saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”
Egypt serves for shelter, not a home; Christ must return to the lost sheep of Israel. Mark how swift divine vengeance fell on Herod, proud tyrants that terrify the earth must die and face judgment. Why fear a man that shall perish? His envy and malice die with him, but his guilt for innocent blood condemns him forever.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 2:19-23
Saying, arise, and take the young child and his mother,.... Joseph strictly observed and obeyed the divine command of the angel, who had ordered him to continue in Egypt, till he brought him word what he should do, and where he should go: here he was with Mary and Jesus, when the angel bid him arise, and take them with him, and go into the land of Israel.
Verse 20. They are dead which sought, etc. This either refers to Herod alone, as is not uncommon, using the plural number for the singular; or it may refer to Herod and his son Antipater. He was of the same cruel disposition as his father, and was put to death by his father about five days before his own death. (f) "they are dead"