Out of Egypt
The next fulfillment of Messianic prophecy occurs at Matthew 2:13-15.
However, Matthew does not use “fulfilled” in a way that we typically think of the word. There can really be no doubt that Matthew 2:15 is a type/antitype prophecy. Hosea isn’t actually predicting anything in Hosea 11:1. But, there are similarities between Israel and Jesus as the Son of God. In essence, Matthew says, “When Jesus came out of Egypt, it was like the time the nation of Israel came out of Egypt.”
There are similarities between the nation of Israel’s journey to and from Egypt and Jesus’ journey to and from Egypt.
- Both went to Egypt in order to preserve life. Famine for Israel. Herod’s madness for Jesus.
- Both came from Egypt for redemption. God redeemed His people from Egypt. Jesus came from Egypt in order to be redemption.
- Both dealt with evil rulers. Pharaoh for Israel. Herod for Jesus.
The Original Context
We find this prophecy originally given in Hosea 11:1.
Let’s read Hosea 11:1-7 to get the context. The picture is of a child growing up and leaving home. Not only does this child leave home physically, but he forgets what he was taught in the home. Old Testament writers often used “son” to describe Israel.
God loves His people and desires a close relationship with them. How did God demonstrate His love for Israel? How did Israel disappoint God? How did Israel’s disappointing behavior affect God’s love for them? How does God demonstrate His love for us? How do we disappoint God? How does our disappointing behavior affect God’s love for us?
The Prophecy and Jesus
Joseph obeys the angelic dream and flees to Egypt. What would likely have occurred had Joseph not taken his Son to Egypt? What do we learn here about God’s providential care? How does God demonstrate concern for us in sending Jesus to Egypt?
Why did God not leave Jesus in Egypt?
This Bible class was originally taught by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Dale Ridge church of Christ in Roanoke, Virginia.