The Typology Of Freedom
History is rarely as it seems on the surface and is always more than isolated events. Wars are not always fought just because nations want to exert themselves. They are fought for many causes and over many issues. For example, we can’t look merely at unconnected events to understand the meaning of an event in history or of a war. So, we put history in its context to illuminate and analyze historical events regarding their purpose and meaning.
In the same way, scripture has a deeper purpose and is often revealed through its typology. The Bible’s symbolism repeatedly brings out a greater purpose and the movement of history. In the account of the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt, we can discover one such meaningful historical account.
The Contrasting Gospels of Rome and Christ
Jesus Christ was born into a world enslaved by sin. Ancient Rome’s concept of “salvation” was freedom from true freedom… freedom from personal responsibility and the perils accompanying freedom. That was the Roman Imperial doctrine of salvation and serfdom beginning as early as Gaius Gracchus, who had expanded free grain distributions to Roman citizens, known as the frumentatio.
The Emperor Nerva is credited with establishing an early version of this alimenta. (The alimenta programs are often considered Rome’s first significant attempt at “social welfare.”) Nerva used imperial funds (and sometimes loan schemes to landowners) to support the children of low-income families. Later, Trajan expanded and systematized these programs.
In essence, Rome and its emperors promised security at the cost of liberty and called it salvation. (We’ll feed you if you don’t give us any trouble.) We see this in Rome’s bread, circuses, and the promise of multi-generational welfare.
In contrast, the salvation of our God revealed in and through Jesus Christ and His atoning work is liberation from the slavery of sin, death, and all forms of bondage.
This new Christian view of genuine freedom threatened Rome’s version of political salvation. Such redemption upends every form of security that comes from political or even spiritual servitude. From the very beginning of His time on earth, Christ arrived in a hostile world where innocent children were slaughtered in a vain attempt to eliminate Him.
Slavery in a Hostile World
We see this hostility embodied in King Herod when wise men from the East… likely Babylon, where the prophecies of Daniel and Isaiah were known… came to pay homage to the newborn King. They brought gifts of gold (a royal tribute), frankincense (the sign of priesthood), and myrrh (foreshadowing Christ’s suffering and death). Warned by God in a dream, they returned to their land by another route. Herod then sought the life of the child.
The slaughter of innocent children in Bethlehem was not out of character for Herod. A man of terrifying depravity, he casually killed members of his own family, including 10 wives and 14 children. The emperor Augustus once remarked, “It is better to be Herod’s pig than his son.”
The Greek pun behind Augustus’s famous quip plays on the similarity between the words for “pig” (hûs) and “son” (huiós) in Greek. Since Herod, as a practicing Jew, avoided pork but had no qualms about executing his own sons on suspicion of treason, Augustus reportedly joked that a pig stood a better chance of survival in Herod’s palace than did one of his heirs.
Further, When Herod lay dying, he ordered massacres in the streets of Jerusalem so that the people of Jerusalem would weep on the day of his death. That’s the world Christ was born into… cold, brutal, and intensely bent on preserving political power.
A Flight into Egypt and Its Deep Significance
Following an angelic warning, Joseph fled with Mary and the child to Egypt. Yet they could have gone elsewhere, at least theoretically. So why Egypt? The Gospel of Matthew answers in that it fulfilled the prophecy of Hosea 11:1: “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” This prophecy, first applied to Israel as God’s “firstborn son,” now found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The nation of Israel had gone down into Egypt because Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. His brothers intended Joseph harm or death, but God turned it for good. Joseph rose to be prime minister in Egypt, and in time, his brothers arrived to buy grain from him. Joseph summarized God’s providential hand at work: “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”
Herod was so wicked that the emperor Augustus once remarked, “It is better to be Herod’s pig than his son.
The Vicious Legacy of Herod
Centuries later, Pharaoh’s suspicion of the Israelites led to their oppression and eventual enslavement. Yet once again, God delivered them, preserving His people and toppling Egypt’s imperial might. In the same way, Herod’s murderous rage served only to fulfill God’s providential plan. By sending Mary, Joseph, and Jesus to Egypt, God made Herod’s evil intentions serve the glorious promise that His Son would be called out of Egypt.
Why Egypt? Biblical Typology and Prophecy
In Scripture, Egypt symbolizes bondage, tyranny, and the fallen human order that claims divine authority. The flight to Egypt might seem like forsaking the Messianic hope. Yet the speed of their return… Joseph was told to return as soon as Herod died… proclaims that the Redeemer would not remain in this land of bondage. Not a moment beyond necessity was spent there, underscoring the certainty that God’s chosen will never be captive for long.
All these events reveal the deeper meaning of Hosea’s words. They highlight a principle woven throughout Scripture. Israel, God’s firstborn in the Old Testament, was called out of Egypt despite its apostasy. Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, briefly entered Egypt and was quickly brought out. And so, this prophecy also extends to us, the body of Christ, His true Church.
Christ, the Church, and the Sure Promise of Deliverance
Those who belong to Christ are called out of bondage to sin, out of captivity to the world, and into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. The repeated refrain of Scripture is that no power, however oppressive, can hold God’s children indefinitely. Our God who does not lie promises, “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.” He demonstrates this by rescuing Israel, bringing Christ out of Egypt, and freeing us from Egypt of our fallen nature.
Today, we face real threats from hostile powers and political systems that promise security at the expense of freedom. The world may envision a looming deep-state dictatorship, socialism, or other harsh regimes. Yet amid these fears stands God’s sovereign declaration that no spiritual or earthly “Egypt” can hold His Son… or His Son’s people… captive forever.
The Ultimate Certainty: Out of Egypt Have I Called My Son
Whatever the world’s powers may scheme, it’s always overshadowed by God’s certainty. Scripture repeatedly affirms His faithfulness: He called Israel out; He led His own Son out. And… He calls us out. This is His unchanging promise, accomplished not because of our worthiness but because of His grace and covenant faithfulness.
In this certainty lies our hope. God has called us, and He will preserve us. No matter what form of bondage threatens, no earthly power can prevail against the One who declares, “Out of Egypt have I called my Son.”
So let’s rejoice, for unto us a Child is born. He is the everlasting God and the Prince of Peace, and of the increase of His government, there shall be no end.
