Chron7pt7

Mt 2:1. NOW (AFTER) JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM OF (JUDEA). Note, the wise men came sometime after the birth of Jesus, not before or during. Bethlehem is about 5 miles south of Jerusalem and means the house of bread in Hebrew. Jesus was the TRUE BREAD FROM HEAVEN, THE BREAD OF LIFE-ref Jn 6:32,35.
This fulfilled Mic 5:2 as it is written-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 verse continues—
IN THE (TIME) OF HEROD THE KING. He was known as Herod the great and is reported to have been the son
of Antipater. He is reported to have been an Edomite and was very evil. It is reported that Christ may have been born in the thirty-fifth year of his reign. The verse continues—
BEHOLD, THERE CAME WISE MEN (or Magi). The men that came are called wise by God. The verse continues—
FROM THE EAST TO JERUSALEM. Note the wise men did not come to Bethlehem, but to Jerusalem. This would be the likely place for people to come that were seeking one that was born as the King of the Jews. They did not know where the King of the Jews was located or where He had been born.
Who these wise men were is not told. They came from the east. Some have speculated that they may have represented the three groups of people which were descended from Noah’s three sons—Shem, Ham and Japheth. Others believe they were notable Gentiles from the east. Some have suggested that they were kings. Some have suggested that they may have come from the area that Daniel was exiled to hundreds of years previously.
Contrary to popular belief or tradition, the bible does not state how many wise men there were. There may have been many as all Jerusalem was troubled along with Herod. It is said that one ancient source states there were 14. Because three gifts were given in Mt 2:11, some believe there were three wise men, however this is only speculation. As already shown through Scripture, the tradition that the wise men came to the manger about the time that Christ was born is wrong. Summary: we do not know how many wise men there were, or what countries they were from, or how long they traveled, or what their occupations were. They were wise in God’s eyes and the gifts they brought would indicate they were not poor.
The Scripture tells us they came to Jerusalem, but not to Herod. When they asked about the KING OF THE JEWS in verse 2, they asked the people of Jerusalem, not Herod. The verses continue—

Mt 2:2. SAYING, WHERE IS HE (the One). They did not ask if “He” had been born, but were asking WHERE IS HE—
THAT IS (the new) BORN. Note, it did not say He was yet to be born, but that is born. Some how they knew that the birth had already taken place. Also their statement was in faith. The verse continues—
KING OF THE JEWS? They were positive about there was one that was born which was the King of the Jews. They did not say the one whom they were seeking was going to be appointed as the “King of the Jews” but that He was born “King of the Jews”.
God, had revealed to these wise men in some special way, perhaps in a dream, or through the prophecies in the Old Testament, or in another way that the King of the Jews had been born. The name of Jesus is not mentioned. Jesus will indeed reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords when He returns at the time of Armageddon The wise men are portrayed in Matthew’s Gospel as this is the Gospel in which Jesus is portrayed as the King.

KING OF THE JEWS

Note, it also said “BORN KING” “OF THE JEWS” Herod was not a rightful king of the Jews from the lineage of David or even of Jacob. He was an Edomite and from the lineage of Esau. However, Jesus was born king. It is written in Jn 18:37-PILATE THEREFORE SAID UNTO HIM, ART THOU A KING THEN? JESUS ANSWERED, THOU SAYEST THAT I AM A KING. TO THIS END WAS I BORN, AND FOR THIS CAUSE CAME I INTO THE WORLD, THAT I SHOULD BEAR WITNESS UNTO THE TRUTH. EVERY ONE THAT IS OF THE TRUTH HEARETH MY VOICE.
The term KING OF THE JEWS was first used by the wise men in Mt 2:2.
Next it was used by Pilate as he asked Jesus, ART THOU THE KING OF THE JEWS?-in Mt 27:11 and Lk 23:3. Again it was used by a gentile.
Next it was used in Mark 15:9 as Pilate said, WILL YE THAT I RELEASE UNTO YOU THE KING OF THE JEWS? Pilate appeared to believe that indeed Jesus was the KING OF THE JEWS.
Next it was used again by Pilate as he said in Mk 15:12 and Jn 18:39-WHAT WILL YE THEN THAT I SHOULD DO UNTO HIM WHOM YE CALL THE KING OF THE JEWS?
Next it was used by the soldiers as they mocked him, saying, HAIL, KING OF THE JEWS-in Mt 27:29.
Next it was used in Mt 27:37-AND (they) SET UP OVER HIS HEAD HIS ACCUSATION (or the charge against Him-JNT) (WHICH READ), THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Next it was used in Jn 19:21 as a denial by the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate as they said, WRITE NOT, THE KING OF THE JEWS; BUT THAT HE SAID, I AM KING OF THE JEWS.
Lastly it was used by the soldiers in Lk 23:37 as they offered him vinegar and said, IF THOU BE THE KING OF THE JEWS, SAVE THYSELF.
In every case it was the gentiles that called Jesus the KING OF THE JEWS. This included the wise men, Pilate, and the soldiers, but the Jews appeared to denied it.
The Jews that believed in Him seemed to prefer the term KING OF ISRAEL. Note Mt 27:42, Mk 15:32, Jn 1:49 and 12:13. The verse continues—
FOR WE HAVE SEEN HIS STAR. What this star was is not known. As shown in later verses it was able to change direction. It was able to be seen by the wise men, yet it seems the people of Jerusalem were not able to see it (perhaps because of the blindness of their hearts). As the wise men came to Bethlehem, it appears the star was at a very low altitude as it stopped and stood over a specific house. The word star in the Scriptures does not always denote a star in the sense that we think of it—that is, a distant sun or, in the case of a falling star, a meteoroid. Rev 8:10,11-uses the word star to denote something falling from heaven called wormwood. Rev 9:1 uses the word star to denote someone (seemingly an angel) to whom the key of the bottomless pit is given. Rev 22:16 uses the words bright and morning star to denote Jesus. The only purpose for the star, it appears in the beginning, was to alert the wise men that there was one born King of the Jews. Then the wise men used natural means to find their way to Jerusalem which was the obvious place to go when seeking the King of the Jews. The verse continues—
IN THE EAST. Verse 9 tells us THE STAR WHICH THEY SAW IN THE EAST. In other words, when they were dwelling in the East, there they saw the star. There is no indication that the star went before them as some believe as they traveled to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is west (not east) of the eastern countries. There is no mention that the people of Jerusalem had seen the star. As already said, Jerusalem would simply be the likely place to travel to when seeking the King of the Jews. However, after they departed from talking to Herod, then the star reappeared and went in a southerly direction in front of them as they traveled the short distance to Bethlehem-ref verse 9.
The star which the wise men had seen in the east seemingly would have been something very special to make it stand out. How they knew it was the star of one that was born KING OF THE JEWS is not made known. In some way, God had given them a special revelation and so that they were positive in what they believed. They were so sure that they had set out on a long journey to find the new born KING OF THE JEWS.
Some believe the wise men could have been astronomers as they referred to a star. Some believe that the wise men had a knowledge of Daniel’s prophecy (ref Dan 9: 25) or Balaam’s prophecy in Num 24:17. Note Dan 9:25-KNOW THEREFORE AND UNDERSTAND, THAT FROM THE GOING FORTH OF THE COMMANDMENT TO RESTORE AND TO BUILD JERUSALEM UNTO THE MESSIAH THE PRINCE SHALL BE SEVEN WEEKS, AND THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS: THE STREET SHALL BE BUILT AGAIN, AND THE WALL, EVEN IN TROUBLOUS TIMES. Num 24:15-17-AND HE TOOK UP HIS PARABLE, AND SAID, BALAAM THE SON OF BEOR HATH SAID, AND THE MAN WHOSE EYES ARE OPEN HATH SAID: 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: 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. The verse continues—
AND ARE COME TO WORSHIP HIM. God had also in some way revealed to these wise men that the babe that had been born was not simply the king of the Jews but was also God as they came to worship Him. They did not seem to have any concern regarding worshipping Herod or any other king. The wise men might have expected to find Jerusalem worshipping the KING OF THE JEWS, yet what they found was that the people both did not know where the KING OF THE JEWS was, and neither did they know that such a birth had even taken place.
God had not revealed to the religious leaders or even Herod, the king, about the birth of the Messiah. Rather He revealed it to the wise men, which were also highly favored with God, as were the shepherds, and Simeon and Anna. It is much the same today. Many religious leaders today cannot truly direct anyone to Christ as they themselves are in darkness.

Mt 2:3.    WHEN HEROD THE KING. Note the difference—verse 3 uses the words BORN KING OF THE JEWS. Verse 3 uses the words HEROD THE KING.. Herod was a murderer while the other came to save that which was lost. The verse continues—
HAD HEARD THESE THINGS. As the wise men traveled in Jerusalem, and inquired regarding the whereabouts of the King of the Jews, Herod heard the news. The verse continues—
HE WAS TROUBLED (or very agitated, or disturbed),
AND (EVERYONE ELSE IN) JERUSALEM WITH HIM. Were the people of Jerusalem rejoicing at the news that the wise men brought?—no. Why were they troubled? One reason was that they were living in sin. They were not living in righteousness or trying to follow the law. They were not seeking to obey God. They were not seeking for the Messiah to reign over them.
It is the same today. The return of Jesus Christ to catch up (rapture, or translate) His people is not welcome news to most. Most do not want to hear of the return of Jesus Christ. It causes them to be uptight as they are not ready for His
return.
When Herod and the people had heard these things they would have realized the babe that the wise men talked about was not only the rightful king of Israel but also the long awaited Messiah.
Another reason Herod would have been troubled is (as stated under verse 2), it also said “BORN KING” “OF THE JEWS” Herod was not a rightful king of the Jews from the lineage of David or even of Jacob. He was an Edomite and from the lineage of Esau. Thus, one that was “BORN KING” “OF THE JEWS” would have the right to the throne which Herod held and thus he could lose his position and authority. Also he should have hoped that his sons would succeed him. The fact that the one born King of the Jews, also had a star, proclaimed clearly that this was of God.
Note the contrast. The birth of the baby Jesus brought joy to the angel Gabriel, to Joseph and Mary, Zacharias and Elizabeth, to Simeon, and Anna, to the angels, shepherds, and to the wise men, yet it troubled Herod and those that were living in intentional sin and rebellion to God such as the religious leaders and the people of Jerusalem. There is no indication up to this time that they had talked with Herod.

Mt 2:4.    AND WHEN HE (Herod) HAD GATHERED
ALL THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND SCRIBES (or Torah teachers) OF THE PEOPLE TOGETHER. What, if any, knowledge Herod had regarding the birth of the King of the Jews (or the Messiah) is now known. He called the chief priests and scribes, and then—
HE (BEGAN TO INQUIRE) (or asked) OF THEM
WHERE CHRIST (or the Messiah) SHOULD BE BORN. Herod understood that the one that was “BORN
KING” “OF THE JEWS” was the long awaited Messiah. Although they were troubled, it did not seem to surprise them that this was the time for the Messiah. Daniel's prophecy (ref Dan 9:25) made it clear—this was the time to expect the Christ (or Messiah). That Messiah is Jesus.

Mt 2:5.    AND THEY SAID (TO) HIM, IN BETHLEHEM (or Beit-Lechem) OF (JUDEA). The
chief priests and scribes knew the Scriptures that it was in Bethlehem that the Messiah should be born. This had been clearly prophesied by Micah (ref Mic 5:2) about 704 B.C. They (the religious leaders) expected a literal fulfillment of the prophecy but they were ignorant that it had happened. The verse continues—
FOR THUS IT IS WRITTEN BY THE PROPHET,

Mt 2:6.   AND (YOU) BETHLEHEM (or Beit-Lechem). Bethlehem means the house of bread. Jesus is the bread of life-ref Jn 6:35. This is also where David was born. Jesus is the Son of David. There is a well of water there which David longed to drink from-ref 2 Sam 23:15. Jesus, who was born in this same place-Bethlehem, said HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME SHALL NEVER THIRST-Jn 6:35. Jn 4:14-BUT WHOSOEVER DRINKETH OF THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL NEVER THIRST; BUT THE WATER THAT I SHALL GIVE HIM SHALL BE IN HIM A WELL OF WATER SPRINGING UP INTO EVERLASTING LIFE. Rev 21:6-AND HE (Jesus) SAID…I WILL GIVE UNTO HIM THAT IS ATHIRST OF THE FOUNTAIN OF THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. Rev 22:17-AND LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. The verse continues—
IN THE LAND OF JUDA.
(ARE BY NO MEANS-NASB) THE LEAST AMONG THE PRINCES (or leaders, or rulers) OF JUDA. Because of the birth of Christ, Bethlehem is now famous throughout much of the world. The verse continues—
FOR (FROM) (YOU) SHALL COME A GOVERNOR (or Ruler),
THAT SHALL RULE (or be the Shepherd of-NIV) MY PEOPLE ISRAEL. This was taken from Micah 5:2, The latter part of the verse was left out which more clearly shows the divinity of Christ. Nevertheless, what was read is clearly a reference to the Messiah. The religious leaders in Israel understood this.
Two reasons are given for the coming of Jesus. This verse partly covers the millennium (M) in which Christ will reign and rule. This was not accomplished at His first coming, but shall come to pass when He returns which is during the time of the Battle of Armageddon. In that day Jesus shall reign and rule as the King of kings and Lord of lords over all the earth.
Even the Pharisees and Scribes (of which many were unrighteous before God) did not doubt the authenticity of the Scriptures, or that this was the time for the Messiah to be born, or that the place He would be born was in Bethlehem.
Herod undoubtedly felt threatened. He was the king, but now another king, ordained of God to rule Israel had been born.    Micah 5:2 The KJV reads-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. The part that appears to have been omitted reads as follows: WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING.
It is not mentioned that Isaiah was read to Herod which states in 9:6-FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN: AND THE GOVERNMENT SHALL BE UPON HIS SHOULDER: AND HIS NAME SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE.Did the religious leaders seem to have any interest in finding and worshipping the Messiah? It appears they did not.

Mt 2:7.    THEN HEROD. Herod had reigned at this point about 35 years. The verse continues—
WHEN HE HAD (SECRETLY) CALLED THE WISE MEN (or Magi),
This is the first and only recorded visit that the wise men had with Herod. Herod seemingly did not wish the people to know that he had called the wise men and what he had said to them. Underneath his secrecy was the most wicked deed—that of trying to kill God himself. The verse continues—He
(ASKED) OF THEM DILIGENTLY
(WHEN) THE STAR APPEARED. This may be denoting when the wise men first saw the star which would help Herod determine when the one that was born KING OF THE JEWS might have been born. Herod did not doubt the wise men. Herod and Jerusalem were ignorant of the star. Apparently the star had not been seen by them. They were also ignorant that the Messiah had already been born, yet Gentiles come seeking Him from far away.
This may be said to be the history of Jesus. His own received Him not. Paul went unto the Gentiles and some of them did come to Christ, while most of the Jews did not. Yet that shall change during the tribulation as one third of Israel shall be saved and then in the millennium as it is written-THE GLORY OF THY PEOPLE ISRAEL-Lk 2:32.

Mt 2:8.    AND HE SENT THEM TO BETHLEHEM (or Beit-Lechem),
AND SAID, GO AND SEARCH DILIGENTLY (or carefully) FOR THE YOUNG CHILD. Herod did not speak of the Messiah as one that should yet be born, but as one that had already been born—THE YOUNG CHILD. The verse continues—
AND WHEN (YOU) HAVE FOUND HIM,
(REPORT TO ME) (or let me know) AGAIN,
THAT I MAY COME AND WORSHIP HIM ALSO. King Herod lied. His wicked treachery had begun. He had no intention of coming to worship the young child who was the anointed king of the Jews by God. As Mt 2:13 shows, Herod planned to kill the Messiah. He was not afraid to try to fight against God. The religious leaders also planned to do the same thing some thirty years later. As Herod was deceitful and wanted to kill Jesus, so it is today. Many seek in this present time to stop, discredit, or destroy those very few that do follow Jesus. In this 21st century, people in certain countries of the world are being killed for their faith in Christ and for possessing or teaching the Gospel. In the United States and around the world, those few people that obey God are often tempted and hindered in numerous ways by unbelievers as well as other (so called) professing believers.
Those living in intentional sin are often tormented with secret fears, which they hide from others and keep to themselves. Some even cloak their sin with a show of religiousness or religion—note Herod hid his intent to kill the Messiah with the words THAT I MAY COME AND WORSHIP HIM. The greatest wickedness often tries to hide itself under a mask of something that looks good. Herod’s secretiveness could have reflected some evil intent, but he hid it with the lie that he wanted to worship Him that was born King of the Jews.
God had confused Herod. It appears he had not thought to have his own trusted servants go to find the King of the Jews. It appears he had not thought to have the wise men followed. It had not occurred to him that God would warn the wise men not to return to Herod. Bethlehem is only a few miles from Jerusalem. In the same way God hides what and how His church does things from their enemies. In the same way, about 33 years later, those that later sought to kill Jesus had difficulty finding Him until Judas betrayed his location. In the same way that the religious leaders sent spies to watch Jesus during His ministry, so today there are enemies of the cross that seek to spy out the liberty of those that follow Christ-ref Gal 2:4.

Mt 2:9.    (AFTER) THEY HAD (LISTENED TO) THE KING,
THEY DEPARTED. Note, not one person from Jerusalem went with them to seek and worship the Messiah. Not one of His kinsmen (the Jews) even seemed curious enough to go to a nearby town, yet the wise men came from a distant land. The verse continues—
AND, (BEHOLD), THE STAR, WHICH THEY SAW IN THE EAST. Note, first they departed from Herod. They continued their journey in faith. Then the star which they had not apparently seen since they were in the east—
WENT (IN FRONT OF) THEM. Up to this point it had not said that the star went before them. They had only seen His star when they were in the east. Now this (seemingly) bright object has transported itself to the area of Jerusalem. It did not say if it was day or night when they departed. The object might have been so bright that they could see it in the day time. 2nd Pe 1:19 does refer to Jesus with the words—day star. The star might have been an angel in the sky leading them.
As the earth turns during the night, the stars and moon flow from the east to the west across the sky. In the same way, the sun in the day flows from the east to the west because of how the earth turns. Bethlehem, however, is about 5 miles south of Jerusalem. This star that had appeared to them in the east now reappears and directs them to go south. Israel had been led by a pillar of fire at night-ref Ex 13:21, as they went to the promised land. The shepherds were alerted by Angels regarding the birth of Christ the Lord. The wise men are led by a star as they seek the King of the Jews. The verse continues—
TILL IT CAME AND (STOPPED)
OVER WHERE THE YOUNG CHILD WAS. The star stopped moving when it was over the place that the young child Jesus was located. It appears that the star (or light) was at a low altitude as it would be hard for a distant star or even something as close as the moon to pinpoint being over a certain building from distant space.
God’s word now calls the babe a young child, not a new born infant or babe as in Lk 2:12. This indicates that some time had passed since He had been born.
The star now comes to a complete stop at a specific place—where the young child was. Exactly what this star was is not specified. Whether or not other people could also see the star is not mentioned. Whatever the object was that looked like a star, it could appear and disappear. It could move very slowly (such as the speed they were traveling on camels) and in any direction. It obviously moved at a very low altitude. It was as some sort of a low flying object that moved very slowly, but looked like a star, and came to a stop while hovering directly over a house.. If the wise men traveled in the day time and followed the star to Bethlehem, then it would have to be very bright to be able to be seen in the day. If they traveled at night, then perhaps it was so bright, it could enable them to see at night so they would not stumble-ref Jn 11:9,10. Yet, on the other hand it might not have been overly bright, as no one else seemed to observe and follow it. Note verse Jn 11:10 has another meaning which is not covered here.
Once they arrived where the young child was, there is no more mention of the star. Perhaps after they went in, it just disappeared.

Mt 2:10.    WHEN THEY SAW THE STAR, THEY (WERE OVERJOYED). Did they begin to doubt
when no one in Jerusalem seemed to know that the birth of the King of the Jews had taken place? But now they see the star again. It seems that they had not seen the star since they left the east and started their long journey to Jerusalem. They were overjoyed.

Mt 2:11.    AND WHEN THEY WERE COME INTO THE HOUSE. Note, contrary to incorrect popular tradition, they did not come to a stable but to some house. The Messiah had already been born. Some time had passed and now Joseph and Mary were residing in some house. All indications were that the house was located somewhere in the vicinity of Bethlehem as noted in verse Mt 2:16. It is here that the wise men came, not to some stable. Note that Mt 2:1 and 8-had shown that the wise men came to Jerusalem and then on to Bethlehem sometime AFTER Jesus had been born. We know of no biblical evidence that the wise men traveled to Nazareth as a few believe. The verse continues—
THEY SAW THE YOUNG CHILD . Once again, the King of the Jews is being referred to as a young child, not as new born babe. Verse 16 gives the indication that the child was under 2 years old. The young child is mentioned first and Mary is mentioned after. The verse continues—
WITH MARY HIS MOTHER. Joseph is not mentioned at this time. The verse continues—
AND (they) FELL DOWN, AND WORSHIPED HIM. First the wise men humbled and presented themselves. They were fully persuaded that this was the long awaited Messiah, the King of the Jews. They worshipped the Messiah indicating that they recognized who He was and that he is deity. There is no mention that they gave any such honor to Herod when they were in Jerusalem.
After they had worshipped they gave gifts. The verse continues—
AND WHEN THEY HAD OPENED THEIR (BAGS), THEY PRESENTED (TO) HIM GIFTS. The gifts that were presented were fitting for the King and showed their love. First was given—
GOLD. Gold is presented to the Messiah—the King of the Jews. Gold can represent divinity-(note Hag 2:7,8). All indications are that Joseph and Mary were very poor. The gold may have been used to sustain the family in their travels to come. The verse continues—
AND FRANKINCENSE (or incense). This is a fragrance or spice, a reflection of His life. Further references to frankincense in the Bible can be found in Ex 30:34; Lev 2:1, 2, 15, 16; 5:11; 6:15; 24”7; Num 5:15; 1 Chr 9:29; Neh 13:5,9; SOS 3:6; 4:6, 14; and Rev 18:13. The verse continues—
AND MYRRH. This is something that is used in a burial. Further references to myrrh can be found in Gen 37:25; 43:11; Ex 30:23; Es 20:23; Ps 45:8; Pv 7:17; SOS 1:13; 3:6; 4:6, 14; 5:1,5,13; Mk 15:23; and Jn 19:39.
It has been suggested that the gifts were representative of Jesus as the King, the Son of God and the Messiah that would be killed.
Note that the wise men were seeking a person, not a religion. Salvation does not come through a religion, a denomination, a church, or some priest, preacher or evangelist or some fancy building, synagogue, or temple or through some ritual, ceremony, or special service. It comes only through trusting in the person of Jesus.
Once they departed, they may have planned to go back to Herod and tell him where the King of the Jews was located. However, God took steps to insure this would not happen. As it is written,

Mt 2:12.    AND BEING (divinely) WARNED (BY) GOD IN A DREAM. Some believe that they had asked God for direction and He warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. The verse continues—
THAT THEY (which is plural). The verse continues—
SHOULD NOT RETURN (back) TO HEROD,
THEY (RETURNED) INTO THEIR OWN COUNTRY. The word country is singular. The verse continues—
(by) ANOTHER WAY. It appears that all of the wise men were warned in a dream about not returning back to Herod. They may not have sensed the treachery that was in Herod’s heart in wanting to kill Jesus. Those that are pure in heart may sometimes be deceived into thinking that some others are the same way.The country that they were from is not mentioned. They obeyed God and did not doubt the dream which they had received.
What a tragedy it is that so few seek the Jesus of the Bible as these wise men did.

Mt 2:13.    AND (AFTER THEY HAD GONE). It appears that it was but a very short time after the wise
men had gone that—
BEHOLD, THE ANGEL OF THE LORD. Other references in the Bible regarding the angel of the lord appear in the following:
Mt 1:21-The angel of the Lord appeared unto Joseph in a dream.
Mt 1:24-Joseph…did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him.
Mt 2:19-When Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph.
Mt 28:2-The angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone.
Lk 1:11-There appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
Lk 2:9-And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Acts 5:19-But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth.
Acts 7:30-And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
Acts 8:26-And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
Acts 12:7-And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
Acts 12:23-And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost. The verse continues—
(APPEARED) TO JOSEPH IN A DREAM, SAYING. God normally speaks to us through His Word (the Bible), and in other ways also. However, in some cases God does speak to us in a dream. Satan also can speak to us in dreams. Thus the Scriptures must always be the final and ultimate source of authority proving or disproving what we believe God would have us to do. This is the second time that God appeared to Joseph in a dream (ref Mt 1:20; 2:13; 2:19; and 2:22). How wonderful it is that those that belong to Christ through trust, have a direct line to God in heaven to communicate both ways. The verse continues—
(GET UP), AND TAKE THE YOUNG CHILD Again Jesus is called a young child, not a new born babe. The verse continues—AND HIS MOTHER. The young child is mentioned first, not His mother. The verse continues—
AND FLEE (or escape). God is telling to go with haste and do not hesitate. The verse continues—
INTO EGYPT. Egypt was chosen to fulfill the prophecy of Hos 11:1-When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. This prophecy is referring to Israel, but also implications are that it is also of Jesus as seen in Mt 2:15. The verse continues—
AND (STAY) THERE UNTIL I (TELL YOU TO LEAVE-JNT): Even though Mary was highly favored among women, yet Joseph, her husband was given direction by the Lord regarding moving the family. God tells Joseph several things. 1-In the dream, He says, “Get up.” 2-God tells Joseph whom to take, 3-how to do it—flee 4-where to go, and 5-how long to stay there. God did not leave Joseph and Mary without hope. God shows Joseph that he will hear from him again when the time is right. Number 6-God then tells Joseph the reason he must flee. The verse continues—
FOR HEROD WILL (SEARCH) (or look for) THE YOUNG CHILD
(IN ORDER TO KILL HIM-JNT). God will sometimes warn us of impending danger and make a way for us to escape. He tells Joseph what Herod intends to do and the reason. God could have struck Herod dead at this time. He could have sent angels to stop Herod and the soldiers. He did not. He used natural means to escape the problem.
This is an example of what Satan will sometimes try to do to those whose light shines brightly for Jesus, that will not back down from proclaiming the full Gospel, and that will obey God. God wants His people to depend upon Him.
As God told Israel (which is Jacob) ref Gen 46:1-4 FEAR NOT TO GO DOWN INTO EGYPT, now God tells Joseph to flee into Egypt.
Satan knew from Gen 3:15 that the seed of the woman would one day bruise his head. Satan wanted to kill the Messiah, the King of the Jews. It is written Rev 12:4-…THE DRAGON (which is Satan) STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN WHICH WAS READY TO BE DELIVERED, FOR TO DEVOUR HER CHILD AS SOON AS IT WAS BORN.
From the very beginning, there appeared to be problems, but God was in control. Joseph and Mary were poor. When Mary’s time to deliver a child was almost at hand, they had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem (app. 66 to 90 miles depending on which path they took). There were no buses or cars to take them there. Then there was no place for them at the inn, even though Mary was about to bring forth a child. The King of the Jews was delivered in an area that housed animals and would have smelled as such. Not long after (within 2 years) Herod, prompted by Satan seeks to kill the young child, and they have to flee to another country. The life of Jesus, once He began teaching, was filled with persecutions, false accusations, and he had not where to lay his head-ref Mt 8:20. Ultimately, He was beaten, marred more than any man-ref Isa 52:14, and hung on a cross. Indeed, Jesus was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin-ref Heb 4:15. The life of a person that follows Jesus is often filled with what appears to be difficult situations, but God is totally in control.

Mt 2:14.    WHEN HE (GOT UP), HE TOOK THE YOUNG CHILD
AND HIS MOTHER (DURING THE) NIGHT. Note, the young child is again mentioned before His mother. It is noted that Joseph got up immediately, even though it was still night. This indicates that when they left, no one may have seen or even known that they departed or where they were going. There were to leave in secrecy, insuring there would be no one to tell the solders that would soon be coming. First Joseph is mentioned, then the young child and His mother after. Mary is not mentioned before Jesus, but after. The verse continues—
AND (LEFT FOR) EGYPT. Joseph obeyed God without hesitation. Mary appears, without hesitation, to have obeyed her husband Joseph. She did not doubt that God was giving direction to her husband for what the family should do. No mention is given that she in any way argued with her husband over this matter. Joseph, as with Abraham, appeared to go forth, yet not knowing where he was going.
It has been stated that there was a large Jewish population in a certain area in Egypt at this time. They undoubtedly would have been welcomed by their own people and blended in.

Mt 2:15.       AND (STAYED) THERE
UNTIL THE DEATH OF HEROD. Joseph obeyed God. It does not appear that Herod lived very many years after he had many children killed, hoping that the king that had been born might be among them. It is estimated by some that Herod died around 4 BC. The difference in the calendar’s dating today as opposed to then is debated and can vary by several years. It is estimated by some that they continued in Egypt from a few weeks to two years. The verse continues—
THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED WHICH WAS SPOKEN OF THE LORD
BY THE PROPHET, SAYING,
OUT OF EGYPT HAVE I CALLED MY SON. Jesus is called by God as MY SON. Through this event additional prophecy in the Old Testament was fulfilled. It is written in Num 24:8-GOD BROUGHT HIM FORTH OUT OF EGYPT; HE HATH AS IT WERE THE STRENGTH OF AN UNICORN: HE SHALL EAT UP THE NATIONS HIS ENEMIES, AND SHALL BREAK THEIR BONES, AND PIERCE THEM THROUGH WITH HIS ARROWS. It was originally written approximately 1423 BC. The same words are used in Hos 11:1, regarding Israel-WHEN ISRAEL WAS A CHILD, THEN I LOVED HIM, AND CALLED MY SON OUT OF EGYPT. Hosea was written about 723 BC. Both Israel and Jesus are called My Son in the Scriptures. Both were loved. Both went to Egypt. Both were called out of Egypt.

Mt 2:16.    THEN HEROD,
WHEN HE (REALIZED) THAT HE WAS MOCKED (or tricked, or outwitted, or deceived)
OF THE WISE MEN (or Magi),
(he) WAS (ENRAGED) (or furious, or angry). The more sinful a person’s pursuit may be, the more enraged he may become when he is met with obstacles. Herod wanted to kill the King of the Jews. When he was met with the obstacle that the wise men did not return to tell him where the King of the Jews was, he was enraged. The Pharisees wanted to kill Jesus about 32 years later. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave, they wanted to kill Lazarus also.
The wise men did not intend to deceive Herod but they chose to obey God rather than Herod. Herod was enraged. He was accustomed to people obeying him. There are times when people want a born again Christian to do things which are contrary to God’s written Word. When the born again Christian obeys God in such instances rather then men, the people may become very angry. The verse continues—
AND SENT FORTH, AND (GAVE ORDERS TO KILL-NIV)
ALL THE (male) CHILDREN (or boys)
THAT WERE IN BETHLEHEM,
AND IN ALL THE COASTS (or environs, or vicinity, or districts)
THEREOF. FROM TWO YEARS OLD AND UNDER. God forbid, the male children in Bethlehem and the vicinity surrounding Bethlehem from 2 years old and younger were killed. All the children in Israel were not killed. The verse continues—
ACCORDING TO (or calculating) THE TIME WHICH HE HAD DILIGENTLY INQUIRED (or ascertained, or learned, or determined)
(FROM) THE WISE MEN (or Magi). From this Scripture, many believe that the wise men visited the young child Jesus when he was from 1 to less than 2 years old. The fact that God had Joseph, the child Jesus, and Mary depart for Egypt showed that Jesus would have been included in those that were killed. It confirms his approximate age at this time and that they were still living in the vicinity of Bethlehem, not in Nazareth. Some believe that the two years could have been taking into account the time from which the wise men had first seen His star in the east. Herod would have seemingly also included children older than he believed the King of the Jews was to insure that he was killed.

Mt 2:17.    THEN WAS FULFILLED THAT WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY JEREMIAH THE
PROPHET, SAYING. This horrible action and the results were foretold in the Old Testament.

Mt 2:18.    IN (RAMAH). Ramah (or Rama) means elevated. It has been identified as a town that is in Benjamin which is near to Gibeah. The verse continues—
WAS THERE A VOICE HEARD,
LAMENTATION, AND WEEPING, AND GREAT MOURNING (or sobbing and lamenting loudly-JNT),
(It was) RACHEL. This is a reference to the Rachel who was Jacob’s wife. Jacob was also called Israel. She was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her grave is in Bethlehem and can be seen by tourists. It is written Gen 35:19-AND RACHEL DIED, AND WAS BURIED IN THE WAY TO EPHRATH, WHICH IS BETHLEHEM. The verse continues—
WEEPING (or sobbing) FOR HER CHILDREN,
AND WOULD NOT (or refused to) BE COMFORTED,
BECAUSE THEY (ARE NO LONGER ALIVE-JNT) (or were no more). This prophecy is written in the Old Testament in Jere 31:15-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. This was written about 597 BC. As originally written, this verse appears to have been referring to the crying of a nation regarding the death of her children during the time of the Babylonian captivity, thus the verse appears to have a double meaning or a second part
As already mentioned, Satan wanted to destroy Jesus as soon as He was born. He worked through Herod. This dates back to Gen 3:15. As it is written, AND I WILL PUT ENMITY (or hatred) BETWEEN THEE (Satan) AND THE WOMAN (Israel), AND BETWEEN THY SEED AND HER SEED; IT SHALL BRUISE THY HEAD, AND THOU (Satan) SHALT BRUISE HIS HEEL.
As was already stated, it is further written, AND THE DRAGON (who is Satan) STOOD BEFORE THE WOMAN (which is Israel) WHICH WAS READY TO BE DELIVERED (or give birth), FOR TO DEVOUR (or so that he might devour-NIV) HER CHILD (which is Jesus) AS SOON AS (or the moment) IT WAS BORN.
Herod undoubtedly believed that he had succeeded in destroying the King of the Jews. Little did he probably foresee that his own death was not far off.

Mt 2:19.    BUT WHEN HEROD WAS DEAD. Exactly how long this was after Herod has arranged for the children to be killed is not known. Some estimate Herod died around 4 B.C. Some may believe it was a bit later, perhaps 1 B.C. The verse continues—
BEHOLD, AN ANGEL OF THE LORD (or Adonai)
(APPEARED) IN A DREAM. Again God used a dream to communicate what He wished to convey. The verse continues—
TO JOSEPH IN EGYPT. As God had promised in verse 13, he now appeared again to Joseph. This is the third time that God appeared to Joseph in a dream. Again we note that the direction for the family was given to Joseph, Mary’s husband, not to Mary as it is written, 1 Cor 11:3-BUT I WOULD HAVE YOU KNOW, THAT THE HEAD OF EVERY MAN IS CHRIST; AND THE HEAD OF THE WOMAN IS THE MAN; AND THE HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD.
Eph 5:23-FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH: AND HE IS THE SAVIOUR OF THE BODY.

Mt 2:20.    SAYING, (GET UP). It is possible that they may have left Egypt at night, not telling others they were leaving or where they were going. The verse continues—
AND TAKE THE YOUNG CHILD. Jesus is still called the young child. Also, He is not called Joseph’s son. Exactly how much time had expired since they were in Egypt is not told. The wording would lead us to believe it may have been only a few months to a couple years. The verse continues—
AND HIS MOTHER. Again the young child is mentioned first, then His mother. The verse continues—
AND GO. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph previously, he was told to flee. This time he is told to go—
INTO THE LAND OF ISRAEL. God did not appear to tell Joseph where to go in Israel. This would come after he arrived there Often time God gives us only the next step to take, not the whole journey or picture. The verse continues—
FOR THEY ARE DEAD. The word they is used denoting more than one had sought to kill the young child. All that had sought to kill the KING OF THE JEWS had themselves now died but the young child Jesus was still alive. The verse continues—
WHICH (WERE TRYING TO TAKE-NIV) THE YOUNG CHILD'S LIFE. . It is reported that Herod died a horrible death. There are times when persecuted Christians live to see God’s judgment upon those that came against them.
Through the dream Joseph was made aware of the death of those that wanted to kill Jesus-that is Herod the king and others. Even though Mary was highly favored with God, yet again, it is noted that the direction to move the family was given to the husband and not Mary as the husband is the head of the wife as covered in the commentary of Mt 2:19.
Herod had arranged for many to be slain as he was fearful another king would take his place. Yet the Lord had determined that Herod’s own death would be shortly after he had accomplished his evil act. God is telling Joseph to take his family and return to Israel.

Mt 2:21.    AND HE (GOT UP). As mentioned in verse 20, it is possible that they may have left Egypt
at night, not telling others they were leaving or where they were going. The verse continues—
AND TOOK THE YOUNG CHILD AND HIS MOTHER. Again the young child is mentioned first and then His mother. The verse continues—
AND CAME (back)
INTO THE LAND OF ISRAEL. Joseph obeyed God without hesitation. We note that the movement of the family was given to Joseph, the husband of Mary. Throughout this chapter, the young child is mentioned first and then Mary or His mother comes afterward. Regretfully, the Roman Catholic church often puts the mother above the child.

Lk 2:39 (pt 1).    AND WHEN (JOSEPH AND MARY). Joseph, the husband is mentioned first and
then Mary. When they—
HAD PERFORMED ALL THINGS
(REQUIRED BY) THE LAW OF THE LORD. Lk 2:18 covers the time period 40 days after the verse of Jesus. It is possible that these first words of Lk 2:39 go with Lk 2:38, then there is a time gap which includes the visit of the wise men, and the subsequent visit of Joseph, Jesus, and Mary to Egypt and then their return to Galilee.

GAP VERSES
LAW OF THE LORD

There are various verses in the Bible in which two different time periods are included in the same verse (a “gap” verse) while events that happened in between are omitted. There are others in which there is a large time gap between two verses. There are yet other cases in which the first verse or group of verses happened after the second verse (or group of verses). Should verse 39 be this case, then the coming of the wise men, the trip to Egypt and subsequent return to Israel would be placed after the words THE LAW OF THE LORD and before the word THEY. This would be the case if they believe THE LAW OF THE LORD means that they only performed those things required by the Law of Moses in Jerusalem. This kind of an omission (such as the visit of the wise men, and trip to Egypt and return) being included in one Gospel but not in another is very common in the 4 Gospels. This is one reason that putting the 4 Gospels together in a chronological order helps us understand in much more depth the various events that happened.
Another explanation for the words: AND WHEN (JOSEPH AND MARY) HAD PERFORMED ALL THINGS (REQUIRED BY) THE LAW OF THE LORD, being the first part of this verse is as follows—It did not say they performed all things according to the law of Moses, but according to the law of “the Lord.” This could include the prophesied going into Egypt and returning from Egypt to Israel. As it is written, I…CALLED MY SON OUT OF EGYPT-Hos 11:1; ref Mt 2:15.). Regarding the law of the Lord, the law of God, the law of thy God, the law of the Lord God, the law of the God of heaven, a law of the God of Jacob, some are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. In many verses it appears to be interchangeable with the Law of Moses, while in others (especially the New Testament) it may denote the whole counsel of God. The Law of the Lord also includes such things as the acts of Josiah-ref 2 Chr 35:26. There is also the law of the Spirit of life, law of liberty, and others.
Another explanation is that upon returning from Egypt to Israel, and subsequently to Nazareth, they may have been in the area of Jerusalem during a feast time, and thus performed all things (required by) the law of the Lord. The verses continue—

Mt 2:22.    BUT WHEN HE HEARD THAT ARCHELAUS DID REIGN
(OVER) (JUDEA) (as king of Y’hudah-JNT)
IN (PLACE) (or instead) OF HIS FATHER HEROD. It is said that Archelaus, was a son of Herod by a Samaritan wife. He was now reigning over the areas of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea. He did not reign over all the area that his father did, however. Archelaus was also noted for his violence. The verse continues—
HE (which is Joseph) WAS AFRAID TO GO (THERE). Joseph might have thought he should return to Bethlehem, the city of David-ref Lk 2:4, which is where Jesus was born and which is the area they had left from when they went to Egypt. The verse continues—
NOTWITHSTANDING, BEING WARNED OF GOD IN A DREAM. This is the fourth time that God spoke to Joseph in a dream. The verse continues—
HE TURNED ASIDE (or departed, or withdrew)
INTO THE (REGIONS) (or district) OF GALILEE. God was guiding Joseph each step of the way, yet still he was afraid when he heard that Archelaus reigned. Sometimes God can use our fears to direct us, while other times Satan can use our fears to cause us to go astray.
The ruler of the regions or district of Galilee is reported to have been Antipas (or Philip). He was also a son of Herod, but it is said that he was not noted for the violent attitude of Archelaus.

Lk 2:39 (pt 2).    THEY RETURNED INTO GALILEE, TO THEIR OWN CITY (or town of)
NAZARETH. Joseph and Mary returning from Egypt-ref Mt 2:22,23, now return to their own city (which was Nazareth) in which they resided before they went to Bethlehem. Note, the Bible calls Nazareth THEIR OWN CITY. This is where the angel had appeared to Mary. Seemingly both Joseph and Mary had lived there for some time in the past. They may have had many relatives there as well. Note: Luke’s Gospel omits the visit of the wise men, and the trip to Egypt.

Mt 2:23.    AND HE. As the head of the house, the term he is used. The verse continues—
CAME AND (SETTLED) (or resided, or lived)
IN A (TOWN) CALLED NAZARETH. They now return from the town from where they had left to go to Bethlehem, some months of years before. The verse continues—
THAT IT MIGHT BE FULFILLED WHICH WAS SPOKEN BY THE PROPHETS. (Note prophets is plural). The verse continues—
(that) HE SHALL BE CALLED A NAZARENE. This passage is not found in the current Old Testament of the King James Bible. Some believe it could be referring in part to Isa 53:3 which reads in part as follows…HE WAS DESPISED, AND WE ESTEEMED HIM NOT. Nazareth (sanctified).
Both Joseph and Mary were in Nazareth when the angel Gabriel was sent from God to Mary. Now they return to their own city. This is referring that Christ came out from the town of Nazareth in which he was raised. Nazareth is not found in the Old Testament but is mentioned in the New Testament about 28 times.
It is reported that people that lived in Nazareth were despised. It is further reported that this city housed Roman soldiers and people in other regions thought that the people that lived in Nazareth consorted with the enemy. Jesus was also despised in many peoples eyes and Nathanael said ref Jn 1:46-CAN THERE ANY GOOD THING COME OUT OF NAZARETH? To be called a Nazarene was to be despised in the eyes of many. It may be said it was a name of reproach and contempt. It may be said that a person which came from Nazareth would have no respect. As it was just said concerning Jesus—Isa 53:3-HE IS DESPISED AND REJECTED OF MEN;…AND WE ESTEEMED HIM NOT. Ps 22:6-BUT I AM A WORM, AND NO MAN; A REPROACH OF MEN, AND DESPISED OF THE PEOPLE. Those that follow Jesus are in like manner often despised and ridiculed. (For additional information on Nazareth, see Lk 1:26).

Lk 2:40.    AND THE CHILD GREW AND (BECAME) STRONG IN SPIRIT. This should be what
may be said to be his inner self—His Personal Spirit and also stature of His body. He knew who He was. His trust was totally in His Father. He spoke and did that which was of His Father in Heaven. He became strong in spirit. The verse continues—
FILLED (or increasing) WITH WISDOM. Jesus is wisdom and is the source of wisdom for those that follow Him. God gave Solomon A WISE AND AN UNDERSTANDING HEART; SO THAT THERE WAS NONE LIKE THEE BEFORE THEE, NEITHER AFTER THEE SHALL ANY ARISE LIKE UNTO THEE-1 Ki 3:12. However, regarding the wisdom of Jesus, it is written-THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH…SHE CAME FROM THE UTTERMOST PARTS OF THE EARTH TO HEAR THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON; AND, BEHOLD, A GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE-Mt 12:42, ref Lk 11:31.

WISDOM

True strength and wisdom for the real born again Christian is from the Word of God from which faith comes. As a born again Christian receives God’s Word, humble themselves, and their repentant heart understands it, and they do God’s Word, their wisdom, their strength should increase for by trust a person overcomes-ref 1 Jn 5:4.
The Scriptures portray getting wisdom as the principle things and far more important than rubies or other such things. God’s Word relates understanding God’s Word and fearing God with wisdom. It is written
Pv 4:7-WISDOM IS THE PRINCIPAL THING; THEREFORE GET WISDOM: AND WITH ALL THY GETTING GET UNDERSTANDING.
Pv 16:16-HOW MUCH BETTER IS IT TO GET WISDOM THAN GOLD! AND TO GET UNDERSTANDING RATHER TO BE CHOSEN THAN SILVER!
Pv 8:11-FOR WISDOM IS BETTER THAN RUBIES; AND ALL THE THINGS THAT MAY BE DESIRED ARE NOT TO BE COMPARED TO IT.
Pv 9:10-THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING.
Pv 1:7-THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE: BUT FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION.
Pv 15:33-THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE INSTRUCTION OF WISDOM; AND BEFORE HONOUR IS HUMILITY.
Job 28:28-…BEHOLD, THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAT IS WISDOM; AND TO DEPART FROM EVIL IS UNDERSTANDING.
Jesus is the Word, yet the overwhelming evidence from the four Gospels is that Jesus spent much time studying the Scriptures, praying, and thanking God The verse continues—
AND THE GRACE (or favor) OF GOD WAS UPON HIM. Through the GRACE OF GOD Jesus was able to do and accomplish what He did.
In Lk 2:52 it is written-AND JESUS INCREASED (or grew) IN WISDOM, (that is spiritual wisdom) AND STATURE, AND (gaining) IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND (OTHER PEOPLE). The child Jesus was raised as other children, yet He knew no sin-ref 2 Cor 5:21. Jesus was-IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED LIKE AS WE ARE, YET WITHOUT SIN-Heb 4:15. It is written, Pv 22:15-FOOLISHNESS IS BOUND IN THE HEART OF A CHILD; yet the dishonesty and foolishness that other children do, Jesus did not do.

Lk 2:41. NOW HIS PARENTS (which is referring to Joseph and Mary)—
WENT TO JERUSALEM EVERY YEAR AT THE FEAST (or festival) OF THE PASSOVER. This was required by the law of Moses. Actually, the law required that all Israeli males go to appear before the Lord three times a year as it is written in Deut 16:16-THREE TIMES IN A YEAR SHALL ALL THY MALES APPEAR BEFORE THE LORD THY GOD IN THE PLACE WHICH HE SHALL CHOOSE; (1) IN THE FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD (which is usually in our April), (2) AND IN THE FEAST OF WEEKS (or Penticost-which is 50 days later), (3) AND IN THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES (which can be in our September or October): AND THEY SHALL NOT APPEAR BEFORE THE LORD EMPTY. Worldly business is of a secondary important. Obeying God and doing His will is what is important. Thus, our worldly business and concerns must give way to the things which be of God. Regretfully, few people in this generation understand this. Though the only begotten Son of God was with them in their house, yet they kept this required feast. It is most likely that Joseph went to the other two feasts each year also (Pentecost and Tabernacles) while both Joseph and Mary attended the Passover each year.

Lk 2:42. AND WHEN HE WAS TWELVE YEARS OLD,
THEY WENT UP TO JERUSALEM
(ACCORDING TO) THE CUSTOM OF THE FEAST. The feast of Passover is followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Thus the time they stayed in Jerusalem may have been 7 to 8 days. At the age of 12 Jesus also went with His parents. It was at the age of 12 years that a Jewish boy would begin to be looked upon as a man. This was probably not the first time that Jesus had gone to this feast. The Feast of Firstfruits is also included within this time period.

PASSOVER

Regarding Passover, about 21 years later, Jesus Christ died on Passover, at 3 p.m.-ref Mk 15:34-37, as the fourteenth day of Nisan was drawing to a close. FOR EVEN CHRIST OUR PASSOVER IS SACRIFICED FOR US-ref 1 Cor 5:6,7.Regarding Unleavened Bread, He was buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which began a short time later, at evening, the fifteenth day of Nisan—the exact date that God had ordained.Regarding Firstfruits, Jesus Christ, our Passover, our Unleavened Bread, rose from the dead on this feast, the first day of the week. God set the date; it was fulfilled precisely according to His timetable. Because of this, Sunday became known as the Lord’s day, which many Christian believers began to observe as their day of rest. BUT NOW IS CHRIST RISEN FROM THE DEAD, AND BECOME THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THEM THAT SLEEP-1 Cor 15:20.Joseph and Mary did not understand at this time the significance of these three feasts and how they related to Jesus.

Lk 2:43.    AND WHEN THEY HAD FULFILLED
THE (full number of) DAYS (or after the feast was over-NIV). The total number of days for the Passover and Unleavened Bread should be 8. Thus, after 8 days—
AS THEY (Joseph and Mary, and perhaps other family members)—
RETURNED (home), which was at Nazareth—
THE CHILD JESUS (STAYED)
BEHIND IN JERUSALEM. Where Jesus slept or who he may have stayed with in Jerusalem is not revealed. The verse continues—
AND JOSEPH AND HIS MOTHER (or parents). It did not say His father, in regards to Joseph as Joseph was not His actual father but rather just uses his name Joseph, however it does mention His mother as Mary was His actual mother. The verse continues—
(WERE UNAWARE) OF IT.

Lk 2:44.    BUT THEY,
(THINKING HE WAS) (somewhere) IN THE (CARAVAN),
WENT A DAY'S JOURNEY (on the road). A day’s journey would normally have been around 20 miles. It has been suggested however, that the first day of such a journey might have been less so if someone forgot something, they could return quickly and retrieve it and then rejoin the group. The verse continues—
AND (then) THEY (Joseph and Mary)—
(BEGAN SEARCHING FOR) HIM (the child Jesus)—
AMONG THEIR (RELATIVES) AND (FRIENDS). Many people went to Jerusalem for the Passover. Thus, the roads were probably cluttered with people. Also the caravan was probably very long. There were undoubtedly several groups of friends and relatives in the large caravan traveling from Jerusalem to the area of Nazareth. They might have begun searching for Jesus at a stopping off or resting place along the way.
Jesus had now reached the age of twelve. Joseph and His mother would have trusted him and were not at first concerned believing that he was with relatives and friends.
The distance they had to travel should have been 65 to 90 miles depending on which way they went. God did not choose to show Joseph and Mary that Jesus was not in the caravan right away.

Lk 2:45.    AND WHEN THEY (Joseph and Mary)—
FOUND HIM NOT,
THEY TURNED BACK AGAIN TO JERUSALEM,
SEEKING HIM. Both Joseph and Mary were righteous before God. Mary was highly favored with God, yet did God show them immediately where the child Jesus was located?—the answer is no. They were undoubtedly worried and filled with anxiety.

Lk 2:46.      AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT AFTER THREE DAYS (or on the third day-JNT). The scripture is not clear regarding from what time the 3 days came after, whether from the time they left Jerusalem or from the time they turned back to return to Jerusalem. The verse continues—
THEY FOUND HIM IN THE TEMPLE (courts). They had traveled about a days journey from Jerusalem. Next allow one day to return and it appears part of one day to find Jesus, thus it appears on the third day from the time they left Jerusalem they found Jesus—
SITTING (AMONG) THE DOCTORS (or teachers, or rabbis),
BOTH (LISTENING TO) THEM,
AND ASKING THEM QUESTIONS. It appears that Jesus was having a deep theological conversation with some of the religious leaders. They did not find Jesus playing games with other boys or site seeing in Jerusalem as most other children his age would probably been doing. How many hours this had been going on is not mentioned, neither if He had done this the day before.

Lk 2:47.    AND ALL THAT HEARD HIM WERE ASTONISHED
AT HIS UNDERSTANDING (or insight) AND ANSWERS. Jesus listened, asked questions, talked, was asked questions, had great understanding, and answered their questions. All that heard were astonished at the understanding that Jesus had. The fact is that His understanding was far beyond that of the religious leaders. Little did they suspect that this 12 year boy was the living Word that was born of the virgin Mary and God was His Father. Little did they suspect that 12 years before this was the One the wise men had sought after. Little did they remember that it may have been some of them that Herod had consulted with about where Christ should be born-ref Mt 2:4. Little could they understand that about 18 years later, this same Jesus, that is the Christ would come on the scene. How little they understood that this very Person was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, even God himself, the long awaited Messiah.
It is written Ps 119:97-104-O HOW LOVE I THY LAW! IT IS MY MEDITATION ALL THE DAY. THOU THROUGH THY COMMANDMENTS HAST MADE ME WISER THAN MINE ENEMIES: FOR THEY ARE EVER WITH ME. I HAVE MORE UNDERSTANDING THAN ALL MY TEACHERS: FOR THY TESTIMONIES ARE MY MEDITATION. I UNDERSTAND MORE THAN THE ANCIENTS, BECAUSE I KEEP THY PRECEPTS. I HAVE REFRAINED MY FEET FROM EVERY EVIL WAY, THAT I MIGHT KEEP THY WORD. I HAVE NOT DEPARTED FROM THY JUDGMENTS: FOR THOU HAST TAUGHT ME. HOW SWEET ARE THY WORDS UNTO MY TASTE! YEA, SWEETER THAN HONEY TO MY MOUTH! THROUGH THY PRECEPTS I GET UNDERSTANDING: THEREFORE I HATE EVERY FALSE WAY

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