Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 2:12

"And being warned [of God] in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way." — Matthew 2:12 (ASV)

This second dream (cf. 1:20) mentions no angel. Perhaps Joseph and the Magi compared notes and saw their danger amid their fear and uncertainty; the dreams led them (vv.12–13) to flee. Which way the Magi went is unclear.