Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 2:19-23

"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. 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, and came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets, that he should be called a Nazarene." — Matthew 2:19-23 (ASV)

Egypt may serve to sojourn in, or take shelter in, for a while, but not to dwell in. Christ was sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel; to them He must return.

If we only looked upon the world as our Egypt—the place of our bondage and banishment—and heaven only as our Canaan—our home, our rest—we would as readily arise and depart there when we are called, as Joseph did out of Egypt.

The family must settle in Galilee. Nazareth was a place held in low regard, and Christ was crucified with this accusation: Jesus the Nazarene.

Wherever Providence allots the place of our dwelling, we must expect to share the reproach of Christ. Yet we may glory in being called by His name, sure that if we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him.