Egypt

Situated to the southwest of Israel and the land of Judea is the nation of Egypt. At the time of the birth of Jesus, this country was another province belonging to the Roman Roman Empire. Its distance from Bethlehem is about 100 km (62 mi.).

Joseph with his family found a brief yet necessary asylum inside Egypt’s borders. This location meant his family was safe, beyond the reach of the threats and designs of the evil King Herod of Judea. Herod’s jurisdiction as king extended only to the River Sihon, or the “river of Egypt.”

At this time, dwelling within Egypt were many Jews. Here these people had even built a temple and synagogues. Therefore, he, Mary, and the baby Jesus could have readily found acceptance and a residence among their countrymen. But, remarkably, this was the only time in which the Bible records Jesus was outside Palestine.

Inside this land, the children of Israel previously had suffered under the oppression of the Egyptian kings. Thus, it is ironic that this very land, formerly the land of bondage and groaning for the Jewish people, became the land of refuge and safety for the newborn King of Judea.

God can overturn nations and kingdoms so that those whom He loves shall be safe anywhere.