Matthew recounts that an angel of God warned Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and go to Egypt to escape King Herod, who would seek out Jesus to murder Him (Matthew 2:13–15). Joseph, Mary, and Jesus left immediately (Matthew 2:14) and remained in Egypt until Herod died, after which time they returned to Israel. As Egypt was a part of the Roman Empire, it was easy for Joseph and Mary to travel there. However, Egypt was outside of Herod’s rule, so Jesus would be safe from Herod’s death squads. At the time, Egypt was an imperial province ruled by the Roman Emperor himself, Augustus. Matthew completes this narrative by informing the reader that the return to Israel of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus fulfilled the statement “out of Egypt I called My son” (Matthew 2:15). We explore the significance of being called out of Egypt for Israel almost 3500 years ago, for Jesus more than 2000 years ago, and for us today.

 

Additional scriptures referenced include Hosea 11:1; Exodus 4:22; Isaiah 63:16; Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 31:9; Genesis 12; Genesis 15-17; John 3:16; Romans 8:15; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:5; Titus 2:14; Romans 7:22–25; Exodus 12; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18–19; and 2 Corinthians 6:17.