Definition: And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 2:13. It's a really important part of the story of Jesus’ birth! Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Joseph is worried: Joseph, a man who had been tasked with caring for Jesus after his mother died, is very anxious about something bad happening to him and his son. An Angel Appears: An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph in a dream. This angel is a special person sent by God. The Message: The angel tells Joseph that he needs to flee with Jesus and his mother into Egypt. A Time Limit: He’s given a specific timeframe – until Joseph receives news from God. He has to leave immediately. The Threat: Herod, a powerful ruler in the region, is determined to kill Jesus. He wants the baby's future and his own safety. Putting it Together - What's happening? Basically, this verse describes a premonition – a warning – that Herod will try to take Jesus’ life. God has chosen Joseph to protect Jesus and guide him to Egypt as a safe haven until he gets news from God about what’s going to happen. Key Takeaways: Divine Protection: The angel is acting on God's behalf, protecting the baby. A Journey Begins: This is the start of a significant journey for Jesus – a journey that will involve danger and uncertainty. God's Plan: It’s all part of God’s plan to bring about salvation through Jesus. Important Note: This passage is a bit symbolic, but it speaks to the idea that God has a plan for our lives and that we should be prepared for challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to other parts of the Bible?