But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee.
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
By settling at Nazareth, Christ fulfilled what the prophets foretold: He is the branch, the Netzer, sprung from Jesse's stem. The very name of the city, Nazareth, Netzer, seals the prophecy. Jews themselves called Him Jesus the Nazarene, not knowing they were naming the Messiah they rejected.
AI summary
Archelaus was cruel like his father, he slaughtered three thousand in the temple at one Passover and earned banishment to Gaul for his crimes. Joseph rightly feared him and was directed instead to Galilee, where Herod Antipas ruled more mildly and offered safety.
AI summary