2:15 death of Herod. The remains of an ancient wine jar found at Masada contained the inscription: “Herod, King of the Jews.” It is not surprising that Herod “was troubled” when the wise men came inquiring about the newborn “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2-3).

2:15 Out of Egypt. This prophecy is found in Hosea 11:1, where the context clearly indicates that it was the whole nation of Israel which had been called out of Egypt as God’s young “son.” The children of Israel had been born in the land promised to them by God, but nevertheless had to leave it and sojourn in the pagan land of Egypt for a while before being brought back home by their Father. Christ lived through the same experience—born in Judaea, then sojourned in Egypt for a time before He was called back home. Whether or not Hosea could discern that Israel’s experience would also be that of their Messiah, Matthew could certainly see the parallel.