Joseph was apparently contemplating where to bring Jesus, and when he learned that Archelaus was ruling in Jerusalem and Bethlehem and the whole region of Judea he decided to go in another direction, after being warned by God in another dream. He then took his family north to the Galilee region.
"And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee" Matthew 2:21-22
Historical Note: After Herod the Great had died his kingdom was divided among his three sons, Antipas, Philip, and Archelaus. Archelaus inherited Judea, Antipas was given Galilee and Perea (Transjordan), and Philip inherited the predominantly Gentile areas east and north of the Sea of Galilee. Caesar Augustus quickly removed Archelaus after there were so many bad reports about him from the Jews. He made Judea part of the Roman province of Syria in 6 AD and placed a procurator there who was subject to the governor of Syria.
Archelaus Coin
Map of Israel Showing Judea
Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt, Herod's Slaughter of the Infants in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary Return to Israel, Archelaus Ruling in Judea, Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth, Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit, Theological Insight about the Incarnation, The Boy Jesus Comes to the Temple, The Dwelling Place of God
The Childhood of Jesus
"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." - Luke 2:40
The New Testament - A Brief Overview
| Brief History of the Childhood of Jesus Scriptures and Topics Covered: Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt (Mat 2:13-23). Herod's Slaughtering of the Infants (Mat 2:16-18). Joseph and Mary's Return to Israel (Mat 2:19-21). Archelaus Ruling in Judea (Mat 2:22). Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth (Mat 2:23; Lk 2:39). Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit (Lk 2:40). Jesus Visits Jerusalem (Lk 2:41-50). Jesus Increases in Wisdom (Lk 2:51-52). |