How the Gospel of Matthew Cites Prophecy in the Birth Narratives

In chapter two of the Gospel according to Matthew the writer depicts a brief account of Joseph and Mary fleeing to Egypt with the young Jesus, now nearly two years of age (see Matthew 2:16). Herod the Great felt threatened by the presence of another "king" and sought to snuff out any political rival. In chapter 2, verses 14 & 15 it says, "So he [Joseph] got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called my son.'"

The last six words of verse 15 contain a wealth of significance that embraces thousands of years of history. It is a verse of celebration, one that the Gospel writer wishes to get across to his audience, past and present.

A word needs to be said about the word "fulfilled." The Gospel writer is referencing Hosea 11:1, a prophet (c. 760-722 BC) who warned of coming judgment of the northern kingdom of Israel if the people did not repent from worshipping foreign gods and other gross injustices. The whole of verse one reads: "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son." In the original context YHWH (the LORD in the English Bible) was telling his people through Hosea to remember the exodus from Egypt, their redemption from slavery.

He called the people to remember because it seemed the more he called (at that time) the further the people drifted into idolatry (11:2). Hundreds of years later, when Matthew states that Hosea's words were fulfilled, he does not mean in a sense of foresight or looking into the future. In other words, the verse in Hosea is not a prediction about the coming of the Messiah (or Christ), but an account of the nation of Israel's origin: when God summons Israel from Egypt, God also names Israel as an adopted son.