Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 2:21-22

"And he arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither; and being warned [of God] in a dream, he withdrew into the parts of Galilee," — Matthew 2:21-22 (ASV)

Joseph obeyed without question. “He arose,” that is to say, as soon as he was awake he set about doing as he was commanded. At once he made the journey and came into the land of Israel. So should we hasten to obey. He had his fears about Judea, yet he did not follow his fears, but only went as his guide from heaven directed him.

This Joseph was a dreamer like his namesake of old, and he was also a practical man and turned his dreams to wise account. He “came into the land of Israel,” but he was allowed to go into that part of it which was under a gentler rule than that of Archelaus, who was no improvement upon his father.

Galilee, a despised country, a land where Gentiles mixed with the Jews, a dark and ignorant part, was to be the land of our Lord’s early days. He was of the common people and He was educated in a rustic region, in “the parts of Galilee,” among a plain folk who had none of the fine manners of the towns.

Blessed King, the days of Your early years were not spent at court, but among the common multitude, whom still You delight to bless! I pray You, turn aside into the parts of this Galilee and abide with me.