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Verse Takeaways
1
The Mystery of 'They'
Commentators explain that while Herod was the main threat, the angel's phrase 'they are dead' could be a figure of speech (plural for singular). More significantly, it echoes God's command to Moses in Exodus 4:19, 'all are dead that sought thy life,' drawing a powerful parallel between Moses and Jesus as deliverers of God's people. Some scholars also suggest 'they' could include Herod's cruel son, Antipater, who died around the same time.
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Matthew
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 2:20
18th Century
Theologian
They are dead which sought, etc. This either refers to Herod alone, as is not uncommon, using the plural number for the singular; or it ma…
AT Robertson
On Matthew 2:20
For they are dead (τεθνηκασιν). Only Herod had sought to kill the young child, but it is a general statement of a particular fact …
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 2:19–22
19th Century
Preacher
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 …
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Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 2:20
This fourth dream and third mention of the “angel of the Lord” (v.19) continues the divine initiative in preserving and guiding the Child. Although…
John Gill
On Matthew 2:20
17th Century
Pastor
Saying, arise, and take the young child and his mother ,
&c.] Joseph strictly observed and obeyed the divine command…
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 2:19–23
17th Century
Minister
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 t…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 2:13–23
13th Century
Philosopher
It was discussed above how the Wise Men bore witness to Christ being born; now, however, it is discussed how the Holy Innocents bear witness, not b…