He remained there until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I have called My Son” (Hos. 11:1).
This verse likewise bears witness to how the prophecies are fulfilled through the events of Jesus’ life. Joseph’s family remained in Egypt until the danger had passed, and that waiting became the fulfillment of the prophetic word. The word of the prophet Hosea at first referred to Israel as the Son of God, whom He brought out of Egypt; but the Evangelist shows that it is fulfilled, in its own sense, also in Christ. He becomes the new Israel, embodying the destiny of the people of God and fulfilling the mystery of their history. Thus, following this logic, Jesus’ return from Egypt symbolizes a new Exodus of salvation—from the bondage of sin unto freedom.