The Story According to the Bible
Once the 3 wise men left, God sent an angel to appear in Joseph’s dream. Saying “Get up, take the babe and his mother and escape into Egypt.
Where you will remain until my return, for Herod is planning to kill the child once he is found.”
Joseph stood up, taking the babe and his mother during the dark of night, heading for Egypt. Where they remained until Herod’s death.
Thus, fulfilling God’s wishes through his prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
After finding out he had been outsmarted by the Magi, Herod became very angry, giving out orders for every boy 2 years of age and younger in Bethlehem and the local vicinities to be killed on the spot.
This came about after he learned what the Magi had done. Fulfilling Jeremiah (the prophet) and his wishes.
“There was a voice in Ramah of great weeping and mourning, Rachel is sobbing for her young children and refuses the comfort of others because they are gone forever.”
Matthew 2:13-18
A Historical Look at the Christmas Story When Joseph, Mary, and the Baby Jesus Escape Out of Egypt
Even though he was the (King of the Jews), Herod wasn’t actually Jewish! In truth, he was Nabatean and a true (Puppet King) for the Roman Empire.
Almost every Jew had a distaste for Herod, and the feelings were quite mutual!
So upon hearing the Magi talking about this new (King of the Jews), – who in truth was an actual Jew – King Herod became angered and feared this new Jewish ruler would take away his own power.
When the (Wise Men) did not expose Jesus’s whereabouts, Herod decided to kill each boy under 2 years old in and around the town of Bethlehem, ensuring that Jesus would surely lose his life as well!
There were only roughly twenty young babes who’d been killed, yet that is still an unnecessary tragedy which could’ve been avoided.
Herod’s cruel spirit brought fear and heartache to many families. But Jesus was safe and sound with his loving parents (Joseph and Mary) in Egypt.
It wasn’t the first time King Herod ordered the slaughter of innocent people for his sake – going as far as killing members of his very own family.
The young boys who were killed as mentioned in 5th Century book of Romans, entitled “The Saturnalia of Macrobius” where it is stated that Herod even ordered the death of his own son.
Quoting Augustus the Emperor of Rome as stating: “I would rather be Herod’s pig than his son.”
This is also found in (The Infancy Gospel of James), though many scholars had doubts about these works.
Yet, the ever so honorable Roman Historian Josephus recalled a time when Herod ordered many horrific acts, including his wife, son, and brother-in-law’s executions!
He also recalled the death of Herod, which took place in (4 BCE/BC), thus making sense that Jesus would have been born around (5-7 BCE/BC).
When Jesus became a refugee, along with his travel over to Egypt helped to fulfill some ancient Old Testament Bible prophecies.
Plus, after the death of Herod, the devoted family probably had to spend less time in Egypt.
The wise presented Jesus with gifts of (Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh) while living in Bethlehem with his family.
This could have been utilized as (currency) during their escape from Herod and stay in Egypt.
Types of resins that are produced from trees, Frankincense and Myrrh not only had monetary value but were used for medicinal purposes as well!
To this day, we are still seen as highly-valuable and during the time of Jesus were seen as being greater than that of gold!
Yet, Jesus was just a babe at the time and didn’t care about wealth and riches. But, his family was rather poor and must have appreciated the treasured gift from the wise men.
It was a TRUE (Miracle) from God that saved Jesus and his family from wicked King Herod! Proving (FAITH) can prevail over evil no matter what, as long as we put trust in our Lord God!
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Main Points About Escape to Egypt
- Before the arrival of the magi to visit baby Jesus, they had gone to King Herod to inquire about the new King of the Jews that had just been born.
- King Herod told them to go pay homage to the King and inform him about the whereabouts of the king so that he can go pay homage too.
- God, seeing that King Herod planned to kill the baby as soon as he finds out his whereabout sends an angel to visit Joseph in a dream.
- The angel told him to take the mother and child and flee to Egypt, and to remain there until they were told otherwise.
- Joseph took Mary and baby Jesus by night and went to Egypt. The family remained there until the death of Herod.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Escape to Egypt
Conclusion
An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him that King Herod would seek the young child to destroy him, and commanded Joseph to take the young child and his mother to Egypt, and so he did.
When Herod had died, an angel again came to Joseph in a dream, telling him to take Mary and the young child to Israel, for they who sought the life of the young child, are dead.
Word Cloud for Escape to Egypt
The following is a collection of the most used terms in this article on Escape to Egypt. This should help in recalling related terms as used in this article at a later stage for you.
