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Joseph's second dream

The article discusses Joseph's second dream, recounted in Matthew (Mt 2:13-15), in which an angel orders him to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus. It highlights divine protection and Joseph's crucial role, examining differences between Matthew and Luke and offering historical and theological insights.

2 min dream Joseph Gospel Matthew Luke 1 verse 1 book

See also

See also:

Bible texts

Matthew
Matthew 2.13-15 (King James Version)

And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

And was there until 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.

King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
Mark
Mark (King James Version) not mentioned in the book
Luke
Luke (King James Version) not mentioned in the book
John
John (King James Version) not mentioned in the book

Technical details

Location: Bethlehem in Judea

Date: Late November -2 BC

Method: We return to Matthew

Note on the method: Matthew alone records this passage

Pericope 22 map

After the pilgrims who had come for the departed, Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived in a humble house.

Joseph's second dream

Joseph's second dream

Commentary

In the account of the first dream, the angel, though not explicitly identified, is commonly associated with Gabriel, known as the heavenly messenger. Luke alone, following his investigation, reveals the identity of the angel who communicated with Elizabeth and Mary.

He obtains all this information from Mary's testimony.

The divine command is unambiguous: they must flee immediately, and Joseph obeys without hesitation. Notably, the warning is given to him as the guardian of his family, rather than to Mary. At this time of year, November 2 BC, the Magi had already departed.

What had seemed financially beyond the family's reach shortly before becomes possible through the timely generosity of their eastern visitors. Matthew extends Luke's testimony, adding details that illuminate these events for readers. Together their accounts form a coherent, enriching narrative that sheds light on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

Thus Luke, writing after Matthew, considers it unnecessary to repeat details already recorded by his predecessor.