In Matthew Henry’s commentary, it says this regarding the Nazarene reference:
“[1.] The Man, the Branch, spoken of, Isa. 11:1. The word there is Netzar, which signifies either a branch, or the city of Nazareth; in being denominated from that city, he is declared to be that Branch.”
This is the common explanation for those who don’t want to just say that Matthew makes up a citation. But I think it doesn’t account for “the prophets.” Matthew’s also writing in Greek, and that’s a wordplay that only makes sense in Hebrew. It’s also really, really subtle if that’s what he’s doing.
I am always staggered by the sheer brutality of Herod and those who followed his orders to kill the male children two years old and younger! Oh how the innocent suffer when a tyrant is in leadership. I find myself grieving for the children and babies and their parents. My gosh — can you imagine the rage, fear, and overwhelming grief at their inability to protect their babies?!
In Matthew Henry’s commentary, it says this regarding the Nazarene reference:
“[1.] The Man, the Branch, spoken of, Isa. 11:1. The word there is Netzar, which signifies either a branch, or the city of Nazareth; in being denominated from that city, he is declared to be that Branch.”
Seems a bit of a stretch but plausible?
This is the common explanation for those who don’t want to just say that Matthew makes up a citation. But I think it doesn’t account for “the prophets.” Matthew’s also writing in Greek, and that’s a wordplay that only makes sense in Hebrew. It’s also really, really subtle if that’s what he’s doing.
Gotcha. Thanks for the further insight
I am always staggered by the sheer brutality of Herod and those who followed his orders to kill the male children two years old and younger! Oh how the innocent suffer when a tyrant is in leadership. I find myself grieving for the children and babies and their parents. My gosh — can you imagine the rage, fear, and overwhelming grief at their inability to protect their babies?!