Jeremiah the Prophet's Words Fulfilled Matthew 2:17

Matthew shared what happened when the “wise men” were, “warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there until I bring you word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt. And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men”, and in chapter two and verse seventeen of his book, Matthew referred to Jeremiah's words, “then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah” where we read:

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

The verse reads, “ Then was fulfilled that which was spoken ...” Matthew began with the words, “then was fulfilled” which means “therefore and at that time was completed, accomplished and carried out” “that which was spoken” or “which was uttered, proclaimed and declared”. Matthew referred to the “completion and accomplishment” of prophesy.

The verse goes on to say, “... by Jeremiah the prophet, saying.” Matthew added the words, “by Jeremiah” which means “through Jeremiah whose name means whom Jehovah has appointed and was the son of Hilkiah of the priests that were in Anathoth” “the prophet” or “one who was moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”. Matthew began to share what “Jeremiah” the prophet declared concerning the death of the children in Bethlehem.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how he referred to yet another Old Testament prophesy concerning Jesus. God design His plan to “save” people and declared it through His prophets over and over again. Jeremiah gave this prophesy over five hundred years before Jesus was born, and it was “fulfilled” exactly as he prophesied. Let all who read these words consider how God had a plan for His Messiah Son, and His plan extends to everyone who will yield their lives to Him.

Next time Matthew shares Jeremiah's prophecy, “In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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