Matthew 2:13

The Flight into Egypt

13. the young child Named first, as the most precious charge and the most exposed to danger.

Egypt at all times the readiest place of refuge for the Israelites, whether from famine or from political oppression. It had sheltered many thousands of Jews from the tyranny of the Syrian kings. Consequently large settlements of Jews were to be found in various cities of Egypt and Africa. 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 His brethren according to the flesh.

At this time Egypt was a Roman province. This incident of Christ's stay in Egypt would be regarded as a precious memory by the African church the church of Cyprian, Origen and Augustine.