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Matthew 2:13-23
With thanks to page sponsor 2015:
The Parish of the Holy Innocents
Kingsbury, London, England

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Primary texts about the Herod's Reign of Terror from (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
  • Slaughter of the Innocents and Archelaus: New Testament Parallels to the Works of Josephus. From G.J. Goldberg's Flavius Josephus Home Page. (Some of these "parallels" are speculative.)
  • III.IX.2, III.XVI.4, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter XIX, On The Soul, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter II, On the Flesh of Christ, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter IX, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
  • I.LXI, I.LXVI,Against Celsus, Origen. (c.246)
  • Homily IX - Matthew 2:16, Homilies on the Gospel of St. Matthew, St. Chrysostom (c. 380)
  • From the Catena Aurea, Patristic Commentary by St Thomas Aquinas.
  • Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558: Matthew 2:13-18, Matthew 2:19-23.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Christ having just been born, begins to be crucified for us, both in himself, and also in his members."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Egypt had been a house of bondage to Israel, and particularly cruel to the infants of Israel; yet it is to be a place of refuge to the holy Child Jesus. God, when he pleases, can make the worst of places serve the best of purposes. This was a trial of the faith of Joseph and Mary."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "The preservation of Jesus from this destruction, may be considered as a figure of God's care over his children in their greatest danger. God does not often, as he easily could, cut off their persecutors at a stroke. But he provides a hiding place for his people, and by methods not less effectual, though less pompous, preserves them from being swept away, even when the enemy comes in like a flood."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "O ye mothers of Bethlehem! methinks I hear you asking why your innocent babes should be the ram caught in the thicket, while Isaac escapes. I cannot tell you, but one thing I know, that ye shall, some of you, live to see a day when that Babe of Bethlehem shall be Himself the Ram, caught in another sort of thicket, in order that your babes may escape a worse doom than they now endure. And if these babes of yours be now in glory, through the dear might of that blessed Babe, will they not deem it their honor that the tyrant's rage was exhausted upon themselves instead of their infant Lord?"
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Within half a mile of that city was the tomb of Rachel, and hence the pathetic language of the prophet is again applied to the inconsolable mothers of Bethlehem, as though the Rachel that slept in the tomb were a mourner over her slain offspring."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Matthew 2:13-23, Eric Barreto, WorkingPreacher.org, 2017.
    • "The Gospel reading this day after Christmas strikes a new tone for the season by dramatically leading us away from anticipation of Advent and revelry of the holidays to the tenuous and dark days between ..."
  • "Innocence Lost?" Karoline Lewis, WorkingPreacher, 2017.
  • "Just in Time," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2017.
  • "Jesus the Refugee," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2017.
    • "When we allow our faith and courage to surface, we open ourselves to receive all the benefits of welcoming new people into our communities and our lives."
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
  • Commentary, Matthew 2:13-23, Karyn Wiseman, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013
    • "Acknowledging the fact that God does not cause evil but is present in times of distress in the voice guiding us, in the sending of us to safety, in the healing of our pain, and in the presence in our lives is important."
  • "Matthew's Version of the Incarnation, Part 2," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2013.
    • "This story matters because it tells us the truth: the sometimes difficult truth of unjust rulers and violence and private grief and personal pain and all the rest. But also the always hopeful truth that God has not stood back at a distance, but in Jesus has joined God's own self to our story and is working..."
  • "Flight," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2013.
  • "The Fear of Herod Versus the Faith of Mary," Alyce M McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
    • "Let us face the reality of an unknown future with the goods news that we are accompanied by a God who never abandons us."
  • "Wait, Don't Rush," Faith Element, 2013.
  • "Not Ready for the Darkness," Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2013.
    • "I cannot pretend."
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
  • "Our King Herod: Guns, Media Violence and the Slaughter of the Innocents," Richard Mario Procida, Modern Lectionaries, 2013.
  • "A Tale of Two," David F. Sellery, 2013.
  • "The World Is On Our Side!" Andrew Prior, 2013.
  • Evangelio Commentario por Linda M. Eastwood, Working Preacher, 2013.
  • Commentary, Matthew 2:13-23, Eric Barreto, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "The Gospel reading this day after Christmas strikes a new tone for the season by dramatically leading us away from anticipation of Advent and revelry of the holidays to the tenuous and dark days between promises and their fruition."
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "Herod knew that he would not be mourned when he died so he ordered that dozens of executions take place right before his death so that there would at least be mourners in the city.  The order, fortunately for three hundred or so of Jerusalem's citizens, was not carried out.  Matthew's purpose is to lift up this truth about Herod, that he was a power-mad murderer, and associate him in peoples' minds with Pharoah."
• Commentary, Matthew 2:13-23, Mark Allan Powell, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2007.
• Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
• "First Thoughts on Year A Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Christmas 1A, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  • "Typically for such narratives there is more than one stream of allusions. We not only have Israel going down into Egypt and being called up out of Egypt in the Exodus as God's son (hence the quotation of Hosea 11:1 in 2:15), but we also have echoes of the attempt of the Pharaoh to kill Hebrew infants which led to Moses being set among the bulrushes."
• "Herod Rules," Brian Volck, The Ekklesia Project, 2010.
  • "Herod's problem, in the end, is that no god worthy of the name would be so disrespectful of his progressive agenda, nor so foolish as to become truly human, and therefore vulnerable..."
• "Looking the Other Way," Mike Stavlund, The Hardest Question, 2010.
  • "Who is God with when Immanuel hightails it to Egypt? "
• Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Matthew 2:13-23, David Ewart, 2009.
  • "Clearly then, the "fulfillment" of scripture in Matthew is NOT to be understood as a termination of the ways of the world. The birth of Jesus does not put an end to human tragedy."
• "The Fear of Competition," Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2010.
  • "This passage from Matthew's infancy narrative is a proleptic passion and resurrection narrative. In it we see that God's Power Prevails."
• "Remembering Rachel: The Slaughter of the Innocents," guest essay by Pam Fickenscher, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2007.
  • "What is your visceral response to the 'slaughter of the innocents?' Do you identify with those who are rescued or those left behind?"
• "Out of Egypt," Richard L. Jeske, eBulletins reflections, American Bible Society Bible Resource Center.
  • "Egypt, you are us all, offering both help and obstacle, every day saint and sinner, both implement and impediment to redemption."
• "First Sunday after Christmas: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23," Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany, Carol Mork, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1989.
• "Putting Herod Back into Christmas," Joy Carroll Wallis, Sojourners, 2004.
  • "Herod represents the dark side of the gospel. He reminds us that Jesus didn't enter a world of sparkly Christmas cards or a world of warm spiritual sentiment. Jesus enters a world of real pain, of serious dysfunction, a world of brokenness and political oppression."
• Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen, at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
  • "A possible application might center around forced moves: the elderly whose health or financial situation forces them to move from their home place; the young whose jobs and transfers force them to move from town to town; the expanding families who need to find larger housing, or clergy receiving a new call
• Matthew in the Margins, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
• "Change after the Holidays," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
  • "Do you look forward to the end of the Christmas season? Why?"
• "The Escape to Egypt," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • "In the coming of Jesus the messiah, there dawns the new age of the Kingdom. Not only is Jesus the fulfillment of all the prophetic hopes of Israel as the coming prophet, priest and king, he is Israel itself - the faithful remnant of God."
• "The Weeping of Rachel," Klass Schilder, in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
  • "Rachel is the first mother in Scripture who dies giving birth to her child."
• "The Babe and the Babes of Bethlehem," James T. Dennison Jr., in Kerux: The Online Journal of Biblical Theology (Reformed)
  • "Jerusalem in flames-- captives herded to the point of departure-- long lines of Jewish sons and daughters marching to the East. And for the children put to sword in Judah and Jerusalem-- what/who would deliver them? As the curtain falls on the nation of Judah, Rachel weeps-- for all seems lost and destroyed. When Israel wept for Rachel, she died giving life. Now Rachel weeps for Israel, for the living are dead and the rest are marched off to a grave in a far away land. Indeed, the children to whom she gave life are no more."
• Articles & Background:
  • "Flight into Egypt," "Massacre of the Innocents," wikipedia.
  • "Living in the Shadow of the Manger," Margaret Eletta Guider, O.S.F., (other resources at) "Children," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
    • "When the shadow of the Manger falls across our lives with a power similar to the shadow of the Cross, we will commit ourselves to respond to the particular needs and suffering of children."
      • "Living in the Shadow of the Manger," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Children," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2003.
  • "Jesus and Women in Matthew," Jane Kopas, University of Scranton. Theology Today, 1990.
    • "It is not only the gentiles but mothers and daughters and other marginalized people or outsiders who get a special hearing from Jesus, Not only do they receive a special hearing, but they seem to hear and see the possibilities in his mission beyond what others see."
  • The Wise Men and the Star of Christ, a multi-page historical/theological site by Rev. Phil Greetham. Includes a page of basic information about Herod the Great.
  • Herod the Great, basic background from Wayne Blank's Daily Bible Study.
    • "Herod was assigned a territorial rulership by the Romans, making him a "client king." His area covered from Gaza to Masada in southern Israel, north beyond Nazareth, and then a section east beyond the Golan Heights into what is today Syria. If Herod had not died while Jesus was still an infant, he certainly would have been a problem later because this is the very area that Christ lived and conducted His entire recorded ministry."
  • Mysteries of the Nile website from PBS's Nova special. Features historical & archaeological information, panoramic virtual reality photos, and more.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Agourides, Savas, "The Birth of Jesus and the Herodian Dynasty: An Understanding of Matthew, Chapter 2," Greek Orthodox Theological Review, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Alison, James, "Risk and Fulfillment," The Christian Century, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bauer, David R., "The Kingship of Jesus in the Matthean Infancy Narrative: A Literary Analysis," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1995.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Carlson, Richard, "Reading and Interpreting Matthew from the Beginning," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007. See entire issue of Currents in Theology and Mission 34, image focus on Matthew's gospel.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Carter, Warren, "Matthew's Gospel: An Anti-Imperial/Imperial Reading," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007. See entire issue of Currents in Theology and Mission 34, image focus on Matthew's gospel.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Davis, Charles Thomas, "Tradition and Redaction in Matthew 1:18-2:23," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1971.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Dodson, Derek S., "Dreams, the Ancient Novels, and the Gospel of Matthew: An Intertextual Study," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • El-Amin, Imam Plemon, "The Birth of Jesus in the Qur'an," Review & Expositor, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Enuwosa, Joseph, "African Cultural Hermeneutics: Interpreting the New Testament in a Cultural Context," Black Theology, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Erickson, Richard J., "Divine Injustice?: Matthew's Narrative Strategy and the Slaughter of the Innocents (Mathew 2:13-23)," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • France, Richard T., "Herod and the Children of Bethlehem," Novum Testamentum, 1979.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gnuse, Robert, "Dream Genre in the Matthean Infancy Narratives," Novum Testamentum, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps," Concordia Journal, 2010. (Section on this text begins on page 366)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Homiletical Helps on LW Series A," Concordia Journal, 2004. (Section on this text begins on page 389.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Howard, Tracy L., "The Use of Hosea 11:1 in Matthew 2:15: An Alternative Solution," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1986.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kopas, Jane, "Jesus and Women in Matthew," Theology Today, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • McClaren, James S., "Jews and the Imperial Cult: From Augustus to Domitian," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Menken, Maarten J.J., "The Sources of the Old Testament Quotation in Matthew 2:23," Journal of Biblical Literature, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Mork, Carol, "Revelation and Response: Matthean Texts for Christmas and Epiphany," Word & World, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Niedner, Frederick, "Rachel Weeping," The Christian Century, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Sailhamer, John, "Hosea 11:1 and Matthew 2:15," Westminster Theological Journal, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Scott, Bernard Brandon, "The Birth of the Reader," Semeia, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Siciliano, Jude, O.P., "Advent: The Coming of Christ and His Justice," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Strickert, Fred, "Rachel on the Way: A Model of Faith in Times of Transition," Currents in Theology and Mission, 2007. See entire issue of Currents in Theology and Mission 34, issue focus on Matthew's gospel.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Tupper, E. Frank, "The Bethlehem Massacre - Christology against Providence?" Review & Expositor, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Via, Dan O., Jr., "Narrative world and Ethical Response: The Marvelous and Righteousness in Matthew 1-2," Semeia, 1978.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Vinson, Richard, "'King of the Jews': Kingship and Anti-Kingship Rhetoric in Matthew's Birth, Baptism, and Transfiguration Narratives," Review & Expositor, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Weaver, Dorothy Jean, "Rewriting the Messianic Script: Matthew's Account of the Birth of Jesus," Interpretation, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Whitters, Mark F., "Jesus in the Footsteps of Jeremiah," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Young, Robert D., "Matthew's Christmas Allegory," Journal for Preachers, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Celebrate the Christ-Child and Remember the Children," Rev. Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, Dim Lamp, 2007.
  • "Rachel's Weeping Must Cease!" the Rev. Dr. Robert M. Zanicky, Day 1, 2001.
  • "Herod and Historical Probability," Christmas 1, Rev. Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
    • Holy Family 2010
    • Holy Family 2007
    • Holy Family 2004
    • Holy Family 2001
    • Holy Family 1998
• With Children:
  • Making Resolutions, Anna Shirey, Anna's Hosannas, Children's Lesson for Christmas 1 / New Year, 2011.
  • "Escape to Egypt," "Jesus Grows Up," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "Joseph Takes Mary and Jesus to Safety in Egypt," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • Gospel Puzzles for the Lectionary, Matthew 2:13-23, Mark Ryman, edoxy.com.
  • "Escape to Egypt," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
• Drama:
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Matthew 2:15, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23, at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Matthew 2:13-18, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
• Hymns and Music:
  • “A Voice Was Heard in Ramah,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn remembers Rachel and her lament for killed children while also being a prayer for peace today.  The hymn is in More Voices (United Church of Canada).  Tune:  LLANGLOFFAN 7.6.7.6 D (“Lead On, O King Eternal” and; “Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers”).
  • “God, You Wrap Your Love Around Us,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn remembers Jesus and his family were refugees and the church’s calling to care for those who fleeing danger today.  The hymn was originally for Church World Service’s Blanket Sunday.  Tune:  CONVERSE 8.7.8.7 D (“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”) and BEECHER (“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”).
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Matthew 2:16, 23. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • At Oremus Hymnal:
    • By the Creator, Joseph was appointed
    • Come now, and praise the humble saint
    • Love came down at Christmas
    • O God of Bethel, by whose hand
    • O Savior of our fallen race
    • O sleep now, holy baby
    • Once in royal David's city
    • Our Father, by whose Name
    • Sing of Mary, pure and lowly
    • When Jesus left his Father's throne
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Magi
  • Flight Into Egypt
  • Massacre of the Innocents
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Matthew