MATTHEW—NOTE ON Matthew 2:23 Nazareth is halfway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Galilee. It was a relatively small village. Joseph and Mary had come from Nazareth (see Luke 1:26; Luke 2:39). he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew is not quoting any specific OT prophecy but is referring to a general theme in the OT prophets (plural). They foretold that the Messiah would be despised (see Isaiah 53:3), and the town of Nazareth was despised in Jesus’ time (see John 1:46; John 7:41, John 7:52). Matthew may also have intended a wordplay connecting the word “Nazareth” to the messianic prophecy in Isaiah 11:1; “Nazareth” sounds like the Hebrew word for “branch,” which was a term for the Messiah.

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