Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew Mark and Luke John Calvin (continued)
Matthew 2:19-23
MATTHEW 2:19-23
Matthew 2:19-23
19. But when Herod was dead, lo, the angel of the Lord appeareth, by a dream, to Joseph in Egypt, 20. Saying, Arise, and take the child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead who sought the life 218 , of the child. 21.
And he rose and took 219 the child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22. But when he had heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: but, warned by a heavenly communication through a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee. 23. Having come there, he dwelt in the city 220 which is called Nazareth, that what had been spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazarene.
19. But when Herod was dead These words show the perseverance of Joseph's faith. He kept his feet firm in Egypt, till he was recalled to his native country by a command of God. We see, at the same time, that the Lord never disappoints his own people, but renders them seasonable aid. It is probable that Joseph returned from Egypt immediately after the death of Herod, before Augustus Caesar had issued his decree, appointing Archelaus to be governor of Judea. Having been declared by his father's will to be successor to the throne, he undertook the whole charge of the government, but abstained from taking the title of king, saying that this depended on the will and pleasure of Caesar. He afterwards went to Rome, and obtained confirmation; only the name of king was refused, until he had merited it by his actions.
The governor of Galilee was Philip, a man of gentle disposition, and almost like a private individual. Joseph complied with the suggestion of the angel, because, under a prince who had no delight in shedding blood, and who treated his subjects with mildness, there was less danger.
We must always bear in mind the purpose of God, in training his Son, from the 218"Qui demandoyent l'ame, ou la vie, du petit enfant;" — "who demanded the soul, or the life, of the little child."
219"Surgens assumpsit;" — "rising took." — "Joseph donc esveille print;" — "Joseph then awakened took."
220"La cite."