http://www.americanwisdomseries.comPresents
MATTHEWChapter 2
Caution to students of God's Word - Please remember two things when using our studies: #1. Our commentary is not God's Word. It is only our interpretation or understanding of "His Word" and even though we try our best to be accurate we may or may not be correct. #2. The King James translation, or any other translation, of the original Hebrew text has some words which were given different translations at different places probably because of the interpreters preconceived ideas of what they think God meant to say. For example: According to the notes in the "Drake's Annotated Reference Bible" the Hebrew word hayah in the KJV is Trans. (became) 67 times, (becamest or came to pass) 505 times, (become) 66 times, and (come to pass) 131 times, but for some reason in Genesis 1:2 it is translated (was)! That sure changes the way a person perceives the original creation of the earth, doesn't it? Gen. 1:2 And the earth was (became) without form, ... Having said that, let us continue with our "Key Knowledge" lessons. These are pamphlets containing knowledge, we believe, you must have to fully and accurately unlock and understand the Word of God.
John 15:26
But when the
Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the
Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of
me:
John
16:13-14
[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit
of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not
speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak:
and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for
he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
This
Bible Study was originally written by Roger Christopherson,
published at http://www.theseason.org/
Without the leading by the Holy Spirit, there is no understanding of the truths, for all the truth of the Scriptures are revealed to us by God's Spirit.
Now here is our revised study of:
The
GOSPEL ACCORDING TO
MATTHEW
Chapter 2
Matthew Chapter 2
"Concerning the Wise Men; Jesus Christ's Flight to Egypt"
Matthew 2:1 "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."
"From the east" in the manuscripts is including the north and the south, and is singular. East and west are also relative to the north and therefore occur in the plural. This name Bethlehem in the Hebrew means "House of Bread", and Jesus Christ our Lord's body has become the very "Bread of Life" that we place on the sacrament table to represent His body, along with the wine, the blood of Christ.
Matthew 2:2 "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."
It is not important to know the number of wise men, however "His star", is the light to show the way. Christ is called the "Morning Star", and to understand this a little better, let me draw your attention to the fact that the prophecies in the Massoretic text relating to the star that was seen, was not a star in the sky, but a vision of the Christ child, as recorded in Numbers 24:15-19.
The location was given in other prophecies, so that the wise men already knew the location to be in Bethlehem. This is why these wise men went to Herod, for Herod's palace was very close to Bethlehem. By today's standard, a five minute drive. They came to Jerusalem two years after the birth, and this fact was related by the wise men to Herod.
The star that brought them finally to the location of the house where the young boy was, could have been another vision, for their knowledge of Christ's birth in Bethlehem was well known, and well versed among all people of the day. The text is as follows:
Numbers 24:15-16; "And he took up his parable, and said, "Balaam the son of Beor hath said, And the man whose eyes are open hath said: [15] He hath said, which heard the words of God, And knew the knowledge of the Most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:" [16]
The words and the knowledge of the most High is the parable of God telling of this same thing.
Numbers 24:17 "I shall see Him, but not now: I shall behold Him, But not nigh: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, And a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and Destroy all the children of Sheth." [17]
It wasn't time for the Savior to come, however, here is that Star that the wise men saw. "Sheth" should be translated "all the children of confusion."
Numbers 24:18 "And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; And Israel shall do valiantly." [18]
Edom is Russia of today. Israel is the true House of Israel, and they are the Christian nations of todays world.
Numbers 24:19 "Out of Jacob shall come He that shall have dominion, And shall destroy him that remaineth of the city." [19]
The builder of cities was Cain and his children.
Numbers 24:20; "And when he looked on Amelek, he took up his parable, and said, "Amalek was the first of the nations; But his latter end shall be that he perish for ever."
Remember that it was the sons of Cain that were the first city dwellers, that first of the nations this is aimed at those city dwellers called Kenites.
Numbers 24:21; "And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable and said, "Strong is thy dwelling place, And thou puttest thy nest in a rock."
Kenites is a Hebrew word that is only transliterated here, it means "sons of Cain". God is saying that they think that they are so well protected that even a lion cannot dig into their nest through a solid rock.
Numbers 24:22-23; "Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. [22] and he took up his parable, and said, "Alas, who shall live when God doeth this!" [23]
In the end, it will by Jesus Christ which will cause the Kenites to be wasted. Asshur, is Satan, the father of Cain the first murderer. That Star out of verse seventeen, is Jesus Christ.
Even as Jesus complimented the two churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia [Revelation 2:9;3:9], for they knew who the Kenites are, and know and understand who those that say they are Jews, but lie and are of the synagogue of Satan. Unless you know who the Kenites are, you will not be able to understand who they were that came against the Star, Jesus Christ.
The promise here in Numbers was that this Star, Jesus the Christ, would come and release the strangle hold that the Kenites have held on the Children of Israel for thousands of years. Spiritually it is completed, while it will be done for each child of God the moment that they receive Christ, and open their eyes to who the Kenites are. Satan has done a good job in hiding his children from the Christians, for it is almost never taught. No wonder they can stand up in the church houses and twist the truth, and never be challenged. Christians are ignorant of them.
Matthew 2:3 "When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him."
Kings get real excited when another king shows up in their territory unannounced. These three wise men have showed up looking for a king that Herod knows nothing about.
Matthew 2:4 "And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the People together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born."
Herod knew where to go to get the truth. Even a heathen king knew that it was written that Christ would be born of woman. So he went to the priests and demanded of them where the Christ child would be born.
Matthew 2:5 "And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,"
It is written in Micah 5:2 exactly where the Christ child would be born. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." There is nothing new under the sun, for what will come to pass is written in His Word. Nothing happens by accident with respect to God's Word.
Matthew 2:6 "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a governor, that shall rule My People Israel."
This is the promise of Messiah, our Savior and Redeemer.
Matthew 2:7 "Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared."
Herod wants to know just what time these wise men saw this star. The word "diligently", would be more accurate with "deceitfully". The reason that he wanted to know, is that He wanted to have all the little ones killed that were born in that time period of that sign.
Matthew 2:8 "And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young Child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also."
Matthew 2:9 "When they had heard the king they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was."
Many people today just don't believe this report. However our Heavenly Father controls nature.
Matthew 2:10 "When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
There will also be great joy at His second coming, at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, when all the saints in Christ will be changed into the new incorruptible, and immortal bodies. this event is recorded by Paul in I Corinthians 15:50-54.
Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
The fact that there were three wise men is not written, but the idea is given because their were three gifts. The number of wise men is not important.
Matthew 2:12 "And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way."
Notice God came to the wise men in a dream. They did not bring any report back to king Herod.
Matthew 2:13 "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."
Notice that when God protects one of His own children, that protection is complete. He will let it be known what has to be done, when and how to do it, for the safe keeping of His own. Just as He protected the Christ child from Herod's sword, He will also protect His elect from the wicked one, the Antichrist Satan, in that day of deception. He knows the minds of our enemies, and His Spirit dwells in us with communion with our minds. The mind is the intellect of the soul, which houses our spirit.
God knows in advance all things that each of us will be confronted with, and when we are in His will and Spirit, He will control our steps and words. We do have free will, and He doesn't know or control that part of our free will, but when we study His Word, then His Word will direct our path. But God does know what the enemy shall bring against us.
Matthew 2:14 "When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt:"
Joseph followed the Lord's instruction, and took good care of the mother and the Christ child.
Matthew 2:15 "And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called my Son." "
This prophecy came from Hosea 11:1; "When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt."
Matthew 2:16 "Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men."
God's divine intervention had already taken the Christ child out of Herod's reach, when Herod had finally figured out that the wise men had no intension of returning. To make sure that this child had not escaped to endanger his throne, Herod gave the order to kill all the children in Bethlehem and the rural area around the town.
Matthew 2:17 "Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,"
Do you want to know what Jeremy said? Jeremy is the prophet Jeremiah, and this prophecy comes from Jeremiah 31:15; "Thus saith the Lord; "A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not." Ramah in the Hebrew means "the high place", evidently a high place near Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 31:16; "Thus saith the Lord; 'Refrain thy voice form weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy." Your work is not in vain, is what he is saying to Rachel. Remember Rachel is the mother of both Joseph and Benjamin, the tribes of both Houses, Israel and Judah. Some day I'm going to join those children of the tribes of Israel back to Israel. We know that will be in the Millennium age, and it will be upon His return to Jerusalem, when His feet touch down on mount Zion.
Lets go back to Genesis 35:18; "And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin." "Ben-oni", in the Hebrew means "son of my sorrow", she named him that because his birth brought about her death. Jacob however, called him Benjamin, which is "son of my right hand".
Genesis 35:19; "And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem." The place where Rachel died weeping for her children, will be the same place where the Jesus Christ the Messiah would be born. The last of Jacob's sons was born where Jesus would later be born, and this is why the Lord said in Jeremiah 31:16; "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears; for thy work shall be rewarded".
Matthew 2:18 "In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."
Though the weeping for the small children that were slaughtered went on, our Lord is reminding us that the true eternal comfort will be coming at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. God said, "Don't weep Rachel, it is going to be alright," and we know it will be. Jesus will gather them all back to Him.
Matthew 2:19 "But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,"
Again note the control of our Heavenly Father, He is in control of your future also, and once we repent and come to Him with a repentive heart, and believe on His Name, then God will direct our ways, through His Word, and with the dwelling of His Holy Spirit within us. Upon repentance, God stamps you with approval, as though you were perfect. With total forgiveness under the shed blood of Christ, you are clean in God's eyes, and that is where it counts.
Matthew 2:20 "Saying, "Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young Child's life."
Matthew 2:21 "And he arose, and took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel."
Matthew 2:22 "But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:"
We see that Joseph followed immediately the directions given by God, and took Mary and the Christ Child back from Egypt to the land of Judaea, however the fear never came until Joseph got back to Judaea. God led Him back, and when Joseph took his eyes off of God, the fear came. He looked and saw that the son of Herod was now on the throne. God however, gave Joseph more instructions, after he was back in Judaea, to pass right through Judaea, north to Galilee.
Everything that has happened in the lives of Joseph, Mary and Jesus took place exactly as it was written. When Joseph was in the reality of living out the prophecies that were written years before, the control came by God in the dreams.
We are living in the latter days of this earth age, and many prophecies that seem strange to us that apply to what we will see and hear, just won't make sense until we see them come to pass, and live through them ourselves. However when they do, as God's elect we should note them and find comfort in our Lord, for He does have control over all men at all times.
Matthew 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 Nazarrene." "
Joseph's trouble that caused him to leave Judaea was no accident, but a controlled event. This is because it was written that Jesus would be raised a Nazarene. This prophecy is given in several places; lets go to Judges 13:5; "For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no rasor shall come on his head for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."
So we see that the Old Testament told us where He would be born, and the book of Daniel tells us the time that He would be born, and many things that Jesus Christ would do living the life as a man. Every detail surrounding Jesus last days, His death, resurrection, and Christ's ascension into heaven was given through the prophets hundreds of years in advance. This is all made possible so that we can have confidence in His Word, and know that He loves us and cares for us.
Editor's Note: We are going to stop here in our "Book of Matthew Study" to review some commentary from chapter2 in an earlier study we published of Matthew. I don't believe you will find much difference in the general opinion of these two authors, but to read another person's perspective of events that took place may prove helpful in your understanding of the gospel of Matthew.
When you sing along with "We Three Kings of Orient are...", don't confuse song lyrics based on tradition with scripture. We don't know how many wise men visited "The God Child"Let us now return and continue our study in the Book of Matthew where the apostle gives us some more important details concerning the birth of the King of kings. We already learned that the Old Testament declared in Isa. 7:14 that He must be born of a virgin. Did you know that the Old Testament also declared when and where He must be born? Daniel's prophecy tells us when and Micah told us where! You "see", when you consider the events of the crucifixion foretold of in such detail in the 22nd Psalm along with all the other prophecies given concerning the Messiah, there can be NO DOUBT whatsoever (if you claim to believe the Old Testament is the Word of God) that the One spoken of in the law and the prophets is none other than Jesus Christ, for no other person could ever even come close to fulfilling even a small portion of that which was prophesied of the Anointed One of God, Emmanuel, which is to say God with us. In fact, in today's study we are going to see that even the kenites confirm that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.
Notice it does not say how many wise men there were, nor does it say that they were gentiles, nor does it say that they were priests or kings. It just says that they were magoi, wise men! We know that tradition has it that there were three wise men, taken from the fact that there were three gifts presented to the young child, but there is no scriptural support for such a claim. So just remember when you sing along with "We Three Kings of Orient are...", don't confuse song lyrics based on tradition with scripture. Speculation is fine, but be wise with the wisdom of God's Word from which all true wisdom flows.Matthew 2:1
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,
Notice also that it does not say the wise men came to Bethlehem but rather that they came to Jerusalem! The fact is that they never did go to Bethlehem and they were never, ever, present at the "nativity scene", i.e. at the manger. Only the shepherds from the field were at the manger. You see, the wise men will confirm to Herod that it was about two years since they saw the "star" declaring the birth of Messiah and so obviously by the time they arrived they were much too late for the manger!
Nevertheless, when the wise men started to inquire concerning the whereabouts of the King of the Jews, they caused quite a stir among the people and when word of their quest reached Herod the king, he became very troubled indeed! Here then is the first question found in the New Testament:
How "wise" indeed these men were for they had come to worship the King of Israel knowing with certitude that He had been born! The question is, "How would they have known that the 'star' meant Messiah had come?" That's easy! Wisdom from the Word of God foretold of that Star of Israel![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.
That about says it all concerning the qualifications of a "wise" person... and a word to wise is always sufficient.Numbers 24:16
He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
Beware that there is another "star" spoken of in scripture... a fallen "star" whose name is "Lucifer", which means "morning star"! Isaiah 14:12: "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" That "fallen star" shall soon be released by the one who is holding him back (Michael, Rev. 12:7-9) and shall come to this earth claiming to be the Messiah. We shall learn of him and also of his children of disobedience, the tares, later, in this great Book of Matthew and what a great "gift of God" this book is! Now back to Matthew 2.[17] I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth."
We see that King Herod is in control and he intends to remain that way, whatever the cost may be to others! That's Satan's way, alright, and Satan will even get this heathen to kill innocent little babies and children in order to further his selfish agenda. Nice guy!Matthew 2:3
When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Now notice what he does next:
Herod sure took the "wise" men seriously, didn't he? He believed them concerning their "knowledge" of the "Star" and so he proceeded to do the work of the evil wicked one, to seek and destroy the King of Israel, Jesus Christ. He began by assembling all the religious leaders, the high priest and members of the Sanhedrin along with the scribes of the people, and demanded that they tell him where Christ would be born!Matthew 2:4
And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
This event shall prove to be not only a witness against Herod, but against the scribes and Pharisees themselves who out of their own mouths shall confirm from scripture that Messiah, the Anointed One, would be born in Bethlehem of Judea. (A wise person should be able to "see" that this is also a witness against the false messiah to come who shall never be able to fulfill all the things written of the true Messiah and contained in this Book of Matthew). Only Jesus Christ fulfills the law and the prophets!
Imagine that? They found it and actually correctly quoted the scripture (next verse). However, isn't it interesting that none of them wanted to go to Bethlehem to seek the Christ child to worship Him? That doesn't speak much concerning their wisdom and love of God, does it? Here is what they found in the Old Testament (it is written) concerning the birthplace of the "Ruler in Israel" who shall come and reign forever![5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
Here is that verse from Micah, in the Old Testament, recorded in Matthew 2:6, in the New Testament. It is all the Word of God!Micah 5:2
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
The word Beth-lehem means "house of bread" (beth = house, lehem = bread). Is it any wonder that the true Bread of Life who came down from above to tabernacle among men would be born in a town named "House of Bread"? How perfect the Word of God.Matthew 2:6
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Next, Herod wanted to know from the "wise men" exactly WHEN they saw the star appear! The reason was so that he would know about how old the Christ child was. Take heed when non believers want information concerning God's Word! You "see", Herod the Great Hypocrite, while plotting in his heart to murder Jesus Christ, spoke such sweet sounding and reassuring words to the wise men, acting as if he was genuinely interested "as they are" in going and worshipping the King! Yeah right! Take an object lesson from this when dealing with politicians and kenites, for the wise men did discuss the time they first saw the star appear, not readily discerning that this creep would later use the information he had extracted to murder innocent babies and toddlers from 2 years and under.Matthew 2:7
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
Though he had no intentions of worshipping anyone other than himself, a characteristic type of antichrist for sure, someday old king Herod along with everyone else will come and worship at Christ's feet, for it is written that every nation, including all the rich men and kings of the earth, shall bow a knee to the King of kings. The difference is, "wise men" do so now![8] And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
Father always takes care of His own and as you can "see", these wise men had Divine guidance in their sincere hunger and thirst to seek the King of kings. And you can just imagine how thrilled and overjoyed they must have been in "knowing" that God was with them! Do you know the feeling? He has promised to "never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5).Matthew 2:9
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.[10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
By the way, notice in verse 9 that there is no reference to a "babe" in a manger (brehpos in Greek, infant) but rather to a "young child" (paidion, toddler) in a house (next verse) because as verse 16 will document, Jesus was probably close to 2 years old at this time and certainly no longer in a manger.
The wise men fell down and worshipped Him only, not His mother Mary. And they "presented", i.e. offered, meaning in a ceremonial or reverent manner, their gifts of gold, to the King of kings, and frankincense and myrrh to the Lord of lords. Yes, one day soon in like manner, every knee including all the kings of the earth shall "fall down" (bow a knee) to Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. You "see", eventually He will either be your King and your Lord or you will no longer exist after the great white judgment.[11] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Following their visit, the wise men received a warning from God that they should not return to Herod and so they headed for home using an alternate route. Just wait until Herod finds this out for then all "hell" and "death" shall break loose in the land as this "mad man" after the manner of the "death angel" himself, slaughters all the children two years and under in Bethlehem and in all the coasts thereof! Take an object lesson from this too and know that though they speak such sweet and convincing words of peace, Satan's children of disobedience have no compassion of the innocent when it comes to furthering their agenda.[12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
In our next study, we will see Divine intervention continue as more and more prophecy concerning the King of kings is fulfilled exactly as it is written leaving no doubt whatsoever that Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, which is to say "God with us".
The simplicity of the matter is that babies are not naturally born before the travail, but after the labor pangs!
How familiar are you with the plan of God? Hopefully today's study will further your overall understanding as we are going to pay close attention to observing the "right hand of God" ever-present in the affairs of His servants in both taking care of His own and in bringing to pass the exact fulfillment of His Word, His Will, His loving plan of salvation for His children. You "see", there is a positive "end" to His plan for His children and it is in our understanding of that which is entailed in His deliverance and redemption that allows us to "see" His purpose of allowing captivity and bondage and oppression and yes, even death in this flesh age "under the sun". To wit, common sense alone tells us that one cannot be delivered from bondage unless he is first bound, can he? One cannot be awakened unless he is first asleep! One cannot be healed unless he is first sick! One cannot be exalted unless he is first humble! And as it is written in Isa. 66, one cannot be born naturally without there first being travail, i.e. labor pangs! So yes, there is a "negative part" to part to God's overall plan, but those with eyes to see and ears to hear understand that our Father is in complete control and that He is able to heal the blind, and cause the lame to walk, and the "dead" to come alive!
In our last study we left off where God had again intervened and warned the wise men that they should not to return to Herod. So they departed into their own country another way.
Well now, what have we here? Looks like old Herod is Satan's right hand man, doesn't it? Is this not the MO and the workings of the great red dragon himself, trying to devour the woman's child as soon as it was born?Matthew 2:13
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.
Knowing that old dragon wanted the young child dead would lead one to conclude that there's going to be some trouble, right? Even though this dragon, Satan, the son of perdition, has been judged and sentenced to die, God still uses him to fulfill the negative part of His plan which has a positive outcome in turning His sons back to Him.Rev. 12:3
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.[4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
Birth is not brought forth without labor pangs, travail, and neither shall the birth of a new age when Jesus Christ returns as King of kings be without those preceding labor pangs.It is written in Mat. 24 and Mark 13 for it is the natural PLAN OF GOD and you can read of it in Isa. 66.[5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
This is written to God's elect, those who "tremble", i.e. are reverent toward His Word.Isaiah 66:5
Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.
Do not think for one moment that our Father has forgotten what His enemies have done to His children! The wicked shall receive their just reward! Woe![6] A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies.
This is pretty basic stuff, though perhaps the spiritual analogy is too deep for many intellectual religionists. The simplicity of the matter is that babies are not naturally born before the travail, but after the labor pangs![7] Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
The good news is that there shall be rejoicing and comfort for all those who mourn. Thank God for the travail for it brings forth the Son, and the joy of that will pale into insignificance the anguish of the hour of great tribulation! John 16:21 "A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world."[8] Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.[9] Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God.
The reason we have taken so much time to refresh our minds of these basics is so that we understand the Plan of God has and is unfolding exactly as it is written, and to know there is a positive outcome to His Plan, which is to bring about salvation.So REJOICE and be glad and give thanks to Him![10] Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:[11] That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.
[12] For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees.
[13] As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
[14] And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.
This flesh age is only temporary and all that is "under the sun" shall pass away!
Let us now return to Mat. 2 where we see Joseph, who was a "just man", chosen as the stepfather and guardian of Jesus Christ because he earned the right to fulfill his part in the great plan of God.
And so it would be that Christ dwelt for a time in the land of Egypt where Israel was once held in bondage!Matthew 2:14
When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
It was spoken of by the prophet Hosea whose name means "salvation".[15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
Not only was what took place a fulfillment of prophecy concerning the Messiah, it is also reminder to us of the love our Father had for His son, Israel, in his youth during the days of bondage and captivity in Egypt. Remember He sent His servant Moses unto Pharaoh to say the following:Hosea 11:1
When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.
Of course Pharaoh refused to let His son (Israel) go because God hardened his heart and so it came to pass that God did slay the firstborn in the land of Egypt and then called Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand. You see, it was by the slaying of the firstborn that freedom was purchased. (Freedom comes with an awesome price, doesn't it? Consider the blood shed by our own sons and daughters to keep our nation free!)Exodus 4:22-23
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:[23] And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
And so it would ultimately be by the slaying of the firstborn of God, Jesus Christ, that salvation and freedom from death would be brought to world. Even at the very moment of the slaying of that One on the cross, He went to the place of those who were bound (spiritually) because the price of redemption had not been paid, and He offered them salvation there.
That is why Jesus Christ came at the first advent, i.e. to offer salvation, to proclaim liberty to those in spiritual Egypt (captivity), to recover sight to the blind (Luke 4:18), to open the prison to them that are bound! That is why Christ read only through the first half of Isa. 61:2 when He stood up in the temple (Luke 4:16) and read from the scroll. It was to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD... and then He closed the book and sat down. You "see", the second half of Isa. 61:2 declares His second advent when He comes as the King of kings to execute justice throughout the earth and to set aright that which has been wronged... thereby bringing comfort to all those who mourn! Be patient knowing that "It is written"... and it shall happen exactly that way! Yes, the tears of this flesh age shall one day end!!1 Peter 3:19-20
By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; [20] Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
Jesus Christ is the Deliverer and the Redeemer. He will lead you now to freedom and comfort and peace of mind IF you will follow His voice, His Word!Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Christ is not returning in a lowly state but as the exalted King of kings who shall unseat the great red dragon from power and rule this earth with a rod of iron. Satan doesn't like that thought, as we see expressed in his right hand man (and type), Herod![2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
The truth of the matter is that Herod was really mocked of God! And in keeping with Satan's characteristic out-of-control emotions, this hot-headed self serving ego-maniac, who was outwitted by wisdom (wise men who listen to God), flew into an irrational and insane rage and "slew all the children that were in Bethlehem" and the surrounding area that were two years old and under! Funny how God's servants have a way of "firing up" the old dragon when they outwit him or challenge his authority! Witness the rage of Nebuchadnezzar when Shadrach, Meshach and Abedneggo would not bow down to his image. To wit, the "bruisers" and two witnesses shall also cause the old dragon much consternation whereby he shall breath fire from his nostrils!Matthew 2:16
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
But what about all those innocent children who were slain in Bethlehem and the surrounding area? How could God allow such a thing to happen?
[17]Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,
It is extremely important to understand the entire context of the prophecy of Jeremiah from which this one verse was quoted! However, since Rachel is referred to, before we go to Jeremiah let us refresh our memories concerning this mother and favorite wife of Jacob (Israel) who gave birth to both Joseph and Benjamin who would later be of the northern House of Israel and the southern House of Judah respectively. In Gen. 35:18 we find that Rachel died (giving birth to Benjamin) and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem, the place where Christ was born! (Coincidence? Of course not!) And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, she named her son "Ben-oni" which means "son of my sorrow". But you "see", the child's "father" saw things differently and renamed him "Ben-jamin", which means "son of my right hand" (Gen. 35:18)! This is truly significant and the reason becomes apparent in "that which was fulfilled which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet".[18] In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
Let's begin in Jer. 31:7:
This speaks of the spiritual condition of our people for they are indeed spiritually blinded to truth and do stumble at His Word. You "see", they are spiritually impregnated with the lies of Satan which are perpetuated by the traditions of men and so they do not "understand" the Plan of God for this flesh age.Jeremiah 31:7
For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.[8] Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.
God shall save His people (vs. 7)! Proclaim it! Praise Him! Teach His Word and the hope of His salvation![9] They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
You know the parables. He loves all of His children and when one of His sheep goes astray He leaves the flock and goes after that one!Jeremiah 31:10
Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
Yes, this is the Old Testament declaring that Jesus Christ has paid the price as the kinsmen redeemer and is able to take His own from the hand of the oppressor. You "see", through His death He has defeated Satan (i.e. death, see Heb. 2:14) and we have the victory in Him. So are you going to mourn the plan of God as we see it unfolding or rejoice in knowing the outcome? Are you going to mourn as those women did when Christ was walking up the hill to Golgotha to be crucified on the cross? What did He say to them? "Weep NOT for me..." (Luke 23:28)! We will soon see what He has to say about the weeping here in Jeremiah. Until then, here is more of the joyous future of His plan for His children, which are the pouring out of His blessings:[11] For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.
Have you not read? God is going to wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev. 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." This flesh age is only temporary and all that is "under the sun" shall pass away![12] Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
This is not a "maybe"! These are His promises! And you know what? God's elect, those who revere His Word, and those who turn to Him and to His Word, can claim them now! He sits on the throne at the right hand of the Father and He will lead you beside the still waters now (Ps. 23).[13] Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
This places in context the beautiful Plan of God and brings us to the next verse in Jeremiah which is the one quoted by Matthew in Mat. 2:18:[14] And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.
What does the LORD say about the bitter weeping and the tears and refusing to be comforted?Jeremiah 31:15-17
Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.
Do you see why the "father" changed the name of Ben-oni, son of my sorrow, to Ben-jamin, son of my right hand, for thy work shall be rewarded and God will deliver His people (that thy children shall come again from the land of the enemy). God is in complete control as evidenced by the presence of His hand in all the events we are reading about in Mat. 2![16] Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.[17] And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.
Here we see His hand once again:
Right on time... according to His will! Again, God's Divine hand is right on top of these events seeing to it that all things are fulfilled exactly as they are written. By the way, if that which is written by the Jewish historian, Josephus, is correct, then old king Herod who died at age 70 suffered from a horrible disease. Here is an excerpt from "The Works of Josephus" describing Herod's maladies. It is not a pretty sight.Matthew 2:19
But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
God brought forth the Deliverer from out of the land of Egypt in like manner and with the same words as He sent the deliverer Moses into the land of Egypt. Moses was a type of savior who delivered his people from bondage and caused them to obey the commands of God by placing the blood of the lamb upon their doorposts and the lintels of their houses whereby the death angel was required to pass over them. Notice the parallel in Mat. 2:20 to that which God told Moses in Exodus 4:19 "And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life."JOSEPHUS [Antiquities, 17.6.5] But now Herod's distemper greatly increased upon him after a severe manner, and this by God's judgment upon him for his sins; for a fire glowed in him slowly, which did not so much appear to the touch outwardly, as it augmented his pains inwardly; for it brought upon him a vehement appetite to eating, which he could not avoid to supply with one sort of food or other. His entrails were also ex-ulcerated, and the chief violence of his pain lay on his colon; an aqueous and transparent liquor also had settled itself about his feet, and a like matter afflicted him at the bottom of his belly. Nay, further, his privy-member was putrefied, and produced worms; and when he sat upright, he had a difficulty of breathing, which was very loathsome, on account of the stench of his breath, and the quickness of its returns; he had also convulsions in all parts of his body, which increased his strength to an insufferable degree. It was said by those who pretended to divine, and who were endued with wisdom to foretell such things, that God inflicted this punishment on the king on account of his great impiety; yet was he still in hopes of recovering, though his afflictions seemed greater than any one could bear. He also sent for physicians, and did not refuse to follow what they prescribed for his assistance, and went beyond the river Jordan, and bathed himself in the warm baths that were at Callirrhoe, which, besides their other general virtues, were also fit to drink; which water runs into the lake called Asphaltiris.Matthew 2:20
Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
Joseph was a wonderful guardian who faithfully obeyed each and every command given to him.[21] And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
[22] But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
The prophets foretold of the lowly birth and humble beginnings the One who would be exalted (Matthew 23:12) as the King of kings and Lord of lords over all the earth! You "see", Nazareth was kind of what we would call "the low rent district", an area of Galilee that was "looked down upon" as Dr. Smith notes in his dictionary:[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.
To that end we read in John 1:46 "And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see." So we do SEE that Jesus Christ, the soon coming King and Governor over all the earth, was born in the little town of Bethlehem (House of Bread) and lived both in Egypt and Nazareth that the Word of God might be fulfilled exactly as it was written. How perfect the plan of God! Yes, how truly marvelous and wondrous indeed!"The origin of the disrepute in which Nazareth stood, (John 1:47) is not certainly known. All the inhabitants of Galilee were looked upon with contempt by the people of Judea because they spoke a ruder dialect, were less cultivated and were more exposed by their position to contact with the heathen. (Smith's Bible Dictionary)"
So get ready for some more exciting wisdom from His Word, because in our next study... "Here comes............ Johnny! (the baptist that is)"!
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