Matthew 2:12

12 And after they were warned of God in a dreame that they shuld not go ageyne to Herod they retourned into their awne countre another waye.

Matthew 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.

Matthew 2:12 In-Context

10 When they sawe the starre they were marvelously glad:

11 and went into the house and found the chylde with Mary hys mother and kneled doune and worshipped hym and opened their treasures and offred vnto hym gyftes gold frackynsence and myrre.

12 And after they were warned of God in a dreame that they shuld not go ageyne to Herod they retourned into their awne countre another waye.

13 When they were departed: beholde the angell of the Lorde appered to Ioseph in dreame sayinge: aryse and take the chylde and his mother and flye into Egypte and abyde there tyll I brynge the worde. For Herod will seke the chylde to destroye hym.

14 The he arose and toke the chylde and his mother by night and departed into Egypte