Matthew 2:20

“Saying, arise, and take the young child and his mother, etc.] Joseph strictly observed and obeyed the divine command of the angel, who had ordered him to continue in Egypt, till he brought him word what he should do, and where he should go: here he was with Mary and Jesus, when the angel bid him arise, and take them with him, and go into the land of Israel. He does not bid him go to Bethlehem or Nazareth, or any particular place, but the land of Israel, where he might go even into any part of it, without fear; and gives this reason for it, for they are dead which sought the young child’s life; meaning either Herod only, the plural number being put for the singular; or including Antipater his…”

“Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel--not to the land of Judea, for he was afterward expressly warned not to settle there, nor to Galilee, for he only went thither when he found it unsafe to settle in Judea but to "the land of Israel," in its most general sense; meaning the Holy Land at large--the particular province being not as yet indicated. So Joseph and the Virgin had, like Abraham, to "go out, not knowing whither they went," till they should receive further direction. for they are dead which sought the young child's life--a common expression in most languages where only one is meant, who here is Herod. But the words are taken from the…”

“They are dead who sought ... - This either refers to Herod alone, as is not uncommon, using the plural number for the singular; or it may refer to Herod and his son Antipater. He was of the same cruel disposition as his father, and was put to death by his father about five days before his own death. return to 'Top of Page'”

“2:20-21 Jesus’ return to Israel fulfills Hos 11:1 (see 2:13-15).”

“arise: Mat 2:13; Pro 3:5, Pro 3:6 for: Exo 4:19; Kg1 11:21, Kg1 11:40, Kg1 12:1-3 Matthew 2:21”