Matthew 2

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:8

And he sent them to Bethlehem ,.... Having got out of them all that he could, and was for his purpose, he informs them of the place where they might find the person they came to inquire after, according to the account of it which the chief priests and scribes had given him; and then sends them away to Bethlehem, where Christ, according to prophecy, was to be born, and now was born. It may seem strange that neither any of the Jews, nor Herod, or any of his ministers and courtiers, should go... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:9

When they had heard the king ,.... With great care and attention, what he had told them of the birth place of the young child; the strict charge he had given them to search diligently for him, and then return to him with an account of the whole affair; and his expressions of respect to the new born prince, which they took to be said in great sincerity, they departed ; took their leave of Herod and his court, and set forward on their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem: and lo , to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:10

When they saw the star ,.... Which by its appearance, size, brightness, &c.; they knew to be the same with that which they had seen, when in their own country; they rejoiced with exceeding great joy ; a "pleonasm" or a redundancy of expression frequently used by the Hebrews, see John 4:6 and the Septuagint there; setting forth the rapture, the excess of joy they were in upon the sight of the star. Very probably before this, their hearts were sad, their countenances dejected, and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:11

And when they were come into the house ,.... Which they entered without making any inquiry, being fully assured by the star's standing right over it, that this was the house, and here was the king of the Jews, whom they were come to worship; and having entered in "they saw" some copies read ευρον , they found the young child, with Mary his mother ; in her lap, or arms, or in the house with her, for by this time he might go alone. Joseph perhaps was not at home, but about his business;... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:12

Being warned of God in a dream ,.... It is likely they made a short stay at Bethlehem, might lodge there a night; at least laid themselves down a while to take some refreshment in sleep, after they had paid their respects to him that was born king of the Jews, and performed the whole business they came about; when in a dream they received a divine oracle, were admonished and counselled by God, that they should not return to Herod : which would have been going back again, and out of their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:13

And when they were departed ,.... That is immediately, or as soon as they were gone, or in a very little time after, probably the same night, behold, the Angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream ; it is very likely the same angel who appeared to him in such sort, Matthew 1:20 "saying arise", awake out of sleep, and rise from thy bed directly, and take the young child and his mother . The angel does not say take thy wife and son; for though Mary was properly his wife, yet... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:14

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother ,.... That is, as soon as he awoke out of sleep, and rose from his bed, he did as he was commanded, he prepared for his journey; and very opportunely had the wise men presented their gifts; the gold they brought served to defray the expense of this journey, and which no doubt was so ordered by divine providence for this purpose. Joseph was very punctual and expeditious in obeying the command of God; he took the young child and his mother,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:15

And was there until the death of Herod ,.... Which was in a very short time; for Eusebius F9 Hist. Eccl. l. 1. c. 8. p. 25, 26. says, that immediately, in a very little time after the slaughter of the children at Bethlehem, the divine vengeance inflicted diseases on him, which quickly brought him to his end; so that, according to the learned Dr. Lightfoot F11 Harmony of the New Testament, p. 6. , Jesus was not above three or four months in Egypt. Now all this was brought about, ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:16

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked ,.... Herod, having waited a proper time for the return of the wise men, and they not coming, concluded he was tricked by them; though, no doubt, when they promised to return, and bring him word how things were, they seriously meant and designed a performance; but having met with a divine oracle, which ordered them another way, they thought it most advisable to obey God rather than man. Upon this, Herod was exceeding wroth ; partly at the usage... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Matthew 2:17-18

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken ,.... By the slaughter of the infants at Bethlehem was literally accomplished what had been predicted by Jeremy the prophet , in Jeremiah 31:15 . in Rama was there a voice heard , &c.; That this prophecy belongs not to the Babylonish captivity, but the times of the Messiah, appears from the whole context; which manifestly speaks of the miraculous conception of Christ, of the blessings of his kingdom to be enjoyed by his people, and of... read more

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