After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. Sermons
I. THAT CANNOT BE A CHANCE WHICH IS CIRCUMSTANTIALLY ACCURATELY FORETOLD. 1. Vague utterances are outside this argument. Such are those which may be interpreted either way. Such were those of the heathen oracles. Such are not those of Scripture prophecy. 2. Guesses also are out of the question. (1) These may occasionally come true, viz. when they concern things of usual occurrence. (2) That they should constantly come true is incredible. The ratio of probabilities is mathematically determinable. (3) That guesses should constantly come true when hazarded in relation to things extraordinary and supernatural is next thing to impossible. But the subjects of Scripture prophecy are these very things. II. THE PROPHECIES OF SCRIPTURE, WHILE THEY CONCERN THINGS UNIQUE, ARE MINUTELY CIRCUMSTANTIAL. 1. Those concerning Messiah answer this description. (1) Never before his appearance was there any person to compare with him. Never since. He was unique in all points. (2) Yet was he very fully described in prophecy. As the stream of time flowed on since the first utterance (Genesis 3:15), feature became added to feature by successive seers, until the collective testimony presents a proto-biography wonderfully complete. 2. Witness the sample respecting his infancy here given. (1) His incarnation by a virgin mother of the family of David (cf. Matthew 1:22-24 with Isaiah 7:13, 14). (2) The occurrence of this stupendous event in the town of Bethlehem of Judah (cf. vers. 5, 6 with Micah 5:2). (3) The appearance of a star by which the Magi were guided in accordance with Balaam's parable (see Numbers 24:15-19). (4) The slaughter of the innocents (cf. vers. 16-18 with Jeremiah 31:15-17). (5) The deliverance of Jesus from that slaughter, which prophecy required, as he had to fulfil many predictions there written (see Luke 24:44-48). (6) The flight into Egypt (cf. vers. 13-15, 19-21, with Exodus 4:22, 23; Hosea 11:1). (7) The residence in Nazareth of Galilee, in connection with which he came to be called a Nazarene. Wonderful, is the credulity of that unbelief which can see nothing in such a tissue of evidence. 3. But where in prophecy is he described as a Nazarene? (1) We may find this in the law of the Nazarite taken as a prophecy. (2) Therefore also in those Nazarites, such as Samson, who must be viewed as typical persons (see Judges 13:5-7; Judges 16:17). Note: Jesus was in spirit, not in the letter, a Nazarite (see Matthew 11:18, 19). (3) We may also find it in those prophecies which set forth the humiliation and odium to which Messiah was to be subjected. For the name "Nazarene" became a term of reproach (cf. John 1:14; see also Psalm 22:6; Psalm 69:6-10; Isaiah 53:3, 12). (4) If "Nazarene" be derived from נזר, this word signifies not only "to separate," but also "to crown. When Pilate in scorn set over Jesus the inscription, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews," Jesus was then in derision also crowned, viz. with thorns. God makes the very derision of his enemies to praise him. III. THINGS NOT FORETOLD ARE YET FOREKNOWN. 1. The knowledge of things foretold implies a foreknowledge also of things to be historically interwoven with them. (1) Thus a foreknowledge of the slaughter of the innocents implies a foreknowledge also of Herod, his character, and resources. (2) The time of Herod's death also must have been foreknown, since the return of Jesus from Egypt, a thing foretold, was historically made contingent upon it. (3) The succession of Archelaus to the throne of Herod must likewise have been foreknown, for the retirement of Jesus into Nazareth of Galilee, a thing foretold, was historically made contingent upon this. Archelaus, as Ethnarch (by courtesy called King) of Judaea, would be likely to inherit his father's jealousy and caution, as he was well known to have inherited his cruelty and tyranny (see Josephus, 'Ant.,' 17. c. 10). 2. Thus the foreknowledge of things interwoven with things foretold implies a corresponding foreknowledge of things interwoven with these. (1) This follows by the same rule. So in turn of things interwoven with these. Thus a perfect knowledge of anything must involve a perfect knowledge of everything. (2) Such, therefore, is the intelligence of Divine providence as witnessed in the evidence of prophecy. Such intelligence may be implicitly trusted for guidance. Such guidance should be earnestly sought. IV. THERE IS A PROVIDENCE OF HISTORY AS WELL AS OF PROPHECY. 1. God is not simply an Omniscient Spectator. (1) He was more than a Spectator when he inspired his prophets. (2) He is also a Worker in history. 2. Instances of his direct interference with the factors of history are here recorded. He interfered: (1) To prevent the Magi from returning to Herod. (2) To prompt Joseph to fly into Egypt. (3) To direct the return of the holy family from Egypt. (4) To instruct their retirement into Galilee. (5) To provide, viz. in the gifts of the Magi, for their subsistence. 3. This intervention was necessary to the fulfilment of prophecy. (1) The same Being who inspired the predictions wrought in their accomplishment. He let none of the words of his prophets fall to the ground (cf. 1 Samuel 3:19; 1 Samuel 9:6). (2) If prophecy reveals the providence of knowledge, history no less truly reveals the providence of power. V. THE PROVIDENCE OF HISTORY, LIKE THAT OF PROPHECY, IS ALL-COMPRISING. 1. Since God works in events necessary to the fulfilment of prophecy, he must work in all events. (1) For what events are there that are not tending to the fulfilment of prophecy? The subjects of prophecy are race-wide in their range, and extend along the whole course of time. (2) The central line of events, more prominently delineated in prophecy, are historically interwoven with other events, these with others, and so forth. So if the interference of a providential Worker is required in respect to the central line, his working will be required from the centre outwards to the very bounds of action. Hence: 2. There is a supernatural energy in the commonest events. The case may be stated thus: (1) The universe is dual, consisting of matter and spirit. (2) These complements act and react upon each other. (3) The whole is under one supreme control, infinitely intelligent, possessing illimitable resources of wisdom and efficiency. As Omniscience surveys all things, Omnipotence works in all things. (4) In some things it pleases God to show his knowledge, as in prophecy; in some, his power, as in converting prophecy into history. Where he does this we call the event supernatural and miraculous. (5) But in truth there is as much of the supernatural, i.e. as much of the presence and working of God, where he does not show it in deviations from the usual, as where he does so deviate. Therefore we may: (1) Rejoice evermore. (2) Pray without ceasing. (3) In everything give thanks. - J.A.M.
Slew all the children. The narrative presents sharp contrasts of character and history.I. Christ the terror of the tyrant even when a helpless babe. II. The tyrant's utmost endeavours are all in vain against the child. III. Our richest blessings are often baptized with blood. IV. The children of Bethlehem were unconscious martyrs for Christ. V. The holy innocents died for Christ's sake. (S. Mease, D. D.) I. How strongly the scene of our Lord's nativity WAS GUARDED. 1. From the gusts of popular commotion, which were above all things to be prevented, in order that full scope might be left for the gradual development of the Redeemer's ministry with its attendant evidences, all which would have been hindered and disturbed by any sudden tumult excited in the body of the Jewish people. 2. It was guarded also by securing to it such decisive and indubitable marks of the certainty of that which was transacted, as never could be brought in question, or disputed. These points discover to us in the plainest character the wisdom and control of Providence in all the work which was effected. The first stone laid was thus deeply placed and immovably fixed where it stands to this day. II. THREE SORTS OF HANDS WERE EMPLOYED ON EARTH TO SET THEIR SEAL to that witness which was borne from heaven, and to commend it to perpetual regard. 1. Friends. The shepherds of Judaea were of all persons the fittest from their solitary and sequestered lives to bear that part which belongs to friends, and to become the first-called witnesses of the truth of those events which took place at our Lord's nativity. They raised no clamour. They possessed no influence. And yet a simple heart and unsuspected tongue form no inconsiderable properties in any witness whose word is to be taken for the truth and reality of what is seen and done. 2. Strangers. Men clear of just suspicion. They came from afar and took their first measures in concert, not with friends, but with those who were soon to fill the place of foes and to stand forth as virulent opponents. 3. Enemies. Herod. He laid traps to ensnare the strangers, causing them to depart the land by another course. The word of prophecy was exactly brought to pass by the cruel stratagem which he devised and executed. By his relentless act of mingled cowardice and cruelty he lent his own hand, polluted as it was, to the confirmation of the truth. Herod's cruelty at Bethlehem stands recorded both by friends and foes. Not only is it related in the sacred page, but it is also transmitted to us by writers of that age, whose undisputed works confirm the truth. (Archdeacon Pott.) 1. We may notice in connection with this transaction very great opportunities, and very satisfactory information, very perversely employed.2. What a treacherous thing is the indulgence of malignant passion and self-seeking. 3. We are reminded of the estate of Christ and of those who come within His circle, in relation to the present world. (I) Learn not to be unduly alarmed for the ark of the Lord. Jesus in His cradle is mightier than Herod. on his throne.(2) Not to be unduly grieved at our losses and sufferings for Christ's sake. The cause is safe.(3) Learn the importance of having our children in close relation to Christ. (J. A. Seiss, D. D.) Glance at the history. Herod's the most striking instance of open opposition to God. He knew the prophecies, yet fought against their fulfilment. Some surprise that God permitted this slaughter.I. It is not necessary to the vindication of God's dealings that we should always be able to give reasons for their every part. There are reasons which will tend to remove surprise that Herod was not restrained from murder. 1. This murder would fix Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Christ. Prophecy had announced this. Herod's sword corroborated this. 2. This murder would enable Jesus to live in obscurity until thirty years of age. Brought up at Nazareth, He was regarded as a Nazarite. The slaughter of the innocents would prove His birth at Bethlehem. Herod supposed his object gained, so the infant Christ was allowed to rest in obscurity. 3. God was leaving Herod to fill up the measure of his sin. 4. God was unquestionably disciplining the parents by the slaughter of their children. II. The consequences of the slaughter as far as the innocents themselves were concerned. Dying before they knew evil from good, they were saved by the virtue of Christ's propitiation. Not best to die in infancy; better to win the victory than be spared the fight. They are reckoned amongst the martyrs of the church. Teaching for those who bury their children. (H. Melvill, B. D.) It has been too often the cruel policy of the despots of the East to consolidate the foundation of their thrones by the slaughter of all who had claims or power to dispute their authority (2 Kings 10:1-14). The history of Abyssinia furnishes an instance of a tyrant ordering the destruction of about 400 children. Niebuhr mentions an Arabian prince who murdered all the remotest descendants of his predecessors he heard of; and Sir Thomas Roe states, that a king of Pegu, in order to destroy a nephew of his own, whose claims interfered with his possession of the crown, and who was secreted by his partizans among a vast multitude of the children of the grandees, commanded the whole to be slaughtered, to the number of 4,000 — a massacre much more terrible than Herod's, in which it is thought that not more than fifty infants fell a prey to the tyrant's jealousy.(Dr. Jamieson.) People Archelaus, Herod, Jeremiah, Jeremias, Jeremy, Jesus, Joseph, Mary, RachelPlaces Bethlehem, Egypt, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Nazareth, RamahTopics Angel, Appear, Appeared, Appeareth, Appears, Behold, Dead, Death, Died, Dream, Egypt, Herod, Herod's, Joseph, Messenger, SayingOutline 1. The wise men from the east enquire after Jesus;3. at which Herod is alarmed. 9. They are directed by a star to Bethlehem, worship him, and offer their presents. 13. Joseph flees into Egypt with Jesus and his mother. 16. Herod slays the children; 20. himself dies. 23. Jesus is brought back again into Galilee to Nazareth. Dictionary of Bible Themes Matthew 2:19 4140 angel of the Lord 5652 babies 1409 dream 2520 Christ, childhood Library The First-Fruits of the Gentiles'Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2. Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him. 3. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5. And they said … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The King in Exile Sermon for Epiphany History of the Interpretation. One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its Just Weight... Eastern Wise-Men, or Magi, visit Jesus, the New-Born King. Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. The Child Jesus Brought from Egypt to Nazareth. The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt The Child-Life in Nazareth He Division of the Land. Chronology of the Life of Christ. Heathenism. All My Prefaces to the Books of the Old Testament, Some Specimens of which I Subjoin, are Witnesses for Me on this Point; and it is Needless to State the Matter Otherwise than it is Stated in Them. The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. In Judaea Supplementary Note to Chapter ii. The Year of Christ's Birth. Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures The King's Herald. Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his Supernatural Character. Blessed are they that Mourn The Messianic Prophecies in the Pentateuch. The Birth of Jesus. The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It. Links Matthew 2:19 NIVMatthew 2:19 NLT Matthew 2:19 ESV Matthew 2:19 NASB Matthew 2:19 KJV Matthew 2:19 Bible Apps Matthew 2:19 Parallel Matthew 2:19 Biblia Paralela Matthew 2:19 Chinese Bible Matthew 2:19 French Bible Matthew 2:19 German Bible Matthew 2:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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