ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Matthew 2

Matt. 2:1 Bethlehem of Judea. Located about 6 miles (9.7 km) south of Jerusalem. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem marks him as being from the tribe of Judah and from the city that produced the Davidic kings (1 Sam. 17:12; see note on Luke 2:3–4). Herod the king (Herod the Great) ruled Israel and Judah 37–4 b.c. He was appointed by Rome to be king of the Jews. He ruled firmly and at times ruthlessly. He murdered his wife, several of his own sons, and other relatives. He restored the temple in Jerusalem and built many theaters, cities, palaces, and fortresses throughout the Roman Empire. The term wise men referred to a wide range of people whose practices included astrology, dream interpretation, study of sacred writings, the pursuit of wisdom, and magic. As much as two years may have passed since the events of Matthew 1 (see note on 2:11).

Matt. 2:2 we saw his star when it rose. Through interaction with Jews in Babylon, the wise men would likely have been familiar with OT prophecy (e.g., Num. 24:17). The movement of the star (Matt. 2:9) suggests that it was a supernatural phenomenon. The wise men likely traveled with a large number of attendants and guards. The journey would have taken several weeks.

Matt. 2:4 The chief priests were in charge of temple activities. scribes. Experts in handling written documents. In Israel, their duties included teaching, interpreting, and applying the Mosaic law. The concept of “King of the Jews” had become associated with the Christ, the Messiah.

Matt. 2:5–6 Bethlehem. See Mic. 5:2.

Matt. 2:9 the star . . . went before them. The star led them specifically to Bethlehem.

Matt. 2:11 The wise men arrived up to two years after Jesus’ birth. By then Jesus lived in a house. worshiped him. Because of their pagan background, the wise men may not have understood Jesus’ divine nature, but their actions were clearly appropriate (see Phil. 2:9–11; Rev. 7:9–10). gold and frankincense and myrrh. The number of gifts contributed to the tradition that there were three men, but their actual number is unknown. Frankincense is resin which was used in OT times as incense on the altar (Ex. 30:9, 34–38). Myrrh is sap used in incense and perfume. The gifts probably supported Jesus’ family when they fled to Egypt (Matt. 2:13–15).

Matt. 2:13 flee to Egypt. The Egyptian border was approximately 90 miles (146 km) south of Bethlehem. There, they would be free from Herod’s power.

Matt. 2:15 fulfill. The prophet Hosea recounted how God had faithfully brought Israel, God’s “son,” out of Egypt in the exodus (Hos. 2:15). Matthew cites this in reference to Jesus, God’s true Son.

Matt. 2:16 all the male children in Bethlehem . . . two years old or under. The small village may have had 10 to 30 boys of that age. Herod the Great’s question to the wise men about the time of the appearing of the star (1:7) gave him an estimated time of Jesus’ birth.

Matt. 2:17–18 Jeremiah described the mothers of Israel (Rachel) mourning for their children who had been carried off into exile (Jer. 31:15). Like the exile, the attempt on Jesus’ life was intended to wipe out the chosen one of God.

Matt. 2:22 Archelaus was one of Herod the Great’s sons. He followed Herod as ruler over Judea, Samaria, and Idumea, from 4 b.c.–a.d. 6. He was cruel like his father, and the Jews hated him. Fearing a revolution from the people, Caesar Augustus removed him from power.

Matt. 2:23 Nazareth is halfway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. It was a relatively small village. Joseph and Mary had come from Nazareth (see Luke 1:26–27; 2:39). he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew is not quoting any specific OT prophecy but is referring to a general theme in the OT prophets (plural). They foretold that the Messiah would be despised (see Isa. 53:3), and the town of Nazareth was despised in Jesus’ time (see John 1:46; 7:41; 52). Matthew may also have intended a wordplay connecting the word “Nazareth” to the messianic prophecy in Isa. 11:1; “Nazareth” sounds like the Hebrew word for “branch,” which was a term for the Messiah.