and said, “Rise, take the Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”
Calling Joseph to Israel through an angel testifies to the Lord’s continual guidance in the life of Joseph and the members of his family. He not only protects, but also in due time opens the way of return. The words, “They who sought the young Child’s life are dead,” remind us that the dominion of evil is temporary, but the will of God is unbroken. This saying also recalls Exodus 4:19, when God spoke with Moses and said, “Return into Egypt, for all the men are dead which sought thy life.” This shows that it is the same God who guides both in the past and now, in the fulfillment of His plan of salvation.