A Brief Exposition of Matthew, Biblical commentary · Part · Chapter 2
CHAPTER. II.
Christ being born in Beth-lehem, is honoured from heaven, and earth, by the wise mens coming to worship him, to vers. 12. And by the wonderful disappointing of Herods bloudy plot against him.
Verse 1. NOw when IESUS was born in Beth-lehem of Iudea, in the dayes of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Ierusalem.
WE hear no more of these wise men but what we collect from Matthew, That they were of the Gentiles, men of learning and wisdome, men of wealth and reputation; the circumstances of their coming are set down here, They came from the east to Ierusalem, when Christ is born in the daies of Herod the king, wherein we have these things observable. 1. The place of the nativity of Christ well agreeth to the prophesie of Micah 5.2. Jesus is born in Beth-lehem the city of David, which is in Judea, so called to distinguish it from Beth-lehem in Galilee: 2. The time when he should be born agreeth also to the Prophets, Gen. 49.10. to wit, before or about the time of the Scepters taking altogether from Juda: That is, before the tribe of Juda did cease to be a tribe, before this tribe was dissipate, and so destitute of all sort of government, which came not to passe till after our Lords death: For now Herod is king in Judea, who had slain the Elders of the house of David, to confirm the kingdome in his own hand; yet the tribe remained, and had the own order within it self, for the regulating of the common things pertaining unto the severall families thereof, as appeareth in the taxing of the family of David in Beth-lehem: But after Christs coming, and ending of the worke of redemption, for which he came, the tribe of Juda was so cut off and confounded, that it never had a face of a tribe again unto this day, therefore the Messia is now come. 3. When such as should glorifie God do it not, but do misken Christ, He can raise up others in their room, by whom he will honour himselfe; for though the wise men of the Jewish Church do not observe the time of Christs coming, yet God prepareth witnesses for himselfe from among the Gentiles, Behold a number of wise men come from the east to honour him, whether from Chaldea, or Persia, or how many they were, or what were their names, it is not materiall to us, It is sufficient that Christ is honoured by them, and that they are the first fruits of the Gentiles their conversion unto Christ. 4. The Lord faileth not to make the best of all means for his own glory; to make these mens testimony famous, and most fit to check the security of the Jews, they are led in a providence to Jerusalem to ask for Christ.
Ver. 2. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Iews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
When these men are come to Jerusalem, they ask where Christ is, and posesse their faith in him, and their purpose to worship him. Doct. 1. Though Christs kingdome be not of this world, yet is he King of Saints, the true King of Israel, to whom the throne of David was promised, that he should fit theron, and raign over souls for ever, for he is that born King of the Jews. 2. Saving faith looketh through all clouds of humane infirmities in Christ, and pitcheth upon some point of excellency in him; For these men by faith in a babe new born, behold the promised Messiah, and the King of Israel: They ask for the King of the Iews, giving to him the ordinary stile of the Messiah▪ 3. The least spunk of saving knowledg doth set a man on work to seek after Christ, for where is he? say they. 4. Faith, ere it want Christ, will hazard all to come by him; for these men confess him with the danger of their life, to be the born King of the Iews, and do ask for him in Jerusalem, even when, and where Herod a stranger is reigning as King. 5. Though Christ came in the shape of a servant, and humbled himself to be born of a mean Damsel, yet is his honour to be seen in heaven and earth, for a star is created to give warning to the world, that the bright morning Star is arisen: and from the east, wise men do come to confesse him. 6. Though God give signes and evidences of Christs coming, yet every man doth not see or observe them, but such only as God doth reveal them unto; for only these wise men are they who get a right sight of this star, we (say they) have seen his star in the cast. 7. Faith in Christ and love to him, will spare no pains nor travell to come at him; for these men are come from a far, from the east to s…e him. 8. Faith seeth Christ to be God, and that maketh men to overcome a world of difficulties, in seeking to have communion with him; for we are come to worship him, say they: to wit, with religious worship, due to the promised M…ssiah, the Redeemer of souls.
Ver. 3. When Herod the King had heard these things; he was troubled, and all Ierusalem with him.
At the hearing of these news Herod is troubled, and all Jerusalem with him, he for fear to lose his kingdome, and they for fear of wars betwixt two Kings. Doct. 1. It is no new thing, that Kings are jealous of Christ, when they hear he is a King: They can hardly conceive how his Kingdome shall not pre-judg their reign, albeit indeed their Kingdome hath no such friend as he is, therefore Herod when he heard, was troubled. 2. Worldly men, setled in their honours, ease, and wealth, are feared to be troubled about Christ, and could be contented to sit quiet without him; for all Ierusalem here is troubled also, more fearing temporall inconveniences, by occasion of Christs nativity, then rejoycing in the hope of salvation through him.
Vers. 4. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and Sribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born.
Herod dissembleth his fear, and pretendeth zeal to bring the knowledge of Christ to light, and to this …nd he calleth an assembly of the church, to enquire what the Scripture spake of the place of his nativity; Then which there could not be any act more plausible to the people, more acceptable unto these strangers, or a more specious show of religious respect unto Christ. In Herod we have the portrait of Christs enemies, he dissembleth like a crafty fox, waiting for the prey, so do they; He befriendeth the wise men who are seeking Christ, so far as it may serve for his own ends, so do they. He abuseth the church-men and their assembly, calleth for a meeting of the chief priests and Scribes, proponeth questions to be solved, as if he minded to make good use thereof: In speciall, asking of them where Chr…st should be born, as if none were readier to serve him then he, mean time he was seeking to find him out to kill him: so do they.
Ver. 5. And they said unto him, In Beth-lehem of Iudea: for thus it is written by the Prophet;
6. And thou Beth-lehem in the land of Iuda, art not the least among the princes of Iuda: for out of thee shall come a Governour that shall rule my people Israel.
The Priests and Scribes of the people assembled, answer the question from Scripture. …oct. 1. As it is the duty of the church-men to assemble readily, when matters of Religion, and questions concerning Christ are moved in the church; so they ought to determine questions, according to the Scripture, without seed or favour: for being conveened, they answer, It is written, in the text cited by the assembly. Matthew and Micah do agree in substance, That albeit Beth-lehem was a small city, of no great wealth nor estimation among the cities of Israel, yet it was not little in effect, but a city of renown; Because in it was born the Governor of Israel, the King and Captain of the Lords people, Christ Jesus. Doct. 1. Scripture consisteth not in letters, or syllables, but in sense and meaning for in citations of Scripture here and else-where, the Evangelists stand not for words, but rest upon the sense. 2. The meanness and baseness of any thing whereof Christ maketh use, should offend no man; for He can make a little Beth-lehem the place of his nativity. 3. His presence dignifieth the place, wheresoever he is, for Beth-lehem, how small soever, is not the least city, because Christ is born in it. 4. Christs speciall subjects are the Israel of God, and Christs office is to be a Governour, a Chieftain, and a Guide to the Elect, governing and feeding them; for he shall rule my people Israel, for he shall rule them as a pastor, or shepherd, doth the word import. 5. God can make use of his foes for the furtherance of his own purpose, whatsoever be their intentions; for by the means of Herod, and the Scribes, who were small friends to Christ, Gods purpose for clearing of the fulfilling of the prophesie, about the place of Christs nativity is brought about. 6. The Lord can so dispose of means for the benefit of such as are seeking Christ, that if one mean be withholden, another more profitable shall be furnished; For the wise men, though they want the sight of a star for a while, which they saw in the East, verse 2. yet first they are led to Ierusalem, verse 1. and then to the light of the Scripture, in the answer of the Priests, verse 5, 6. that their faith might be builded on Christ, in the ordinary and surest way: In particular, God doth offer unto them a notable point of light, in the answer of the Priests and Scribes concerning Christs God-head and Eternity. For in the text cited here by the assembly, Micah 5.2. it is written, that Christ his going forth is from of old, from everlasting, which served to teach them, that the Eternalll generation of the Son must alwayes be remembred, when his being born as a child is spoken of; which could not but be usefull, and comfortable unto them at that time.
Verse 7. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
8 And he sent them to Beth-lehem, and said, Go, and search diligently for the young child, and when ye have found him, bring me word againe, that I may come and worship him also.
Herod goeth on to follow his bloudy plot against Christ, and under pretence of a purpose to honour and worship him, he intendeth to murther him. Doct. In Herod we see yet more of the wayes of the Enemies of Christ. 1. He carryeth on his design closely, lest any man should smell his intention, so do they. He calleth the wise men privily, so do they. 2. Though he hath learned more of Christ then before, yet because his knowledg is not sanctified, his malice is not abated; therefore the love of earthly things setteth him on to follow his design against Christ so much the more eagerly, and so is it with the crafty politicians of this world. 3. When he hath gained one point about the place of Christs birth, he goeth about to gain another concerning the time of his birth also, that he may draw so much nearer, for the surprizing of Christ: so do they, haling in the cords of their net by parts. 4. He covereth his purpose of murther, under pretence of a purpose to worship Christ; he professeth to have faith in Christ, and to be of the same mind that the wise men are of, and that his resolution is out of the same affection with them to worship him; so do they, drawing near in profession of Religion, that they may more easily betray. 5. To make all fast, he abuseth the simplicity of Christs friends, and thinketh to make them ignorantly to betray Christ into his hands; So do they, Go search for the child, saith he, and bring me word. 6. Mean time as God blind-folded him in his deepest policy, and suffered not his wicked wit to direct some of his servants, under pretence of convoying the wise men, to go along with them, to murther Christ, so doth God disappoint Christs enemies in their deep plots; for it is easie to God to make fools of his foes, when he pleaseth. Herod sent the wise men to search out Christ, but we read of none sent along with them.
Vers. 9. When they had heard the king, they departed, and …o, the star which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
Ver. 10. When they saw the star, they rejoyced with exceeding great joy.
The wise men do follow the direction of the Scripture, and go toward Beth-lehem, having (so far as we read) neither convoy, or incouragement of any company. Doct. 1. If we love to find Christ, we must resolve to go after him alone, or in company, either with, or without incouragements from men, as God shall dispose, 2. God is not inlacking to such as are on the way to seek Christ; but will renew directions, and incouragements unto them, as they stand in need; for the star which for a time disappeared, now appeareth again to them, for their comfort. 3. What one mean doth not reach, God supplieth by another mean; for the Scripture had told them of Beth-lehem, but had not descended so low as the particular house; but God supplieth the rest by the direction of the star, which now goes before them in the way, and stands above the house where our Lord lay. That this star was none of the ordinary, but made of purpose for this particular service, appeareth by the motion of it. 4. These means which do lead a man most certainly unto Christ, should be the matter of his speciall joy: The joy which ariseth from finding of Christ cannot be expressed, for it is said, They rejoyced with exceeding great joy.
Verse 11. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his Mother, and fell downe, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their tressures, they presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and mirrhe.
The wise men at length do find Christ, and do not stumble at his outward infirmities, base lodging, or any other thing; but do worship him as their God and Saviour, consecrating themselves, and all they have to his service. Doct. 1. Such as seek Christ in truth, shall find him at length. 2. Such as beleeve what the Scripture speaks of Christ, will see Christ his God-head in his deepest humiliation, and by faith will pierce through all impediments; therefore was it that they fell down and worshipped the child. 3. Riches, and wisdom, and honour, and all that we have, ought to be laid down at Christs feet, and offered to the service of Christ, as the fountain and owner thereof; for They opened their treasures, and presented unto him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and mirrhe.
Vers. 12. And being warned of God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
Now the Lord discovereth Herods plot and disappointeth him. Doct. 1. Wicked men may keep their design against Christ close from the knowledg of men, but cannot hide their counsell from God, he perceiveth Herods mind perfectly. 2. The Lord is watching over the just, and will not suffer their honest simplicity to be so far abused by the enemy, as ignorantly to betray Christ into his enemies hands, therefore he forewarnes these wise men that they should not trust Herod, nor to go toward him any more, but return home another way. 3. Such as beleeve in Christ, the longer they follow him, the more confirmations of faith they find; as here, beside all the former, God giveth this revelation also unto these wise men, and their life also for a prey from the rage of Herod.
Vers. 13. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareath to Ioseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the yong child, and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there, untill I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
The wise men are gone, now Christ is sent away also. Doct. 1. Our Lord was persecuted so soon as he was known in the world, he is sought to be slain, who came to save men; for Herod doth seek to destroy him. 2. He who is the ancient of dayes, the everlasting Father, according to his God-head, is called a young child, according to his man-head, as Isai. 9.6. did foretell, for Herod shall seek the young child. 3. The Lord will have ordinary means used when they may be had: He will save Christ by flight, and will do no miracle needlessely; therfore Go flee into Egypt, saith the Angel. 4. It is safe to wait for the Lord in all things, and to attend his providence; Be thou there till I bring thee word, saith the Angel to Joseph.
Vers. 14. When he arose, he took the young child and his Mother by night, and departed into Egypt.
Joseph obeyeth speedily. Doct. 1. When our direction is clear, our obedience should be speedy, and without delay, as Joseph being warned, ariseth by night, and makes for his journey. 2. When Christ is known, he will be more dear then any thing else, for as the child is first in Josephs commission, verse 12. to take care for him, so in his obedience here the child is before the Mother; for it is said, He took the child, and his mother. 3. Any place, if God send us there, if Christ be in our company, is good, even Egypt, for Ioseph departed into Egypt, being sent thither.
Vers. 15. And was there untill the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the Prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
That we may see how the prophesie is fulfilled, the meaning of the words of Hosea, is in effect, as if it had been said, O church of Israel, when thou was in thy infancy, I so loved thee, that I brought thee out of Egypt, as my adopted Son, and in thee I called out of Egypt my only begotten Son, who as the promised seed of Abraham, was in thy loynes; and as in thy bondage in Egypt, I intended to fore-shadow and signifie the sufferings of my Son, and his fleeing out of Canaan into Egypt, so also in the calling of thee, my adopted Son out of Egypt, I intended to fore-shadow and signifie the calling of my only begotten Son out of Egypt, that he should perfect the work of redemption in the midst of the land promised unto thee; yet notwithstanding of all this, thou hast been unthankfull unto me. Thus Christs going down to Egypt, and bringing back out of it, is a fulfilling of the Prophesie; and withall, this sheweth unto us, that in all the Lords work about Israel, be had a speciall eye upon the promised seed, upon the Messiah, who was to come out of that people, fore-shadowing somthing of him, or accomplishing somthing foresignified of him: Therefore it should not seem strange unto us, that the Evangelists do apply sundry such speeches of the old Prophets unto Christ, who was mainly aimed at, and born witnesse unto in the Law and Prophets.
Ver. 16. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wrath, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Beth-lehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.
Now Herod finding himself disappointed, bewrayeth his cruell design against Christ. Doct. 1. God turneth the wisdome of his enemies into folly, Now Herod did find himself mocked. 2. Wicked heads do take it hardly, if every instrument whom they imploy, and abuse, do not serve their base designes; for Herod is wroth with the wise men, as if they had mocked him. 3. Enemies of Christ when fraud doth fail them, do fall to open rage; now Herod sends forth to slay Christ, if he can find him. 4. Satan and his instruments do labour to overthrow such as are likest unto Christ, if they cannot overtake himself; Therefore Herod causeth to slay all the young children in Beth-lehem, who were nearest in age unto Christ. 5. Wicked men do not reverence Gods providence in disappointing their wicked purposes, but are incensed the more to do mischiefe, as Herods course doth shew here.
Vers. 17. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Ieremiah the Prophet, saying.
18. In Rama was there a voyce heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
The Evangelist applieth to this passage of Gods providence, the words of the Prophet, Ier. 31.15. Who doth foretell, that as the captivity of the ten tribes had once made the state of Israel, as it were their mo…her, to morne; so should the calamity of Israel, make that st…e to mourn again, for the murther of so many children in and about Beth-lehem; and yet this comfortlesse sorrow should be swallowed up by the consolations of Christ come into the world, as may be seen Ier. 31. comparing vers. 15, 16. with 10, 11, 18, 22. in the last of these verses, the incarnation of the Messiah is pointed at expressly. Now this prophesie is here accomplished, Rachel indeed here mourneth, and no consolation can be sufficient to asswage this sorrow, except that consolation only which cometh by the Gospel, and by the incarnation of the Son of God. Doct. 1. It is a good way for making use of Gods providence, to compare events with the predictions of Gods word, and to mark where we see accomplishment answerable, that we may say with the Evangelist, Thus is it fulfilled what the Lord hath spoken. 2. The troubles of the Lords people are foreseen, and weighed in a ballance, and comfort is prapared for them; for the weeping of Rachel is foretold of the Lord before it come, and consolation is prepared for it in Christ, as the place in Ieremiah cited giveth evidence.
Vers. 19. But when Herod was dead, behold, an Angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Ioseph in Egypt.
20. Saying, Arise and take the young child, and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for they are dead which sought the yong childes life.
Now Joseph is called back from Egypt. Doct. 1. The Lord doth remember his owne in trouble, to comfort them in due season; for so soon as Herod dieth, the Angel carrieth news. 2. The death of Persecutors is the delivery of the persecuted, therefore saith the Angel, Arise, for he is dead that sought the Childes life.
Vers. 21. And he arose, and took the the young child, and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
22. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Iudea, in the room of his father Herod, he was affraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee.
Joseph is affraid of Archelaus, and is delivered of his fear. Doct. 1. No wonder the Children of wicked parents be suspected, till their regeneration appear; therefore Joseph is affraid of Archelaus Herods Son, that he shall be father-like, or father-worse. 2. When God will comfort a man, he removeth one doubt as well as another, as this fear is removed by another revelation from heaven. 3. The Lords warrant and clear direction doth quiet the mind; Therefore Ioseph being warned by the Angel, turned aside into Galilee.
Vers. 23. And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shal be called a Nazarene.
In Christs abode at Nazareth, The Evangelist observeth Gods providence, intending therby that he should be called a Nazarite, that is, one separate from sinners. Sundry types of Christ did foresignifie and promise that he should be called indeed a Nazarite, or one separate, for Joseph is called the Nazarite of his brethren, or one separate from his brethren, Gen. 29.26. first in regard of the measure of love which his Father bare unto him; next, he is separate from his brethren, in regard they sold him unto the Gentiles; and thirdly, he is separate in Gods providence from his brethren, that he might prepare a place for them, and preserve the life of his owne people: in Joseph was Christ sore-shadowed, and promised to be such a Nazarite, separate in all these respects. Again in the typicall law of the Nazarite, Numb. 6. it is foresignified that Christ should be separate from sinners, and dedicate unto holinesse, dead unto the pomp and pleasure of this world: that he should be the ornament and flower of Religion, and the true pattern of piety to all the Israel of God. Moreover in the type of Samson it is foresignified, Iudg. 13.15. That Christ should from his birth be a Nazarite unto God; who by his power and sufferings, should overcome his enemies, and bring delivery to Israel: Now Christ his dwelling at Nazareth, and his being called a Nazarene from his dwelling, was a fit mean to call to mens minde the perfections of the Nazarite in him, and to make them see the accomplishment of the foresaid prophesies in him: And therefore doth the Evangelist mark the providence of God, in directing his dwelling to be in this little town Nazareth, whereby occasion might be given to all men, to observe and perceive in Christ, the fulfilling of the prophecies, which foretold, that he should be really a Nazarite. Doct. Whensoever we hear him called Iesus of Nazareth, let us remember that he is that true Nazarite, that promised pleasant Plant, that Holy One of Israel, separate from sinners; the true Deliverer of Israel from their enemies, who hath broken the bars of death, and hell, and by his death hath overcome the divell, and accomplished everything, which in the types were foreshadowed of him.