21: Once again, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus is the woman’s child. He doesn’t say that Joseph took his son back to Israel, but that he took the child and his mother.
22: Archelaus was much like his father, Herod. So, Joseph obviously wanted to avoid another move in the near future. God guided him to Galilee. In that region Archelaus’ brother Antipas now ruled. He was of a milder disposition and mainly busied himself with the building of a couple of new cities.
23: Apparently it had been Joesph’s plan to return to Bethlehem, but God intervened. Nazareth was Joseph’s original home, before the taxation. This brought Joseph’s family to a safe place, put them among relatives, and fulfilled prophecy, all at the same time. In several places in the Old Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Branch. He is so as the Messiah, but also as a Nazarene. Nazareth comes from the Hebrew for branch.
Personal Journal Entry #120104
Prayer Journal Entry #12104
Daily Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23:1-24:25
Praise Journal Entry #12064: Heavenly Father, thank You for Scripture. It gives us such a sure foundation. Starting from it we can have a guide to the Truth in any subject. Thank You for the certainty that it brings to life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.