Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Matthew 2:19-21

Joseph's return. Τελευτήσαντος δὲ τ. Ἡρ : Herod died in 750 U. C. in his 70th year, at Jericho, of a horrible loathsome disease, rotten in body as in soul, altogether an unwholesome man (vide Joseph, Bell, i. 33, 1 5; Antiq., xvii. 6, 5; Euseb., H. E., i. 6, 8). The news of his death would fly swiftly, and would not take long to reach Egypt.There would be no need of an angel to inform Joseph of the fact. But his anxieties would not therefore be at an end. Who was to succeed Herod? Might he not be another of the same type? Might disorder and confusion not arise? Would it be safe or wise to return to Palestine? Guidance was again needed, desired, and obtained. ἰδοὺ ἄγγελος … λέγων : the guidance is given once more in a dream (κατʼ ὄναρ). The anxious thoughts of the daytime are reflected in the dream by night, and the angelic message comes to put an end to uncertainty.

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Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Matthew 2:19-21

Old Testament

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