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Psalm 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Isaiah 51:12
I,even I,am he that comforteth you: whoart thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a manthat shall die, and of the son of manwhich shall be madeas grass;

Daniel 8:25
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnifyhimself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

an.

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.

Matthew 1:20
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Psalm 139:7
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

an angel of the Lord appeared
Angelic appearances are a recurring theme in the nativity narrative, emphasizing divine intervention and guidance. Angels are messengers of God, often bringing important revelations or instructions. This appearance underscores the divine protection and guidance over Jesus' early life, ensuring the fulfillment of God's plan.

in a dream to Joseph
Dreams were a common means of divine communication in biblical times, as seen with figures like Jacob and Daniel. Joseph, a righteous man, is portrayed as obedient and receptive to God's guidance through dreams. This method of communication highlights Joseph's role as a protector and caretaker of Jesus, ensuring his safety and the fulfillment of prophecy.

in Egypt
Egypt served as a place of refuge for the Holy Family, fulfilling the prophecy "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11:1). This echoes the story of Israel's exodus, drawing a parallel between Jesus and Moses as deliverers of God's people. Egypt's historical role as a place of refuge for Israelites, such as during the time of Joseph and the patriarchs, adds depth to its significance in the narrative.

• God’s timing is perfect—He waited until “the king who sought the Child’s life” (Matthew 2:13) had breathed his last.Psalm 2:1-6 reminds us that earthly rulers rage in vain against the Lord’s Anointed;Proverbs 21:1 declares that a king’s heart is in God’s hand. Herod’s passing clears the way for the next step, proving again that “the counsel of the Lord stands forever” (Psalm 33:11).

• Just as inMatthew 1:20 and 2:13, the same heavenly messenger returns, underscoring the continuity of God’s guidance. Angels are “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14), and they delight to carry out His word (Psalm 103:20). Their presence here testifies that heaven is actively, personally involved in preserving the Messiah.

• Dreams are one of the ways God speaks (Job 33:14-15). Joseph has already learned to trust this medium (Matthew 1:20; 2:12-13).Acts 2:17 cites Joel’s prophecy that in the last days God will communicate through visions and dreams; Joseph’s experience is an early illustration. The method is gentle yet unmistakable, allowing direction without public spectacle.

• The angel does not bypass Joseph; God honors the role He gave this righteous man (Matthew 1:19, 24). Each directive comes to Joseph, who then promptly obeys (Matthew 2:14). His steady faith mirrors that of the patriarch Joseph, who also received divine dreams and acted upon them (Genesis 37; 41).James 1:22 calls believers to be doers of the word—Joseph models that quality.

• Egypt, once a place of bondage, now serves as a sanctuary.Matthew 2:15 notes that Jesus’ stay there fulfillsHosea 11:1: “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” The Son retraces Israel’s story, passing through exile and exodus, yet without sin. Just as God preserved Moses in Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10) so He safeguards the true Deliverer. Even foreign soil cannot hinder the unfolding plan (Isaiah 46:9-10).

Matthew 2:19 reassures us that God’s sovereign plan advances unhindered. Herod’s death signals the end of a threat the Lord had already outmaneuvered. Through angelic guidance, dreams, and the obedience of a faithful earthly father, God leads His Son safely out of Egypt, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating that no earthly power can thwart His redemptive purpose.