Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 2:19-20

"But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead that sought the young child`s life." — Matthew 2:19-20 (ASV)

Angels again! Yes, and they are busy still around "the beloved of the Lord." Joseph still watches over his honored charge, even as Joseph of old watched over Israel in Egypt. See the order in which the family is arranged—the young child and his mother. The Lord is placed first. It is not here, as at Rome, "the Virgin and child."

The angel loathed to mention Herod’s name, but said, They are dead. Such a wretch did not deserve to be named by a holy angel. Herod had gone to his own place, and now the Lord brings back His banished ones to their own place. Instead of making Jesus die, the tyrant is dead himself. Sword in hand, he missed the young child, but without a sword, that child’s Father struck home to his heart.

It is a relief to the world when some men die. It was certainly so in the case of Herod. Those who keep our King out of His own are not likely to live long. My soul, ponder the lessons of history concerning the King’s adversaries!