Mattityahu 2:12

12 And having been warned in a chalom (dream) not to return to Herod, they took refuge in their own country by another way.

Mattityahu 2:12 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 2:12

Being warned of God in a dream
It is likely they made a short stay at Bethlehem, might lodge there a night; at least laid themselves down a while to take some refreshment in sleep, after they had paid their respects to him that was born king of the Jews, and performed the whole business they came about; when in a dream they received a divine oracle, were admonished and counselled by God,

that they should not return to Herod:
which would have been going back again, and out of their way; there being a nearer one from Bethlehem to their own country, than to go by Jerusalem, though Herod had charged them to return to him. Whether they had promised him they would, is not certain; it is probable they might; however, they thought it most advisable to hearken to the divine oracle; wherefore,

they departed into their own country another way.
What became of these persons afterwards, and whether they were spiritually and savingly enlightened into the knowledge of Christ; what a report they made of him when they came into their own country, and the success thereof, we have no account of, either in sacred or profane history.

Mattityahu 2:12 In-Context

10 When they saw the KOCHAV, they rejoiced with exceedingly great nachas (joy).

11 And, entering the bais (house), they beheld the yeled with Miryam, his Em, and prostrated themselves before him. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And having been warned in a chalom (dream) not to return to Herod, they took refuge in their own country by another way.

13 And when they’d gone—hinei! –a malach Hashem appeared to Yosef [Ben Dovid] in a chalom (dream), saying, Arise, and take the yeled and his Em, and flee to Eretz Mitzrayim (Egypt), and stay there until I tell you, for Herod is about to seek the yeled to destroy him.

14 So, having got up, Yosef [ben Dovid] took the yeled, and his Em by night and departed for Eretz Mitzrayim.