This is why am investigating the timing of events, was Jesus flight to egypt a brief one or a long one, how long did he stay there for, if we know when Herod died and when archelus came to the throne then we can figure out how long Jesus was there for. Because Jerusalem and Bethlehem are quite close to one another, it could be the family returned to Bethlehem and stayed a while before the magi visited.
Luke was saying they did all the things required for the law of the lord, but what would have been those things...a circumcision, a sacrifice...what else? Another poster said it would have taken 41 days. But maybe it was 2 years stay in Bethelehem. Its just seems a bit odd that the angels would tell Joseph in a dream to immediately leave Bethlehem if they just got there and were just passing through anyway. They could have gone back to Nazareth because Galilee wasnt at the time ruled by Herod as it was a separate state outside of Judea, Why Egypt? What was in Egypt. If someone was trying to kill your baby, you would leave the place IMMEDIATELY and it seems they did, by night. There would be no question of hanging round would there.
I am not criticising the Bible but asking these questions to further understand it. Why people get all huffy because they cant easily explain it to someone who needs to understand the timing of events I dont know.
Plus often when people tell the christmas story, especially to children, they conflate events and have the magi visit Jesus right as when he was born. But I notice while people are ok to draw or show the magi, often depicted as three (bible doesnt actually say how many) wise men bearing gifts to an infant Jesus many neglect to mention that Jesus childhood was not easy and that there was a mass infantcide.
If both accounts can be harmonised, then wouldnt it be good to explain it in chronological order so others can actually see what happened and how long it took? Instead of accusing people of thinking well you just cant see it, well show us by explaining it then!
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