Topical Bible: Egypt: The Country of: Joseph Takes Jesus To

◄ Egypt: The Country of: Joseph Takes Jesus To ►

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Egypt, a significant nation in biblical history, is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures. It is a land that served as both a place of refuge and a symbol of bondage. One of the most notable events involving Egypt in the New Testament is the flight of Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus to this ancient land.

Historical Context

Egypt, located in the northeastern corner of Africa, was a powerful and influential civilization during biblical times. Known for its advanced culture, monumental architecture, and the mighty Nile River, Egypt played a crucial role in the history of the Israelites. It was both a place of refuge and oppression, as seen in the narratives of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and later, the Holy Family.

The Flight to Egypt

The Gospel of Matthew records the event of Joseph taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod. After the visit of the Magi, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him of Herod's intent to destroy the child. Matthew 2:13-15 states: "When the Magi 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.'"

Prophetic Fulfillment

The journey to Egypt fulfilled the prophecy found in Hosea 11:1, which states, "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son." This passage, originally referring to the nation of Israel, is seen in the Gospel of Matthew as a typological prophecy, where Jesus, the true Son of God, retraces the steps of Israel, symbolizing a new exodus and deliverance.

Symbolism and Significance

Egypt's role as a place of refuge for Jesus highlights the nation's dual symbolism in Scripture. While it was historically a place of bondage for the Israelites, it also served as a sanctuary for the Holy Family. This duality underscores the complexity of Egypt's representation in biblical theology, where it is both a land of oppression and a place of divine protection.

Return from Egypt

After the death of Herod, an angel once again appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to return to the land of Israel. Matthew 2:19-21 recounts: "After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. 'Get up!' he said. 'Take the Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those seeking the Child’s life are now dead.' So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and went to the land of Israel."

This return marked the end of the Holy Family's sojourn in Egypt and the beginning of Jesus' life in Nazareth, where He would grow and begin His earthly ministry. The journey to and from Egypt is a testament to God's providential care and the fulfillment of His divine plan through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 2:13-20
And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be you there until I bring you word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... On their return from Egypt the Holy Family once more ... in a fertile part of the country
and refreshing ... Joseph filled the little jugs, which he had brought with ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

On the Incarnation and Redemption
... to Herod, but to go back to their own country by another ... Joseph warning him of Herod's
evil designs, and telling him to fly with Jesus and Mary into Egypt. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 7 on the incarnation.htm

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... remembered his royal dignity as prince of Egypt; and now ... became a slave, sold from
his country, dragged from ... The archers sorely grieved Joseph, but his bow was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

The Christian's Warfare.
... revived when he saw the wagons Joseph sent him from Egypt. ... Joseph represents a higher
type of Christian. ... land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in ...
/.../moody/the overcoming life/part i the christians warfare.htm

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
... Further; these Ishmaelites were journeying to Egypt, which was the very country
to which God had purposed to send Joseph, and He ordained they should ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter six the sovereignty of.htm

The Exodus
... was brought out of Egypt; not even Joseph's bones were ... of Egypt, there were certain
persons in Egypt, dissatisfied with ... who were tired of their country, and who ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the exodus.htm

Matt. Ii. 2
... man, too, was born in the same country with Pharaoh ... And Joseph too when in the midst
of Egypt, adorned ... highest self-denial; and Moses also in Egypt, and Paul in ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily viii matt ii 2.htm

Christ's Estimate of his People
... the best way, if you were in the country, would be ... And there is a sweet little book
of Joseph Irons's, called ... for you smell of the garlic of Egypt rather than ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christs estimate of his people.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Ishmael Was Driven Away Went Down Into Egypt With The ... And What Other Things Were
Done By Joseph, And His ... Make Use Of The Laws Of Their Country Mattathias, The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Good News
... That surely is good news from a far country. ... You recollect that when Joseph sent
for his father Jacob to come to him in Egypt, Jacob could not believe ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/good news.htm