of Joseph, Concerning Mary's Innocence Dream of Joseph, Concerning the Sheaves Dream of Laban, Concerning Jacob Dream of Midianite Concerning the Cake of Barley Dream of Pilate's Wife, Concerning Jesus Dream of Solomon, Concerning his Choice of Wisdom Dream: Concerning his Going Down Into Egypt Dream: Concerning the Flight Into Egypt Dream: Concerning the Return Into Palestine Dream: Concerning the Shipwreck, and the Safety of all on Board Dream: Cornelius Vision, Concerning Peter Dream: False Prophets Pretended to Receive Revelations Through Dream: Paul's Vision of the Man in Macedonia, Crying, "Come Over Into Macedonia" Dream: Peter's Vision of the Ceremonially Unclean Creatures Dream: Relating to his Going to Rome Dream: The Dreams of the Butler and Baker Dream: The Ring-Straked Cattle Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) Understandest (10 Occurrences) |
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