Matthew 2:13

Lore & Background

This verse opens a clear second section of Matthew 2, launching a series of dream-inspired wanderings by the Holy Family. Its content is closely linked with the second half of Matthew 1. Joseph, after being ignored in the first half of the chapter, is again the central character. As in Matthew 1, Joseph is contacted by God in a dream. This verse is again clear that the child is not Joseph's.

Reader's Guide

Egypt was the logical place to seek refuge as it was outside the dominions of King Herod. Throughout the Old Testament, it was the standard place of exile for those unsafe in Israel. At the time it had a large Jewish population, with about a third of Alexandria being Jewish. Both regions were at the time part of the Roman Empire, making travel between them easy and relatively safe. The trip to Egypt occurs nowhere else in the New Testament gospels. The mention of Egypt is in keeping with Matthew's interest in Old Testament sources, with the links to Moses being the most prominent. Church Fathers such as Rabanus Maurus note that Matthew omits the day of purification; their fear of Herod did not make them bold to transgress the Law. Saint Remigius comments that the angel appearing to Joseph in sleep signifies that those who rest from mundane cares deserve angelic visitations. Hilary of Poitiers observes that after the birth, the Virgin is spoken of only as the Mother of Jesus.

Did You Know?

• The angel appears to Joseph in a dream, as in Matthew 1.
• Egypt was outside the dominions of King Herod and had a large Jewish population.
• The trip to Egypt occurs nowhere else in the New Testament gospels.
• The mention of Egypt links to Old Testament sources, especially Moses.