Malachi 2
Matthew 2 focuses on the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and early childhood. This chapter can be divided into several main scenes. First, there is the scene in which the wise men come to Jerusalem looking for Jesus; then the scene in which King Herod is troubled and orders the wise men to find Jesus; next, the story of how the wise men leave after worshiping the infant Jesus; following that, Herod’s order to massacre the children; and finally, the scene of the Joseph family fleeing to Egypt and returning in order.
1verse“Now, you priests, this commandment is for you.
2verseIf you will not listen, and if you will not take it to heart, to give glory to my name,” says the LORD of Armies, “then I will send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have cursed them already, because you do not take it to heart.
3verseBehold, I will rebuke your offspring, and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it.
4verseYou will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levi,” says the LORD of Armies.
5verse“My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might be reverent toward me; and he was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name.
6verseThe law of truth was in his mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.
7verseFor the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of Armies.
8verseBut you have turned away from the path. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Armies.
9verse“Therefore I have also made you contemptible and wicked before all the people, according to the way you have not kept my ways, but have had respect for persons in the law.
10verseDon’t we all have one father? Hasn’t one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
11verseJudah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.
12verseThe LORD will cut off the man who does this, him who wakes and him who answers, out of the tents of Jacob and him who offers an offering to the LORD of Armies.
13verse“This again you do: you cover the LORD’s altar with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn’t regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand.
14verseYet you say, ‘Why?’ Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and the wife of your covenant.
15verseDid he not make you one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
16verseOne who hates and divorces”, says the LORD, the God of Israel, “covers his garment with violence!” says the LORD of Armies. “Therefore pay attention to your spirit, that you don’t be unfaithful.
17verseYou have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the LORD’s sight, and he delights in them;’ or ‘Where is the God of justice?’
Key Content and Symbols
In this chapter, the visit of the wise men carries the meaning that Jesus is not only King of the Jews, but also opened the way of salvation to the Gentiles. In addition, Herod’s massacre and the flight to Egypt connect to the story of Moses in the Old Testament, showing that Jesus’ early life and God’s plan of salvation align with the Old Testament prophecies. In the final section, the scene of the Joseph family returning to Nazareth is also a passage that emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy.
The Overall Meaning Conveyed by the Text
Matthew 2 emphasizes that Jesus’ birth is not merely a historical event, but the fulfillment of a long-standing prophecy. Although the beginning of Jesus’ life appears unstable and weak, through God’s protection and guidance, God’s sovereignty and faithfulness are revealed. Moreover, by showing the different responses of the wise men, Herod, and the Joseph family to encountering Jesus, it invites the reader to examine their own attitude.
Points for Reflection
- As you reflect, consider the different ways Jesus is responded to through each person— the wise men, Herod, and Joseph.
- Pay attention to how, in the midst of difficulty, God’s careful guidance and protection are revealed.
- Remember that God’s plan and prophecy will certainly be fulfilled even after time passes, and strengthen your commitment to trust the faithful God.
Apply It to My Life
- In the choices and decisions of my own life as well, take a moment to check whether I truly trust in God’s guidance.
- Like the wise men who met Jesus, reflect on whether I am welcoming Jesus with genuine worship and joy—or whether, like Herod, I have attitudes of fear or obstruction.
- Practice living each day with an attitude that trusts God’s promises and words.
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