Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 2:13

13 And when they were departed, Behold the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise and take the young child, and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there, untill I bring thee word, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy it.

How long it was before this Apparition to Ioseph, the Scripture saith not, but admitting what is affirmed by some Geographers, that Bethlehem Iudah was but two days Journey from Ierusalem, it cannot be presumed long, for Herod had (doubtless) quick Intelligence of the Wise Mens motions Here was a second Temptation upon Ioseph, who was of no great Quality. (a Carpenter) and might have anxious Thoughts how he in Egypt should maintain himself, his Wife and Child▪ but Ioseph knew, That the Earth was the Lords, and the fulness thereof, tho Egypt therefore was a Land of Idolaters, and he had no Vi[illegible: 1 letter]ible way of Subsistence there, yet we shall hear that none o[illegible: 1 letter] these things made him hesitate. Egypt was near to Palestina, and the Dominions of another Prince, within which Herod had nothing to do, Ieroboam fled thither▪ 1 Kin. 11.40. and staid there till the Death of Solomon: Gods precept here, did not only indicate his Care and special Providence for, and over this Holy Child, but included a Promise of S[illegible: 1 letter]stenance and Support, for it, and its Parents, and the Lord further assured Ioseph, that he should not dye in that Exile, for he would likewise tell him the time when he should come back. Christ's time to dye was not yet come, and therefore he would have him out of the way, for he who searcheth the Heart, and tryeth the Reins, and knoweth the Thoughts of Man afar off, did know that Herod would seek the young Child to destroy him, he should but seek it, for God had resolved to preserve it, but he would shew the Malice of his Heart in seeking of it, therefore God commands him to go away, and directeth him whither to go. The certainty of an issue, from the Divine Counsels, or a Divine Revelation, ought not to incourage us in the neglect of any rational, and just means for the obtaining of it. Tho God will provide for his Church and People; yet it is his Will they should use all just, and Lawful means for their own Preservation.