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Matthew Chapter Two

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

I. Worship to the king from wise men

A. Wise men came from the East. (1-2)

  B. Wise men asked the way in Jerusalem. (3-8)

  C. Wise men followed the guidance of the star and saw the king. (9-10)

  D. Wise men worshipped the king and presented their gifts to Him. (11)

  E. Wise men returned another way. (12)

 

II. The flight of the king

A.   The king fled to Egypt. (13-15)

B.   Herod massacred male children. (16-18)

C.   The king returned to Nazareth. (19-23)

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Matt. 2:1 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king behold wise men from the East came to Jerusalem

   YLT: And Jesus having been born in Beth-Lehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king lo mages from the east came to Jerusalem

   Meaning of Words:Bethlehem”: house of bread; “wise men”: astrologers magicians.

   The Background: “Herod the king” the Edomite------Herod the Great in history was tetrarch of Judea under the Roman government in about B.C 40. He was cruel and even murdered his wife and son.

Bethlehem” is a small southern town about 6 miles away from Jerusalem. It is called “the city of David” (Luke. 2:11) because it is the hometown of David the king (1Sam. 16:18).

   Literal Meaning: “wise men from the East” the East may include the land of Arabia Babylon Persia and etc. They specially came to worship the “king of the Jews” (see v.2) therefore a reasonable assumption is that the East is Persia people there were kind to the Jews in ancient times (see Ezra. 1:1 Neh. 1:1). The Jews were carried away captive to Persia. And with the help of Persian kings in successive dynasties in batches they returned to their native land to rebuild the Holy temple and the Holy city.    

   Spiritual Meaning: “in the days of Herod the king” represents that the darkness reigns at that time. “Herod the king” represents Satan the king of this world who is against Christ. “Herod” represents the tool used by Satan. Satan used many people and political power to resist Christ and murder Christians.

  Bethlehem” is a type of the God’s assembly full of spiritual bread.

  “Wise men from the East” “wise men” represents those who love the Lord truly and pursue Him regardless of any price; “the East” presents the gentile places in which people do not know the Lord. To provoke God’s elect to jealousy salvation has come to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:11). 

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) “In the days of Herod the king” shows that most of the kings of the world are against the Lord and Herod the king reigned the place where the Lord was born.

         2) Now it is the power of darkness and is also the time the Lord would com back. As the situation was during His first coming so will it be during his second coming.

3) After the most darkness of the time the morning comes. The moment the Lord comes the morning comes as the dayspring form on High has visited us (Luke. 1:78).

4) During His second coming He will come to the assembly (“Bethlehem”) at first because the judgment begins at the house of God (1Pet. 4:17). Therefore we should be diligent to be found of Him in peace (2Pet. 3:14)

5) “Jesus was born in Bethlehem” “Bethlehem” was a small city. The favor of the world is greatness e.g. being great officers making great money and etc. However the feature of Christ is humbleness.

6) “Bethlehem” means “the house of bread”------Christ is the bread to supply the whole world. Only coming to Christ one can obtain the fill of life.

7) The reason why the assembly is full of bread is that Christ is the king in the assembly. Whenever the assembly does not magnify the Lord the spiritual famine will come out in the assembly.

8) “Wise men from the East came to Jerusalem” they believed that the king was supposed to be born in the Jerusalem the city of kings. The fact is that the king was born in a small city Bethlehem. We should not pursue Christ in natural conceptions or men’s thoughts.

9) The one who follows the Lord should have insights different from the world------we should walk with Him in the inattentive and unknown places.

 

Matt. 2:2 “saying ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.’”

   YLT: saying `Where is he who was born king of the Jews? for we saw his star in the east and we came to bow to him.'”

   Literal Meaning: “we have seen His star in the East” some scholars believed that it might be the overlapping phenomenon of Satum and Jupiter. However according to the description “the star went before them” in verse 9 it should not be a natural star planet or comet but a supernatural phenomenon. 

  Spiritual Meaning: “He who has been born King of the Jews” “the Jews” are God’s elect and they represent all the people that belong to God. Jesus Christ came into the world to be the king of those who believe in Him.

  “We have seen His star in the East.” The star of the heaven symbolizes the heavenly revelation and guidance as well as the enlightenment and guidance within us by the Holy Spirit. In the time of darkness a group of people who loved the Lord with pure hearts lived a life before God with their eyes looking upon the heaven. Therefore they received the heavenly revelation and light from God.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) The wise men saw the star personally but came to ask others “where is He?” This shows their incorrectness. The one who has seen the star should hold on the star all the time.

         2) The star did not appear in the land of Judea but “in the East”. It denotes that:

     a) God rejected the religionists who kept the regulations and ceremonies on the surface but did not long for the Lord in their heart.

     b) The Holy Land Holy City Holy Temple Holy Bible Holy Priest and other Holy things though may help us to know the true God may become the block if our attitude towards these things are wrong.

     c) The knowledge of the Bible is very important. However knowledge alone without revelation and vision (“star”) is of no effect.

3) Christ came into the world to be the king. He will establish His throne in the hearts of those who believe in Him and reign over them.

4) Wise men coming from far way to worship the King denotes that Christ is the king of all the lands and worthy of the worship from the world.

5) Wise men from the East made a long and difficult journey to worship Him. It shows that only those who have received the revelation and vision can pursue the Lord Jesus at any price and revelation is what enables men to worship truly.

    

Matt. 2:3 “When Herod the king heard this he was troubled and all Jerusalem with him.”

   YLT: And Herod the king having heard was stirred and all Jerusalem with him ”

   Literal Meaning: “When Herod the king heard this he was troubled.” His trouble may probably come from his fear of the threat to his throne for he was not Jewish.

  “All the Jerusalem with him.” They feared that in turbulent and orderless society they may lose their belongings and life. 

   Spiritual Meaning: “When Herod the king heard this he was troubled” symbolizes that the lower parts of the earth was troubled.

  “And all Jerusalem with him” symbolizes that the failing believers were troubled.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Christ does not have accord with Belial (2Cor. 6:15). When the king of the heaven was born the king of the earth was troubled. When the one of God comes the one of men will be troubled.

         2) If Christ reigns over our hearts the king of the world will do nothing to us. Therefore Satan does his utmost to usurp the Lord’s position in our hearts.

     3) In the world you have tribulation but in the Lord you may have peace (John. 16:33). We should never be afraid to pursue and love the Lord for the greedy of the peace and prosperity of the world.

     4) “And all Jerusalem with him.” What happened in the Lord’s first coming will probably happen in His second coming. Many Christians hope that He would come quickly on their lips. But when the Lord comes truly they may be troubled.

     5) If we are merely nominal Christians who love the world perhaps when He comes back we will be troubled.

     6) A natural man believes that the time Christ comes he will lose his enjoyment from the world. Therefore he stays a respectable distance from the Lord. Only those who love the Lord will welcome Him during His second coming.

     7) When the Lord comes back what He will ask is not our ideals or words but our true spiritual situation. If we are estranged from the coming Lord still have some hidden sins admired people or other things and do not have the spirit of ascent or the intimate fellowship with Him we may probably be troubled when He comes back. 

 

Matt. 2:4 “And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.”

   YLT:and having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people he was inquiring from them where the Christ is born.”

   Literal Meaning: most of “the chief priests” were Sadducees and the high priest was selected among them.

 Most of the “scribes of the people” were Pharisees and they studied the law of the Old Testament.

  “Where the Christ was to be born.” Any one who even knew a little about the Jewish knowledge would know that the one who was mentioned by wise men from the East that “He who has been born to be King of the Jews” (v.2) was Christ (the Messiah).

   Spiritual Meaning: Jerusalem” (v.1) symbolizes the religion.

  “The chief priests” symbolizes the religionists such as pastors and ministers.

  “Scribes of the people” symbolizes the theologians who study the law the letters and the commandments.

  “It is written by the prophet” (v.5) symbolizes the traditional religious knowledge.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) We may probably not have revelations or meet the Lord even if we are familiar with the Bible and know many knowledge and teachings.

         2) The chief priests and scribes represent those who have connection with Christ in religion. They recognize Christ literally but they do not have spiritual connection with Him. They only have the knowledge of Christ but do not touch the reality of Christ. Religion regards Christ as a learning and principle to study and does not have any spiritual contact or fellowship with Christ. This is the mistake made by many religionists today.

 

Matt. 2:5 “So they said to him "In Bethlehem of Judea for thus it is written by the prophet:”

   YLT: “And they said to him `In Beth-Lehem of Judea for thus it hath been written through the prophet ”

   Literal Meaning: “they” means a group of people and they were familiar with the Bible.

  “In Bethlehem of Judea” is a definitely right answer.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Anyone who knows a little about the Bible would know that Christ will be born “in Bethlehem of Judea”. Reading the Bible intellectually only makes people know Him rather than long for Him.

         2) The chief priests and scribes recited the Bible with their brains while the wise men sought Christ out with their hearts. One would rather be filled with the love to Christ than be filled with the knowledge of the Bible in his mind. One would rather remember the savior than recite the verses of the Bible fluently.

     3) We’d better both be wise men and scribes. If we can only be one of those two we would prefer to be wise men.

     4) The scribes only taught others by the Bible and forgot to teach themselves. We should search the written word (the Bible) by the attraction of the living word (Christ).

 

Matt. 2:6 "But you Bethlehem in the land of Judah Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel."'

   YLT: “And thou Beth-Lehem the land of Judah thou art by no means the least among the leaders of Judah for out of thee shall come one leading who shall feed My people Israel.'”

   Literal Meaning: this verse of the Bible was quoted from Mic. 5:2. The chief priests and scribes were familiar with the knowledge of the Bible so that they answered fluently and correctly.

  “Shepherd” includes guide protect and feed.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Wise men from the East had the star in the heaven but did not have the words of the prophet. They had revelation in principle but did not have guidance in detail. When we have God’s revelation in us we should compare it with the truth of the Bible and then we will understand the will of God clearly.

         2) As long as the attitude towards the knowledge of the Bible is right the knowledge will be useful in need. Therefore we should let the word of God dwell in us richly for contingent need (Col. 3:16).

    3) Bethlehem though it was a small city had an everlasting name for the birth of the Lord. Many believers though petty and low in status may receive honor and respect from others if they in deed let the Lord be manifested upon themselves. 

4) The Lord the king of heaven do not dominate His people by power but shepherd care for and protect them in love (Eph. 5:25 29).

 

Matt. 2:7 “Then Herod when he had secretly called the wise men determined from them what time the star appeared.”

   YLT: “Then Herod privately having called the mages did inquire exactly from them the time of the appearing star ”

   Literal Meaning: “when he had secretly called the wise men.” It shows that Herod walked in darkness and made use of the wise men to get the information he wanted.

  “Determined from them what time the star appeared.” Actually Herod used this way to estimate the age of the child.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) The enemy always walked in secret and in darkness.

         2) Believers should walk in the light and abstain from every hidden thing.

 

Matt. 2:8 “And he sent them to Bethlehem and said ‘Go and search carefully for the young Child and when you have found Him bring back word to me that I may come and worship Him also.’”     

YLT: “and having sent them to Beth-Lehem he said `Having gone -- inquire ye exactly for the child and whenever ye may have found bring me back word that I also having come may bow to him.'”

   Literal Meaning: Herod pretended to worship the Lord in the aim to gain the definite information about the place of the birth of the Lord by cheating.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Herod said to “worship Him” with his lips but intended to kill Him (see v.16) in his heart. He has righteousness on his lips but murder in his heart. He used lies and falseness to cover his malicious intention. How many are the Herodians today! Those who intend to destroy the assembly in the false name of worship are found everywhere.

         2) The lackeys of the evil regime on earth and the leaders with ulterior motivates of heresy usually make use of the coverage of “worshipping God” to resist Christ and destroy the assembly.

    3) For Satan himself transformed himself into an angel of light it is no great thing therefore his ministers transformed into Christians (2Cor. 11:13-15). Today in the assembly there are many false believers who say one thing but mean another.

 

Matt. 2:9 “When they heard the king they departed; and behold the star which they had seen in the East went before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was.”

   YLT:And they having heard the king departed and lo the star that they did see in the east did go before them till having come it stood over where the child was.”

   Literal Meaning: “they departed.” Note that the chief priests and scribes did not follow the wise men to seek and visit Christ. It shows their indifference to the birth of Christ and they did not long for Christ.

   Spiritual Meaning: “the star …went before them ” “the star” indicates God’s enlightenment and guidance in our spirits (see the spiritual meaning in v.2). When believers care about the things and words of the Lord there will be enlightenment arisen in their spirits to guide them as morning star arises in their hearts (2Pet. 1:19).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) “The star which they had seen in the East” is the star which they had seen for the first time (v.2). When one obeys the revelation and guidance for the first time there will be follow-up revelation and guidance. Only when Abraham followed God’s revelation at first getting out of his land and from his kindred and from his father’s house then he received the further guidance (Gen. 12:1).

         2) The wise men made a mistake to go to Jerusalem relying on their knowledge after they got the revelation for the first time. As a result they couldn’t see the star. By the time they leaved Jerusalem they saw the star go before them. It denotes that only on the road of God’s guidance one may receive enlightenment. Once we leave the appointed road of God we will fall into darkness.

     3) While Herod scribes and Jerusalem were all invisible the wise men saw the star showing God’s guidance. God lead us in the same way in our experience. If we obey Him indeed He will provide all that we need.

     4) None of the scribes or Pharisees followed the wise men to Bethlehem in this verse. If we do not long for the Lord in our hearts though filled with the knowledge of the Bible we will profit nothing. 

     5) We should not read the Bible only for teaching others. We should read the Bible for being guided by Him.

     6) “Till it came and stood over where the young Child was.” All the heavenly revelations lead men to Christ and to see Christ instead of any other teachings or doctrines.

     7) Many ministers do not bring others to the Lord but bring others to themselves. This kind of people is definitely not “the star” on the hand of the Lord (Rev. 1:20).

     8) The knowledge of the Bible only gives us the guidance in principle (showing that He will be born in Bethlehem) and the working of the Spirit gives us the guidance in detail (“going before them till it came and stood over where the young Child was”).

     9) We should never rely on our minds to believe Christ in words nor in history and we should know and worship the living and true God in spirit and truth.

     10) “And stood over where the young Child was.” The star did stop till the destination. The guidance of God has the beginning and the end all the time.

     11) Unless we find the Lord there will be no rest in our hearts. How great it is to find that only the Lord Himself is where we should stand over.

 

Matt. 2:10 “When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.”        YLT:And having seen the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy ”   

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Anyone who receives the heavenly revelation and enlightenment will invariably rejoice with exceeding great joy.

         2) Christ is the fountain of joy. Whatever helps us to touch the Lord will make us rejoice.

3) Anyone who seeks the Lord out will rejoice. The hardship of the long journey was not of fruitless effort and finally the hardship turned to exceedingly great joy.

4) If the feelings of a believer towards the Lord are always cold and he is never affected by Him he is probably not worth being called a Christian. A normal Christian should not only believe in the Lord but also love the Lord.

 

Matt. 2:11 “And when they had come into the house they saw the young Child with Mary His mother and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures they presented gifts to Him: gold frankincense and myrrh.”

   YLT: and having come to the house they found the child with Mary his mother and having fallen down they bowed to him and having opened their treasures they presented to him gifts gold and frankincense and myrrh ”

   Literal Meaning: “when they had come into the house they saw the young Child.” The wise men “had come into the house” instead of the manger outside. What hey saw is not the Babe (see Luke. 2:16) but “the young Child”. It shows that there must be a period of time after the birth of the Lord.

  Today in the world of Christianity it is commonly believed that there were three wise men. It is speculated by the number of the gifts. This speculation is not reliable.

  Concerning the oriental customs at that time “gold” is the gift presented to kings “frankincense” is the gift presented to priests and “myrrh” is the gift presented to the dying ones.

   Spiritual Meaning: In Bible “gold” symbolizes dignity and honor of the divinity; “frankincense” symbolizes the sweet savor of resurrection; “myrrh” symbolizes the bitterness of death. These three gifts express three features of Christ: He is the word becoming flesh that is He is God coming into the world to be a man (“gold”); He suffered the death for the sinners (“myrrh”); finally He was raised up and highly exalted (“frankincense”).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) They came into the house to see the young Child. If one is willing to see Christ he has to come into the assembly or the spirit.

         2) “Saw…worshiped…presented” is the spiritual order: our true worship comes from the seeing of the Lord; whoever worship the Lord truly will naturally present all to Him.

     3) “They saw the young Child with Mary His mother.” Note that the young Child was recorded at first and Mary His mother second. It shows that the young Child is greater than His mother. He might have the first place in all things (Col. 1:18).

     4) “They fell down and worshiped Him.” They saw the young Child with Mary His mother but they only worship the Child instead of His mother. It denotes that we should do the homage to Christ only (Matt. 4:10).

     5) Our presentation to the Lord depends on our knowing to the Lord. The more we know Him the more we would present to him. If we know the preciousness of the Lord we will present the most precious gifts to Him willingly.

     6) We should devote our best and wholeness to the Lord who loves us and delivered himself up for us.

     7) The will of surrendering comes first and then the kneeled knees; the love of the devotion comes first and then the gifts for presentation.

     8) “Frankincense” symbolizes the sweet savor of life and behavior (see 2Cor. 2:14-15). There were three features when Jesus Christ was on earth: the glory of God------“gold”; the perfectness of life------“frankincense”; the death of overcoming------“myrrh”.

     9) God the Father knew the need of the flight of the whole Joseph’s family and had sent the wise men to present gold to them. If we dare to keep the words of God He is responsible for all we need.

     10) The treasure will be of little use if held in our hands. But once being put in the hands of the Lord the treasure will perform its function to fulfill the will of God.    

 

Matt. 2:12 “Then being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod they departed for their own country another way.”

   YLT: and having been divinely warned in a dream not to turn back unto Herod through another way they withdrew to their own region.”

   Literal Meaning: “they should not return to Herod. Because Herod harbored malicious intensions they would be probably made use of by him to be the guiders.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Everyone who has met the Lord should not return to those (“Herod”) who are used by the devil.

         2) We must obey God rather than men (Acts. 5:29).

    3) The moment we have the guidance of God we have to obey the guidance immediately.

    4) We’d better not settle what to do and how to do in our hearts before we know the will of God. Our schedule should be changed immediately if it is not the will of God. We should not be hardened to disobey God concerning our self-respect. 

5) One having obtained the Lord should walk “another way”. One should walk differently after he has believed in the Lord.

6) Once devoted to the Lord one should never walk the former way. Every time we meet the Lord in the spirit we are led unto a new way.

 

Matt. 2:13 “Now when they had departed behold an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream saying ‘Arise take the young Child and His mother flee to Egypt and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.’”

   YLT: And on their having withdrawn lo a messenger of the Lord doth appear in a dream to Joseph saying `Having risen take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt and be thou there till I may speak to thee for Herod is about to seek the child to destroy him.'”      

   Literal Meaning: The guidance in dreams were mentioned many times in Matt.1 and Matt.2 because at that time the spirit did not dwell in men to guide them therefore the supernatural omens in dreams were needed. Today believers have both words of God and testimony of the Holy Spirit if we return back to seek for the supernatural omens in dreams we probably may be in danger of going astray.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) The Lord had to flee when He was a child. He sojourned for us to let us enjoy rest in Him.

         2) The flight of the Lord showed the aspect of Christ as Lamb------who stepped aside without any argument and overcame finally. The road of the Lord is to overcome by stepping aside. When believers encounter tribulations and persecution they should obey the spirit of Lamb.

3) Satan does his utmost to dispose of Christ’s position in our hearts otherwise Satan will directly forbid us to be witnesses of Christ.

4) Today believers seldom receive the guidance from the Lord in dreams. But the Holy Spirit dwells in us as a Comforter who will teach us all things (John. 14:26).

5) God did not do his strength to protect Jesus from the flight. Today if we encounter some tribulation and adversities it is well-pleasing in God’s sight (Matt. 11:26) instead of God’s ignorance.

6) Joseph was entrusted by God with this important mission and left his own country. If we are willing to serve the Lord we should not hope for a stead and calm life.

7) “Until I bring you word” shows that God guides men step by step. We have to obey the first guidance and then there will be the second.

8) We should wait for the word of God quietly (“stay there until I bring you word”) in everything. We should stay if without the word from God. This is the attitude that those who are willing to serve the Lord should have.

 

Matt. 2:14 “When he arose he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt

   YLT:And he having risen took the child and his mother by night and withdrew to Egypt

   Literal Meaning: “by night” the night might be the one Joseph had the dream.

  “Having arisen” shows the immediate obedience.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Once we have the guidance from the Lord we should trust and obey it immediately. This is the way we could be preserved by the Lord.

         2) It is the time we obey the guidance of the Lord when it is dark (“night”) and full of troubles all around.

3) In many times we fall into dangers tribulations and entanglements resulting from our unbelief and disobedience. The one having the guidance of the Lord probably walks by night while the world has the calm and smooth way.

 

Matt. 2:15 “and was there until the death of Herod that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet saying ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son.’”

   YLT: and he was there till the death of Herod that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the Lord through the prophet saying `Out of Egypt I did call My Son.'”

   Literal Meaning: The “was there” in this verse is the obedience of Joseph and the “stay there” in verse 13 is the commandment of God.

  “It might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet” has been mentioned four times in this chapter (v.5 15 18 23). It denotes that the situation after the birth of Christ was prearranged by God.

  “Out of Egypt I called My Son” originally indicated that God had called out Israel out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1) It has been applied by Matthew to the Lord Jesus showing that the experience of Israel in the Old Testament is the type of Christ.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) “And was there until…” shows that after we have obeyed God’s first guidance we should wait and hope for God’s second guidance. We should wait for the Lord look upon the Lord and follow the Lord at every step.

         2) Sometimes we should obey God’s word immediately (v.14) and sometimes we should wait for God’s time patiently. One may delay when he should follow Him immediately and one may make haste when he should wait for the Lord. In these both occasions God’s schedule may be hindered.

3) It is emphasized in the Book of Matthew that “it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the Prophet”. It shows that all the deeds of the Lord are in the will of God. Christ is the fulfillment of the will of God.

4) The prophets spoken by God towards the Israel were all fulfilled on the Lord. It represents that in all things He had to be made like His brothers that He might be our merciful and faithful High Priest (Her. 2:17).

5) Sometimes we may encounter tribulations. However as long as we have the words of God we can wait for the time of God at rest because all the promises of God in Him are Yes and in Him are Amen (2Cor. 1:20).

 

Matt. 2:16 “Then Herod when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts from two years old and under according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.”

   YLT: Then Herod having seen that he was deceived by the mages was very wroth and having sent forth he slew all the male children in Beth-Lehem and in all its borders from two years and under according to the time that he inquired exactly from the mages.”

   Spiritual Meaning: “male children under two years old and under” represents Christians who love the Lord with pure heats. The massacre of male children by Herod seemingly shows the cruelty and selfishness of humanity. Actually the true reason is that Satan was about to block God’s schedule of redemption.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) The massacre of male children by Herod shows that Satan always hates and wants to kill the overcomers (Rev. 12:4-5).

         2) The world hates us because we are not of the world (John. 15:19). Anyone who loves the Lord and does not love the world will be hated by the world.

 

Matt. 2:17 “Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet saying:”

   YLT: Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet saying ”

   Literal Meaning: this verse means that the fulfillment is the same with what was spoken by the prophet in spiritual meaning. But it is not the true aim of this prophet.     

 

Matt. 2:18 “’A voice was heard in Ramah Lamentation weeping and great mourning Rachel weeping for her children Refusing to be comforted Because they are no more.’”

   YLT: `A voice in Ramah was heard -- lamentation and weeping and much mourning -- Rachel weeping her children and she would not be comforted because they are not.'”

   The Background: Rachel was buried firstly in Bethlehem which was also known as Ephrath in ancient times (Gen. 35:19) and then may be removed to “Zelzah” in the border of Benjamin which was also known as “Ramah” by the sons of her youngest son Benjamin (1Sam. 10:2 Josh. 18:25 ). Jeremiah the prophet used this prophet to depict the dismal experience of Israel’s being carried away captive to Babylon (Jer. 31:15) and encouraged them to return to God because God had promised that they would be comforted by returning to their own border and reestablishing their country (Jer. 31:16-17).

Literal Meaning: “Rachel” represents the mother of all the male children being killed.

This verse has its implied meaning: Jeremiah used Rachel as the mother of Israel to depict the situation of the captivity of Israel; now Matthew quoted it to depict the dismal situation of the massacre of male children by Herod.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) One shall suffer great bitterness if he has rejected Christ. There will probably be “lamentation weeping and great mourning” in the place where there is no Christ.

         2) Believers should put their eyes upon the future------today there is bitterness but glory will come in the future; weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning (Ps. 30:5).

 

Matt. 2:19 “Now when Herod was dead behold an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt

   YLT: And Herod having died lo a messenger of the Lord in a dream doth appear to Joseph in Egypt

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) “Herod was dead!” Though the power of the darkness did its utmost to destroy the one who came form God ultimately Christ lives forever and Satan himself was dead.

         2) Anyone who gainsays and withstands God will perish ultimately because only He is the king.

 

Matt. 2:20 “saying ‘Arise take the young Child and His mother and go to the land of Israel for those who sought the young Child's life are dead.’”

   YLT: saying `Having risen take the child and his mother and be going to the land of Israel for they have died -- those seeking the life of the child.'

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Men may be fierce in a short time. Men’s life is too short to resist the everlasting God.

         2) The history of the assembly is longer than the lifetime of those who wanted to destroy the assembly.

 

Matt. 2:21 “Then he arose took the young Child and His mother and came into the land of Israel.”

   YLT: And he having risen took the child and his mother and came to the land of Israel

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Joseph was formerly alone and free and now was entrusted by God to take his wife and the young Child all around {“arise take” (v.13) “took by night” (v.14) “take” (v.20) “took and came into” (v.21)}. He did bear heavy burdens.

         2) The value of a believer before God depends on whether he is approved of God and entrusted with responsibilities. God may not commit spiritual responsibilities to those who live leisurely and carefreely.

3) “Then he arose.” Joseph’s obedience shows that he knew God and trusted in God’s words. Only those who know God and trust in Him will obey His words.

 

Matt. 2:22 “But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream he turned aside into the region of Galilee.”

   YLT: and having heard that Archelaus doth reign over Judea instead of Herod his father he was afraid to go thither and having been divinely warned in a dream he withdrew to the parts of Galilee      

   The Background: after the death of Herod the Great the land of the country was divided into three parts given his three sons to reign. “Archelaus” was the king of Judea. But he was dismissed because of his brutality and immorality.

  Galilee” was the land under administration of the king Herod Antipatris. The land of Galilee was despised by the Jews (John. 7:41 52).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) Joseph “was afraid to go there”. It shows that he was thoughtful. Obeying the will of God does not mean one should be unthoughtful. On the contrary one should be thoughtful to obey the will of God. One should use his thoughts to comprehend the will of God and make sure whether it is from God.

         2)    We should not only have the guidance of God but also have common sense. God commanded Joseph to return to the land of Judea but He didn’t command Joseph where he should stay. If Joseph returned to Jerusalem something bad may happen to them. Joseph stayed for a while because of common sense and was further led by God to go to Galilee.

 

Matt. 2:23 “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.’”        YLT: “and coming he dwelt in a city named Nazareth that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through the prophets that `A Nazarene he shall be called.'”

   Literal Meaning: there are two explanations about “He shall be called a Nazarene.” from many Bible exegetes:

  1) The pronunciation of “Nazarene” is similar to “Nazarite” (Num. 6:2) in Hebrew. It may denote that He is the true Nazarite separated to God (John. 17:9).

  2) The pronunciation of “Nazarene” is also similar to “stem” (Is. 11:1) in Hebrew. It may denote that He is a branch out of Jess’s roots.

“Nazarene” was not mentioned in the Old Testament and here the prophets were plural. So the most reasonable explanation is that the hidden meaning of the prophecies of the Messiah by the prophets was fulfilled------He was “despised of the people” in the world (Ps. 22:6 Is. 49:7 53:3). Being a “Nazarene” of Galilee He was despised of the common Jews (see John. 1:46 7:41 52).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

         1) The believers should not have respect of persons. (Jam. 2: 1-7)

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

Men’s Different Reactions towards the Birth of the King

I. Herod the king:

  A. He was troubled (v.3) ------he has enmity towards the king;

  B. He was treacherous and cheated the wise men (v.7-8) ------he made use of others’ goodwill to harbor evil intentions;

  C. He massacred male children (v.16-17) ------he massacred the innocent to protect his throne.

II. All Jerusalem ------were troubled (v.3):

  A. They feared men instead of God;

  B. They were satisfied with their calm life and were afraid to be implicated.

III. The chief priests and scribes------were indifferent (v.4-6):

   A. They only know Christ intellectually;

   B. They did not follow the wise men to seek out the Lord because they did not long for the Lord.

IV. The wise men:

   A. They saw the star (v.2) ------they had spiritual revelations;

   B. They came from the East (v.1) ------they had long and hard journey regardless of any price;

   C. They had come to worship Him (v.2) ------they feared God;

   D. The star went before them (v.9) ------they had clear guidance of the Holy Spirit;

   E. They worshiped the young Child (v.11) ------they truly believed in Christ;

   F. They presented gold frankincense and myrrh to Him (v.11) ------they correctly knew and worshiped Christ and presented their most precious gifts to Him willingly;

   G. They obeyed the guidance of God definitely (v.12).

         

The Beliefs of Several Kinds of People

I. The belief of the whole Jerusalem was blind and to seek calmness (v.3b);

II. The belief of the chief priests and scribes was intellectual and professional (v.4-6);

III. The belief of Herod is hypocritical and to make use of others (v.7-8);

IV. The belief of wise men is true and effective:
   A. They had the spirit and their own desire (v.2);

   B. They had the teaching of the Bible (v.5-6);

   C. They had clear guidance from the Holy Spirit (the star) (v.9);

   D. They presented their gifts to the Lord (v.11);

   E. They changed their ways (v.12).

 

Ways Used by God to Guide the Believers

I. By words of the Bible (v.5-6);

II. By the star (v.9) ------the Holy Spirit and the spirit in His words;

III. By dreams (v.12) ------unusual revelations.

 

The Spiritual Meanings of the Four Prophecies in Matt. 2

I. The prophet that out of Bethlehem shall come a Ruler (v.6) ------it is a type that we are saved and the Lord abides in the believers when they were born from above;

II. The prophet that out of Egypt I called out my Son (v.15) ------it is a type that the Lord leads the believers out of the world;

III The prophet that Rachel wept for her children (v.18) ------it is a type that the believers suffer with the Lord in the world;

IV. The prophet that He shall be called a Nazarene (v.23) ------it is a type that the believers though being despised by the world will be highly exalted by God ultimately.

 

To See His Second Coming from His Birth

I. The time and place of the second coming of the Lord:

  A. “In the days of Herod the king” (v.1) ------the night is far spent the day is at hand (Rom. 13:12);

  B. “In Bethlehem of Judea” (v.1) ------the judgment begins from the house of God (1Pet. 4:17).

II. The situation appearing during the second coming of the Lord:

  A. “Wise men from the East…to worship Him” (v.1-2) ------those who love the lord and have a vision love His appearing;

  B. “When Herod the king heard this he was troubled” (v.3) ------because the devil knew he has a short time (Rev. 12:12);

  C. “And all Jerusalem with him.” (v.3) ------because they were not ready;

  D. The chief priests and scribes of the people did not seek Him out (v. 4-6 9) ------they only have the knowledge of the Bible but not longing for the Lord;

III. What will happen when the Lord comes back:

  A. The devil “was exceedingly angry” (v.16) and ultimately “was dead” (v.19) ------the devil will be taken away;

  B. “All male children from two years old and under were put to death.” (v.16) ------those who love the Lord with pure heats will be persecuted;

  C. “An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.” (v.13 19 22) ------the Lord will send His angels to guide and protect us;

  D. “It might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet.” (v.15 17 23) ------every word of the Lord will be fulfilled.

IV. The second coming of the Lord is concealed:

   A. It was said that He would come out of Bethlehem (v.6). It was also said that “out of Egypt I called my Son” (v.15). This would confuse us if the time was not considered;

   B. He was supposed to be born in Jerusalem according to common sense (v.1-2). However the prophet in the Old Testament showed that He would be born in the Bethlehem of Judea (v.5-6). Actually He grew up in a city called Nazareth (v.23).  

V. What shall we do to seek and see His second coming?

  A. We should see the star in the heaven (v.2) ------we should take heed of His words (2Pet. 1:19) to receive heavenly enlightenment and guidance;

  B. We should not follow men’s natural thoughts (v.1-2);

  C. We should accept the guidance of truth in the Bible (5-6);

  D. “The star…went before them” (v.9) ------we should closely follow the living guidance by the Holy Spirit;

  E. “They had come into the house.” (v.11) ------we should stay in the assembly and abide in the spirit. 

VI. The result of seeing the Lord:

   A. “They fell down and worshiped Him. They presented gifts to Him: gold frankincense and myrrh.” (v.11) ------they truly worshiped Him;

   B. “They departed for their own country another way.” (v.12) ------they ran another way.

 

The Obedience of Joseph

I. The immediate obedience. (v.14)

II. The enduring obedience. (v.15)

III. The prudent obedience. (v.22)

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren