Flight into Egypt

Flight into Egypt refers to the biblical event described in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:13–23), in which Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus flee to Egypt to escape the massacre of the infants of Bethlehem by Herod the Great, king of Judea. This event is commemorated in the Christian liturgical calendar on December 28 and has been a popular subject in Christian art, literature, and theology.

Biblical Account

According to the Gospel of Matthew, after the visit of the Magi (wise men from the East), an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him of Herod's plan to kill the infant Jesus. The angel instructed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus and escape to Egypt, where they would be safe from Herod's reach. Joseph obeyed, and the family remained in Egypt until Herod's death. After Herod died, an angel again appeared to Joseph in a dream, telling him it was safe to return to the land of Israel. However, upon hearing that Herod's son Archelaus was ruling over Judea, Joseph was afraid to go there. Warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee and settled in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

Theological Significance

The Flight into Egypt is seen by Christians as an event that shows God's protective care for Jesus, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and a prefiguration of the exile of the Church from the world. It also highlights the innocence and vulnerability of Jesus as a child and his identification with the persecuted and marginalized.

Artistic Representations

Throughout Christian art, the Flight into Egypt has been a popular subject, depicted in various media, including painting, sculpture, and stained glass. Artists such as Caravaggio, Giotto, and Rembrandt have created notable works that portray this biblical event. These artworks often emphasize themes of protection, guidance, and providence.

Feast Day

The Flight into Egypt is commemorated in the Christian liturgical calendar on December 28, alongside the Feast of the Holy Innocents, which remembers the children killed by Herod in his attempt to eliminate Jesus.

Cultural Impact

The story of the Flight into Egypt has influenced Christian thought, art, and culture for centuries. It has been interpreted in various ways, reflecting themes of refuge and asylum, divine intervention in human affairs, and the fulfillment of prophecy. The event is also seen as a model of faith and obedience in the face of danger and uncertainty.