vv 17-18 Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A cry was heard in Ramah — weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” (Quoted from Jeremiah 31:15)
Brutal conflict between God’s plan for Jesus and the Jewish authorities is in evidence right from the beginning of Jesus’ life as a baby. As we read on through Matthew’s gospel we will see this conflict developing until it reaches a climax at the Cross. But God’s plan will not be frustrated; even the Good Friday cross gives way to the empty tomb at Easter. God acts decisively to carry through His plan of redemption; Joseph, Mary and Jesus become refugees in Egypt, but many other families pay a high price for Herod’s evil actions
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