_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 2:1. BORN.—The birth of Jesus has been assigned to “the fourth year before the common account called Anno Domini.” But Rev. A. Carr (Cambridge Bible for Schools) says, “the year 3 before the Christian Era has been fixed almost beyond a doubt as the date of the Nativity.” BET... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 2:11. HOUSE.—It is not reasonable to suppose that the holy family would require to stay long in the public khan or caravanserai, where the infant Saviour was born. WORSHIPPED.—The gathering of the Gentiles to the light of Israel was an essential part of true Judaism, and co... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 2:13. EGYPT.—At all times the readiest place of refuge for the Israelites, whether from famine or from political oppression. In Alexandria the Jews numbered a fifth of the population. Wherever, therefore, the infant Saviour’s home was in Egypt, it would be in the midst of H... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 2:22. ARCHELAUS.—Succeeded to Judæa, Samaria and Idumea, but Augustus refused him the title of king till it should be seen how he conducted himself, giving him only the title of Ethnarch. Above this, however, he never rose. The people, indeed, recognised him as his father’s... [ Continue Reading ]