Matthew 1–2 | From David’s Line to Egypt’s Refuge

In these chapters, Matthew begins with the ancestors of Joseph, connecting Jesus to the royal line of David through the household he was born into. In the ancient world, lineage and inheritance were carried through the father’s house. Even though Joseph was not the biological father, Jesus was born into Joseph’s family line and therefore into that lineage. Matthew then tells the story of the birth of Jesus, the visitors from the east who recognized the child as a king, and the threat that followed. Herod’s fear led to the killing of children, forcing the family to flee and live in Egypt until it was safe to return. Egypt is a hot African land, and the Messiah lived there as a child before returning to Nazareth. When we read this account, it raises honest questions about the images many of us were shown growing up. The child who fled to Egypt and grew up among the peoples of those lands was later portrayed in many traditions with pale European features. Returning to the scriptures allows us to reconsider the story within its true lands and context. 🌻#Matthew1 #Matthew2 #WalkingThroughTheWord #AwakenedIsraelite #BibleStudyWithRidea