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Explanation for:
Matthew
2
:
12
And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
15
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Tertullian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c897f85f2df2b809392261_Tertullian.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":3,"exegesis-text":"It was undoubtedly the will of God that they experience a revelation leading them back to their true selves, though not returning by the same path they had initially taken. This serves as an indication for them to depart from their former beliefs, rather than merely a precaution to evade Herod's threats, as he neither persecuted them nor suspected they had chosen another route; indeed, he was unaware of the path they had previously followed. Hence, the term \\"road\\" signifies their previous sect and doctrine. Therefore, it was commanded that the wise men should journey onward by an alternate way."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Following their presentation of gifts to the Lord, the visitors soon received a response. This response, conveyed in Greek by the term crhmatisqentej, did not come via an angel but directly from the Lord Himself or possibly in a dream—perinsomnium. The scribes might have mistakenly interpreted this as per ipsum Dominum to highlight the merits of Joseph. They chose to return by a different route, as they were not meant to associate with the unbelieving Jews."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Consider their faith and how they remained steadfast, showing neither temptation nor hesitation. They were not disturbed, nor did they question themselves, pondering if this child truly held greatness and power; why then should they escape in secrecy and allow the angel to drive them from the city as exiles and fugitives when they had approached boldly before a vast crowd and a powerful king? They did not voice or entertain such thoughts, and this exemplifies the unique nature of faith—not to seek justification for actions not commanded, but to follow the directives given."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Herod, who had schemed deceitfully by instructing the wise men to return to him, found himself misled by a divine vision in a dream. In this vision, they received a directive not to go back to him. The wise men, while awake, praised Herod, who falsely claimed a desire to worship the newborn Christ, saying, “And I will go and worship Him” (cf. Matt. 2:8). Through their dream, they confronted him for his deception since his true intention was to kill the Messiah. Upon receiving the warning in their dream, they perceived the treachery of the murderer in a reflection. The one who sought to deceive those awake was outsmarted by those who slept. Herod thought he had fooled the wise men, believing they held trust in him, yet it was he who was outwitted through the vision. Thus, the one who had once mocked was himself mocked, as the wise men understood from the vision that they had been tricked by his words, “And I will go and worship him” (cf. Matt. 2:8). Just as a sign was given to Hezekiah to declare the truth to all through the miraculous reversal of the sun, allowing them to recognize the One who brings life from death, the star that appeared for the wise men also served as a herald of good news to all creation. Through this star, which unnaturally guided them and revealed the path, they learned to place their trust in God who descended to show humanity the way to His kingdom. As the sun was darkened at His crucifixion to reveal the reality of His death, the star that shone was dimmed, allowing the entire earth to witness the birth of the Son. A radiant star announced His joyful birth, whereas darkness enveloped the earth at His sorrowful death. Just as Hezekiah was saved from physical death by the sign, the wise men were preserved from the hidden death that awaited them through this celestial sign. The star, guiding the wise men on their journey, was clearly visible to them, yet its true essence remained concealed; this parallels Christ, whose light illuminated all humankind, while His nature and path remained veiled from their understanding."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Oh, the trust displayed by the Magi! They did not resist the urging of the angel, nor did they protest, saying, “We have journeyed a great distance through numerous lands, unafraid of their daunting kings. Yet here we stand, filled with faith, proclaiming the King who was born, and we present suitable gifts to Him as to God. Do you now instruct us, in servitude, to flee in secrecy; having arrived by one route, shall we take another in our departure?” However, grounded in their faith, they did not hesitate to embrace this counsel, nor did they feel ashamed to leave quietly; for those who have come from Herod to Christ cannot return to Herod. A person who departs from Christ to Herod may often find their way back to Christ, while one who forsakes Herod for Christ wholeheartedly is unlikely to return to Herod. In other words, individuals who, having sinned, move from Christ to the adversary and later repent, frequently return to Christ; yet those who reject the adversary to embrace Christ find it challenging to revert to the adversary. For someone who has never encountered evil and has maintained their purity until they are aware of wrongdoing can easily be ensnared by the adversary and led astray. However, if they have faced temptation in the evil they discovered, and turned away from the good they have abandoned, they are tormented by guilt and seek out God whom they have turned away from. One who has experienced evil and then turned to good rejoices in the righteousness they have attained and turns away from the evil they have shunned, making it difficult for them to revert to wickedness."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Consider another witness. The wise men traveled one path and returned by another (see Matt. 2:12); after encountering and acknowledging Christ, they returned transformed. There are two distinct paths, one that leads to ruin and another that guides to the kingdom (see Matt. 7:13). The first path belongs to the wicked, ultimately leading to Herod, while the second is through Christ, who brings them back to their homeland. Our life here is a temporary sojourn, as expressed: My soul has wandered much (Psalm 120:6). Let us be cautious of Herod, the one who possesses earthly authority, so that we may attain the everlasting dwelling in the Kingdom of Heaven."},{"author-name":"Chromatius of Aquileia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a3df6d7a747a33b4f4a_Chromatius%20of%20Aquileia.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"A model of purity and faithfulness has been presented to us, so that in acknowledging and revering Christ the King, we might abandon our former path, marked by old transgressions, and embrace a new journey where Christ leads us back to our homeland, which is Paradise, the place from which Adam was exiled. This homeland is referenced in the psalm: I will please the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 114:8). Likewise, the wise men, acting on divine warning, return by a different route, escaping the cruel grasp of the tyrant. In doing so, they recognize the Child, the newly born King, ultimately thwarting the treachery of King Herod. Isaiah had foretold this victory at the inception of our Lord and Savior's earthly life, as he proclaimed, For before the child shall be able to utter, ‘Father,’ ‘mother,’ he shall receive the riches of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria in the sight of the king of Assyria (Isaiah 8:4). The \\"riches of Damascus\\" refer to the gold bestowed by the Magi upon the incarnate Son of God. The \\"spoils of Samaria\\" signify those wise men themselves, who He redirected from the false worship of the Samaritans and their idols. Those who had once been ensnared by the devil due to misguided beliefs ultimately became reclaimed by God through the knowledge of Christ. The \\"king of Assyria,\\" in this context, represents either Herod or the devil, against whom the Magi stood firm by worshipping the Son of God, our Lord and Savior."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"The Magi inspire us by choosing a different path as they return home, providing a profound lesson for us to consider. Our true homeland is paradise; however, due to our understanding of Christ, we cannot return to it in the same manner. We have left this domain through our arrogance, disobedience, attachment to the material world, and partaking in forbidden fruit. To find our way back requires a journey marked by tears, obedience, disdain for the visible, and restraint of our earthly desires. Thus, we must change our way of returning to paradise, since we have strayed from its joys through indulgence and now must be summoned back through sorrow. Hence, dear brethren, it is essential that we, with reverence and vigilance, constantly reflect upon the weight of our transgressions and the certainty of our final judgment. Let us contemplate the arrival of the Just Judge, who threatens judgment yet conceals it, showing fearsome warnings to the unrighteous while delaying His return so that the guilty might find a moment of grace. We ought to address our guilt with heartfelt remorse and, echoing the words of the Psalmist, approach His presence with sincere confession (Psalm 94:2). Therefore, let us not be misled by the allure of transient pleasure, nor let the emptiness of joy divert our focus. The Judge is imminent, who proclaimed, \\"Woe to you who laugh now, for you will weep and wail\\" (Luke 6:25). Solomon also reminds us: while joy may accompany sorrow, ultimate delight leads to mourning (Proverbs 14:13). He further articulates, \\"To laughter I say, 'You are a fool,' and regarding mirth, 'Why do you pursue that which is empty?'\\" (Ecclesiastes 2:2). Again he states, \\"The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of merriment\\" (Ecclesiastes 2:5). Consequently, we must regard the commandments of God with reverent fear if we are to genuinely honor His victory. A sacrifice acceptable to the Lord arises from a contrite spirit, as affirmed in the Psalmist’s declaration, \\"The sacrifice of God is a broken spirit\\" (Psalm 50:19). Our former sins were cleansed in Baptism, yet we have since fallen into many transgressions that cannot be washed away afresh by that same water. Therefore, recognizing that we have tainted our lives post-Baptism, we should purify our consciences with tears, for when we seek to return to paradise, having once left it with joy in blessings, we must now approach with sorrow and humility, relying on our Lord Jesus Christ for strength."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Observe the progression! Initially, God guided the Magi to belief through a star; subsequently, upon their arrival in Jerusalem, He instructed them through a prophet about the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, and finally through an angel. They adhered to the prophetic message, which is the heavenly discourse. Having received a revelation from the Almighty, they outwitted Herod and displayed courage in the face of his oppression, boldly trusting in the strength of the One who was born, consequently becoming authentic witnesses."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Prior to their encounter with the child, the star guided their path, and following their visitation, the angel communicated with them as though they had already undergone initiation. They chose not to return to Herod, fearing that he might discover his plot was futile, leading him to abandon his scheme."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Once more, the Lord provided guidance, not through celestial signs but through a dream, reminiscent of His earlier communications with St. Joseph. Informed in their dream not to return to Herod, the Magi did not question the divine instruction; instead, with the innocence characteristic of a faithful heart, they embraced God’s decree and took a different route—likely passing through Hebron, around the Dead Sea—on their journey home. According to Church tradition, these holy Magi proclaimed the miraculous events they witnessed and heard regarding Christ the Savior upon returning to their homeland. They became the first heralds of Christ among the nations. How wondrous are the paths of God's Providence! Who could have imagined that the arrival of the One, whose birth went uncelebrated in Jerusalem, would be known in distant lands like Persia or Arabia? Despite being far away, the Gentile Magi not only learned of this momentous event but also bravely traveled from afar to worship the newly born Savior of all. It appears these Gentiles were indeed recipients of God’s grace. They had not studied the prophetic texts but were aware from ancestral traditions that a magnificent King would be born in Judea. Yet, upon seeing His star, they journeyed to Jerusalem, undeterred in their quest, even in light of hearing that a powerful and tyrannical king had long reigned in Judea. They risked their safety by inquiring about another King. Faced with the stark reality of His humble circumstances, the meager swaddling cloths, and the modest Mother, they still recognized the Savior and worshipped Him as God. What incredible perseverance, toil, and peril they undertook—merely to honor the infant King, who seemed unable to offer any reward to His worshippers. Is this not a faith reminiscent of Abraham, the patriarch of believers? In this faith, they surpassed even the Jewish people. It was not without reason that the first apostle of Christ declared that “in every nation, he who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him” (Acts 10:35). The example of the Magi illustrates that such individuals can indeed be found across all nations. Meanwhile, the Jews relied on the Law, possessed an understanding of the prophecies concerning Christ, and were informed of His birthplace, yet none among them thought to accompany the Magi to Bethlehem to witness the child they sought. What a grave oversight! What spiritual blindness! Because of this, they forfeited the immense joy that the pagan Magi experienced. The Queen of the South will rise in judgment against this generation and condemn it, for she journeyed from the utmost corners of the earth to seek the wisdom of Solomon; yet here, among them, is something greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42). These wise Gentiles will also stand in judgment, reproaching the negligence of the Jews! St. John Chrysostom perceives in the Magi's homage a foreshadowing of the Church’s future: just as the Magi honored Christ before the Jews, so too will the Gentiles embrace the Church of Christ before the Jewish people."},{"author-name":"Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896ffb7a2ebaf99e46539_Philaret%20of%20Moscow%20(Drosdow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When humanity and the forces of nature rise up against our beliefs and hinder the completion of such a sacred duty, we must ensure that our fervent devotion does not diminish within us. Only through steadfast faith can we overcome all challenges. The Wise Men evaded Herod's traps only after they had beheld the Divine Infant; their hearts were filled with joy and tranquility, and in this peace, they were guided not by the brilliance of a star, but by the message of an angel. Thus, let us escape this world, dominated by chaos and where we are continually vulnerable to the fleeting allure of falsehood and deceit. Instead, let us seek refuge in the holy city, a place of serenity, where the heavenly sustenance is provided. Whether you are a humble shepherd, you will find access to Jesus there. Whether you are a king adorned in royal garments, enlightened with all the secrets of wisdom, remember that without coming to honor the Divine Child, the glory of your status and the depth of your knowledge will fail to redeem you."},{"author-name":"Innocentius of Kherson","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d18072d36d1a976dd2c_Innocentius%20of%20Kherson.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"What was the duration of the Magi's stay in Bethlehem? The Scriptures do not specify. It is likely that they did not immediately leave the Divine Child, as their hearts were not easily satiated with His presence. When they chose to depart, they intended to go to Jerusalem to comply with Herod's request. However, that night, they received ‘tidings ... in a dream’— χρηματιςθεντες, a term associated with oracle responses; more precisely, it signifies ‘having received a revelation in a dream.’ In the Slavonic version, this term is interpreted as ‘tidings received in a dream,’ and in Russian even more specifically as ‘having received in a dream a command.’ How did they come to understand this message? There is no mention of an Angel from the Evangelist, which suggests they received the revelation directly in a dream. Their belief in the message came purely through faith, as one might expect. They likely did not learn of Herod's intentions but were simply instructed not to return the way they had come, to protect their faith from confusion and temptation. \\n\\nHow could Herod’s flattering words be overcome by sleep? One must acknowledge that even ordinary dreams can leave profound impressions, and dreams from God are particularly compelling. A notable instance is Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (see: Dan. 2). History also tells of the most unrighteous individuals turning toward virtue through dreams. For example, there are accounts of those who awoke from a dream that transformed their whole being, only to forget the specifics but retain the imperative to abandon vice for virtue. They followed this urging and became saints.\\n\\nWhat alternative route was available for the Magi upon their return? Though they could have bypassed Herod by going through Jerusalem, their obedience to the Divine voice led them to avoid that path entirely. Instead, they journeyed south from Bethlehem, circumventing the Dead Sea—a more arduous and less frequented route, yet they chose it without hesitation. Thus, by stating that the Magi returned to their homeland by another way, the Evangelist concludes their narrative. \\n\\nWhat became of them thereafter? They do not appear again in the Gospel. However, ancient tradition suggests that their fervor for the faith of the Jews and their belief in the newborn King only intensified upon their return. When the followers of Christ were scattered across the globe, the Magi, upon hearing their teachings, were among the first to embrace the Christian faith, becoming its emissaries, and ultimately martyrs for Christ. Therefore, while they may have worn earthly crowns, they were later adorned with heavenly ones. Such individuals could not waver in their faith but instead grew ever stronger, ultimately being gathered by the sword into the harvest of Christ. The experiences of those who follow Jesus Christ affirm the Apostle's words: ‘But all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted’ (2 Tim. 3:12).\\n\\nReflecting on this event reveals the profound wisdom of Divine Providence. The Jewish people were not deemed worthy of a direct revelation of the Messiah. Some among them were indeed righteous, but the vessels of God’s message had to reach Herod and the Sanhedrin. If a Jew had been chosen for this, endless inquiries would likely have ensued, putting the Divine Child at risk. Hence, God called men from the East, strangers to Jerusalem, to bring this message and confound the city. In this way, God revealed Himself to His people, leaving them unresponsive. There could have been no more significant announcement; from the least to the greatest, all could recognize the Messiah.\\n\\nProvidence fulfilled its purpose and left the choice to the people: either to worship the Messiah with the wise men and the shepherds, or to dismiss this revelation with apathy, allowing curiosity to overshadow worship, ultimately choosing their own path instead of the way to Bethlehem. It is particularly notable that the news of the Messiah reached the Jews from the Gentiles. Therefore, St. Chrysostom refers to the Magi as ‘the firstfruits of the Church.’ Indeed, they served as gifts from paganism: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. \\n\\nWhat was true then remains true now. In that time, with the Jews relying on the law, they believed salvation rested solely in their hands—much as the Church may now think of itself. It likely never occurred to them that the Gentiles would first receive the revelation of the Messiah. The Gentiles came to Him and fulfilled their role, while the Jews only observed. Today, some Christians may think salvation is exclusive to Christianity, perceiving darkness and desolation elsewhere, while God’s presence permeates all creation. Just as the heavens extend above the earth, so does God’s Providence embrace the universe. Even now, some Gentiles can exemplify virtues of piety that challenge Christians, if not in matters of faith itself. History is replete with such examples. \\n\\nThis reading reflects on the Gospel accounts concerning the earthly life of Jesus Christ prior to His public ministry of salvation. The journey of the Magi and their adoration of Jesus Christ serves as a pivotal moment in this narrative."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Not to return\\": for Herod, having certainly been informed by the wise men regarding the child, would very likely have swiftly taken every action to eliminate the child. - \\"By another way\\": likely to the south of Bethlehem, through Hebron and along the southern banks of the Dead Sea."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After fulfilling their intended journey, the wise men planned to return to their homeland through Jerusalem to honor their promise to Herod. However, they chose a different route back, likely along the southern shore of the Dead Sea, guided by a divine revelation in a dream. This dream, whatever its nature, convinced them that Herod had malicious intentions. Consequently, wishing to avoid complicity in his sinister plans, they decided against meeting him."}]}
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