Matthew 2:16-18

This year we are covering the four Gospel Accounts together in chronological order.

In the previous post, we covered Matthew 2:13-14. Here was the conclusion:

Joseph took Mary and Jesus to Egypt because he was warned in a dream that Herod would seek to destroy Jesus.


Matthew 2
"16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men."

(When Herod realized that the Magi did not return to him and tell him where Jesus was located, he had all the children in Bethlehem killed that were two years old and under. Notice, it was less than two years from the time the Magi stated they first saw the star and the time that Herod realized the Magi wouldn't return. Second, Herod didn't want to take a risk that the child was slightly older than what He ought to be, so Herod could have added some time. Regardless, Jesus was less than two years old when Herod gave this order. Not only was Jesus no longer in Bethlehem, but God warned Joseph that Herod would be looking for Jesus prior to the time that Herod did look. So, Joseph had been warned and got Mary and Joseph into Egypt before Herod gave this order.)

"17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying,
18 A voice was heard in Ramah, Weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not."

(Matthew referenced Jeremiah 31:15 "15 Thus saith Jehovah: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuseth to be comforted for her children, because they are not.")


CONCLUSION
Herod had all the male children killed that were in Bethlehem that were two years and younger.

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