Matthew 2 – The King’s Early Life and the Threat of Herod
Matthew 2 details the events surrounding Jesus’ early years, including the visit of the Wise Men, the flight to Egypt, and Herod’s brutal attempt to eliminate the newborn King. These events highlight Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the opposition He faced from the beginning.
The Messiah’s Birth Brings Both Worship and Persecution
Matthew 2 presents Jesus as the promised King—recognized by Gentile seekers but rejected by Israel’s ruler. The visit of the Wise Men and Herod’s violent reaction fulfill several Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating both divine sovereignty and the enemy’s attempt to destroy God’s plan.
✔ The Magi recognize and worship the newborn King.
✔ Prophecies foretell Jesus’ birthplace, flight to Egypt, and residence in Nazareth.
✔ Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus parallels the enemy’s ongoing opposition to God’s kingdom.
📖 Key Verse: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” – Matthew 2:10
🔎 This chapter reveals that Jesus’ arrival fulfills prophecy, draws worship from unexpected places, and provokes hostility from worldly powers.
Matthew Chapter 2 - Overview
Matthew 2:1-12 – The Visit of the Wise Men
📖 Matthew 2:1-2 – “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea 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.”
🔎 The Magi (Wise Men) were likely Persian or Babylonian scholars, well-versed in astronomy and ancient prophecies. Their knowledge may have been influenced by Daniel, who served in Babylon and Persia (Daniel 2:48).
🔎 The star they followed could have been a supernatural event, an angelic guiding light, or an astronomical occurrence like a planetary conjunction. It was distinct from ordinary celestial phenomena, as it led them precisely to Jesus.
📖 Matthew 2:3 – “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.”
🔎 Herod feared a rival king because he was a puppet ruler under Roman authority. His paranoia led him to murder family members and countless others to eliminate threats to his rule.
🔎 The phrase “all Jerusalem with him” implies that Jewish leaders were also disturbed—possibly because they feared Roman backlash or they did not expect the Messiah to come in this way.
📖 Matthew 2:5-6 – “And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: 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.”
🔎 This prophecy from Micah 5:2 declared Bethlehem as the Messiah’s birthplace.
🔎 Even though the chief priests and scribes knew this prophecy, they made no effort to seek Jesus themselves. This contrasts Gentile seekers (Wise Men) with the Jewish leaders’ spiritual blindness.
📖 Matthew 2:9-10 – “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.”
🔎 The supernatural nature of the star is emphasized—it “stood over” the exact house.
🔎 The Wise Men rejoiced, showing their faith and understanding of this moment’s significance. Unlike many in Israel, they embraced the coming King.
📖 Matthew 2:11 – “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.”
🔎 They entered a house, not a stable, indicating that some time had passed since Jesus’ birth. Jesus may have been months or even up to two years old.
🔎 The three gifts symbolized:
- Gold – Kingship and divine authority.
- Frankincense – Used in worship, signifying Jesus’ deity.
- Myrrh – Used for embalming, foreshadowing His sacrificial death.
🔎 Their worship signifies that Jesus’ kingship extended beyond Israel to all nations.
📖 Matthew 2:12 – “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.”
🔎 The Wise Men obeyed God’s revelation, refusing to report back to Herod.
🔎 This divine intervention protected the Christ child and further demonstrated God’s control over events.
Additional Insights:
🔹 The contrast between Gentile seekers and Jewish rejection is a recurring theme in Matthew’s Gospel.
🔹 The Magi’s journey represents the universal call of the Gospel—those far off are drawn to Christ.
🔹 This moment foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, seen in Jesus’ ministry and the Great Commission.
Matthew 2:13-18 – The Flight to Egypt & Herod’s Massacre
📖 Matthew 2:13 – “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.”
🔎 Joseph’s obedience to divine instruction is immediate. This marks the second time God communicates through a dream, reinforcing Joseph’s role as the protector of Christ.
🔎 Egypt was a historical refuge for Israel, seen in Abraham’s journey (Genesis 12:10), Joseph’s rise to power (Genesis 41), and the Israelites’ time there before the Exodus. Jesus retracing these steps mirrors Israel’s redemptive history.
📖 Matthew 2:14-15 – “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.”
🔎 This fulfills Hosea 11:1, which originally referred to Israel being called out of Egypt during the Exodus. Jesus is now seen as the true Son of God and the greater Israel.
🔎 The Exodus foreshadows Christ’s mission—as Israel was delivered from physical bondage, Jesus will deliver His people from sin.
📖 Matthew 2:16 – “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.”
🔎 Herod’s rage results in a horrific massacre, mirroring Pharaoh’s decree in Exodus 1:22. This reinforces the pattern of Satan’s attempt to destroy the promised seed (Genesis 3:15).
🔎 The estimated number of children killed may have been 20-30, as Bethlehem was a small town. Though not recorded in secular history.
🔎 Herod represents the worldly powers that oppose God’s plan. His failed attempt foreshadows Satan’s ultimate defeat.
📖 Matthew 2:17-18 – “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.”
🔎 This prophecy from Jeremiah 31:15 originally referred to the Babylonian exile. The imagery of Rachel (Jacob’s wife, representing the mothers of Israel) weeping for her lost children is now applied to the slain infants of Bethlehem.
🔎 Jeremiah 31 is ultimately a chapter of hope, pointing to the new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This massacre, while tragic, precedes the coming redemption through Christ.
Additional Insights:
🔹 The theme of exile and return is central—Jesus, like Israel, goes to Egypt and returns to fulfill divine prophecy.
🔹 The spiritual battle between God’s Kingdom and earthly powers is evident. From Pharaoh to Herod, the enemy has always sought to destroy God’s anointed.
🔹 Matthew’s Gospel continually presents Jesus as the Greater Moses. Both narrowly escaped death as infants, and both would later lead people into salvation.
Matthew 2:19-23 – The Return to Nazareth
📖 Matthew 2:19-20 – “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.”
🔎 This is the third divine dream Joseph receives, confirming God’s continued guidance. Just as God directed the Exodus (Exodus 4:19), He now calls Jesus out of Egypt to begin His mission in Israel.
🔎 The phrase ‘they are dead which sought the young child’s life’ echoes Exodus 4:19, where God tells Moses that his enemies in Egypt are dead. This solidifies Jesus as the Greater Moses, preparing to lead a spiritual deliverance.
📖 Matthew 2:21-22 – “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 Judaea 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.”
🔎 Joseph once again follows divine instruction, moving away from danger.
🔎 Archelaus, Herod’s son, was notoriously cruel, causing Joseph to fear settling in Judea. His violent rule led to a Jewish uprising and later his removal by Rome.
🔎 Galilee was safer and also fulfilled God’s plan. This region was looked down upon by Judean elites but would become the foundation of Christ’s ministry.
📖 Matthew 2:23 – “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.”
🔎 Nazareth was a small, obscure village, reinforcing Jesus’ humble origins. The phrase ‘Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’ (John 1:46) shows the town’s low reputation.
🔎 There is no direct Old Testament prophecy that states ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’ Instead, this likely refers to multiple prophetic themes, including:
- Isaiah 11:1 – “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch (Neser) shall grow out of his roots.” The Hebrew word ‘Neser’ (branch) sounds similar to ‘Nazarene.’
- Messianic humility – Many prophecies, such as Isaiah 53:3, speak of the Messiah being despised and rejected. Being from Nazareth aligned with this expectation.
Additional Insights:
🔹 Jesus’ upbringing in Nazareth fulfilled prophecy, even though it was unexpected. Many assumed the Messiah would come from Bethlehem or Jerusalem, yet God chose humble beginnings.
🔹 Galilee was a region of mixed cultures and Gentile influence, foreshadowing Jesus’ future mission to the nations.
🔹 Joseph’s obedience is a recurring theme. Every decision he made was based on divine instruction, ensuring Christ’s safety and fulfillment of prophecy.
🚀 Jesus, the humble Nazarene, would become the world’s Savior—rejected by many, yet fulfilling all that was written of Him.
Matthew Chapter 2 - Deeper Study
Overview: The King’s Early Years – Fulfillment & Opposition
🔹 Timeframe: Jesus’ infancy and early childhood.
🔹 Setting: Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth.
🔹 Theme: The fulfillment of prophecy and the immediate opposition to Christ’s kingship.
Key Takeaways
🔑 Jesus’ birth was recognized by Gentiles, yet opposed by Jewish authorities.
🔑 God’s guidance and protection over Christ ensured the fulfillment of prophecy.
🔑 Satan’s attempts to thwart God’s plan began at Jesus’ birth but ultimately failed.
🔑 Jesus’ humble upbringing in Nazareth sets the stage for His ministry among the outcasts.
Prophetic Patterns & Dual Fulfillment
🔮 Bethlehem as the birthplace – Prophesied in Micah 5:2.
🔮 The flight to Egypt – Mirroring Israel’s history (Hosea 11:1).
🔮 Rachel weeping for her children – Foretold in Jeremiah 31:15.
Historical & Cultural Context
📜 Herod the Great – A paranoid ruler who sought to eliminate any threats to his power.
📜 The Magi’s significance – Persian astrologers likely influenced by Daniel’s teachings.
📜 The importance of dreams – A common way God communicated in biblical times.
📜 Nazareth’s reputation – A small, insignificant town, fitting the humble origins of Christ.
💡 Final Reflection: The King’s Purpose Revealed
Matthew 2 highlights that Jesus’ coming was met with both worship and hostility. From the beginning, His mission was evident—He came as the King, yet He would suffer rejection and opposition.
📌 Do we seek Jesus as the Wise Men did, or resist Him as Herod did?
📌 How do we trust God’s sovereignty when the world opposes His truth?
📌 Are we willing to follow Christ’s path, even when it leads through difficulty?
🚀 The King has arrived—will we bow before Him or reject His reign?
The Visit of the Wise Men
Mat 2:1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
Mat 2:2 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.
Mat 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Mat 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Mat 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Mat 2:6 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.
Mat 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Mat 2:8 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.
Mat 2:9 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.
Mat 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Mat 2:11 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.
Mat 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
The Flight to Egypt
Mat 2:13 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.
Mat 2:14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
Mat 2:15 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.
Herod Kills the Children
Mat 2:16 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.
Mat 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
Mat 2:18 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.
The Return to Nazareth
Mat 2:19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
Mat 2:20 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.
Mat 2:21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
Mat 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea 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:
Mat 2:23 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.
Date Written
Approximately 50-60 AD
Written By
The Apostle Matthew (Levi)
Language
Originally written in Greek (with strong Hebraic influence)
Verses
23