The "Return from Egypt" refers to the event in the life of Jesus Christ when His family returned to the land of Israel after fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod's massacre of the infants in Bethlehem. This event is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and holds significant theological and prophetic implications.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the return from Egypt is found in Matthew 2:19-23. After the visit of the Magi, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt for safety. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Matthew 2:15), referencing Hosea 11:1. The family remained in Egypt until the death of Herod.

Upon Herod's death, an angel again appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to return to the land of Israel. Joseph obeyed, taking the family back. However, learning that Herod's son Archelaus was reigning in Judea, Joseph was divinely warned in another dream to withdraw to the district of Galilee. They settled in the town of Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene (Matthew 2:23).

Theological Significance

The return from Egypt is rich in theological meaning. It underscores the divine protection and guidance over Jesus' early life, highlighting God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophecy. The reference to Hosea 11:1 connects Jesus to the history of Israel, drawing a parallel between Israel's exodus from Egypt and Jesus' return, symbolizing a new exodus and deliverance.

Furthermore, the settlement in Nazareth fulfills the prophetic expectation that the Messiah would be called a Nazarene. While no specific Old Testament prophecy states this explicitly, it is understood to reflect the messianic expectation of a humble and despised origin, as Nazareth was a town of low repute.

Historical Context

The historical context of the return from Egypt involves the political climate of Judea under Roman rule. Herod the Great, known for his tyrannical reign, had ordered the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem in an attempt to eliminate the newborn "King of the Jews" (Matthew 2:16). After Herod's death, his kingdom was divided among his sons, with Archelaus ruling over Judea. Archelaus' reputation for cruelty likely influenced Joseph's decision to settle in Galilee instead.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The return from Egypt is a testament to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. The citation of Hosea 11:1 in Matthew's Gospel is a typological fulfillment, where Jesus embodies the true Israel, called out of Egypt to fulfill God's redemptive plan. The settlement in Nazareth aligns with the prophetic theme of the Messiah's humble beginnings and the unexpected nature of God's salvation.

In summary, the return from Egypt is a pivotal event in the early life of Jesus, demonstrating God's providential care, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the unfolding of the divine plan for salvation through Christ.