The answer is: Egypt

Matt 2:13 - and thus fulfulling the prophecy of Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I called my son".

When Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to Egypt, it’s a significant moment drenched in meaning. They were running from Herod, a king who feared Jesus would take his throne—showing just how powerful this tiny infant was seen to be. This flight echoes the journey of Israel themselves, who also found themselves in Egypt generations earlier during a time of famine. Interestingly, both stories illustrate the vulnerability in times of internal and external strife.

Egypt, traditionally seen as a place of bondage in the Old Testament, becomes a sanctuary where Israel’s future hope gets a reprieve. Hosea’s prophecy, “Out of Egypt I called my son,” resonates deeply here, illustrating a broader narrative of liberation and purpose running throughout the Biblical text. It’s cool to note that this isn’t just a throwback to Israel; the figure of ‘escaping to Egypt’ has parallels throughout the Bible, emphasizing how that nation took on varied meanings in different contexts.

Also intriguing is how Matthew’s audience, predominantly Jewish, would recognize this as more than mere geography. It unfolded layers of expectation about the Messiah, affirming peace through overwhelming adversity. The typhoon of Herod’s wrath crossed paths with the quiet will of God. Moreover, it reflects the ongoing theme in the Bible: divine guidance through chaotic human circumstances, reinforcing the belief that hope can bloom even in the direst in situations. So, every flight from danger can be a stepping stone for something magnificent!