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,
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.
3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
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.
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
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.
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
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.
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.
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
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.
12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
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.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
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.
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.
17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
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.
19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
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.
21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
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:
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.
Chapter 2 of the Book of Matthew in the King James Version (KJV) of the Holy Bible is an integral part of the Christian narrative. This chapter lays the foundation for the significant events in the life of Jesus, detailing the circumstances surrounding his birth and early years. The chapter is marked by the appearance of the Magi, the infamous massacre of the innocents, and the holy family's flight into Egypt. This essay seeks to explore the themes and meanings embedded in this chapter.
The chapter opens with the arrival of the Magi, also known as the Wise Men or the Three Kings, who came from the East to Jerusalem. They were guided by a star, which they believed signified the birth of the King of the Jews (Matthew 2:1-2). The Magi's journey represents the recognition and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah not just by the Jewish people, but by the Gentiles as well. This is a foreshadowing of the universal nature of Christ's kingdom, which extends beyond ethnic and geographical boundaries.
Upon hearing about the birth of the King of the Jews, King Herod was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (Matthew 2:3). Herod's fear and insecurity are indicative of the threat that Jesus' kingship posed to the existing political order. This theme of the conflict between the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world is recurrent throughout the New Testament.
In a bid to eliminate the potential threat to his throne, King Herod ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem and its vicinity (Matthew 2:16). This event, known as the Massacre of the Innocents, is a poignant reminder of the lengths to which human evil can go when threatened by the divine. The massacre also fulfills the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15, highlighting the theme of prophetic fulfillment that is prevalent in Matthew's Gospel.
In a dream, an angel warned Joseph of Herod's intentions and instructed him to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14). This event is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores God's protective care and provision for his Son. Secondly, it draws a parallel between Jesus and the nation of Israel, which also sought refuge in Egypt during a time of famine (Genesis 46:1-7). Furthermore, Jesus' return from Egypt fulfills the prophecy in Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I called my son."
After Herod's death, the holy family returned from Egypt and settled in Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23). This move fulfilled another prophecy, "He shall be called a Nazarene" (Matthew 2:23). This prophecy is not directly quoted from the Old Testament, and scholars believe it may refer to a word-play on the Hebrew term "Netzer", which means "branch" and is used in Isaiah 11:1 to refer to the Messiah.
The second chapter of the Book of Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, the universal Messiah, and the rightful King whose reign transcends earthly kingdoms. It portrays divine intervention in human affairs, demonstrating God's sovereignty and providence. The chapter also highlights the conflict between good and evil, foreshadowing the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over the powers of darkness.
In conclusion, Chapter 2 of the Book of Matthew is a rich tapestry of events that not only narrates the early life of Jesus but also sets the stage for his later ministry. It underscores the divine nature of Jesus and his mission, and highlights the fulfillment of prophecy as a central theme. Its narratives resonate with themes of divine protection, the struggle between good and evil, and the universal kingship of Christ, offering profound theological insights into the nature of God's kingdom.
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