But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
But when Herod was dead - Miserable Herod! Thou thoughtest thyself safe from a dreaded Rival; but it was He only that was safe from thee; and thou hast not long enjoyed even this fancied security. See the note at Matthew 2:15.
Behold, an angel of the Lord. Our translators, somewhat capriciously, render the same expression х angelos (G32) Kurion (G2962)] "the angel of the Lord," Matthew 1:20; Matthew 2:13; and "an angel of the Lord," as here. As the same angel appears to have been employed on all these high occasions-and most likely he to whom in Luke is given the name of "Gabriel," Matthew 1:19,26 - perhaps it should, in every instance except the first, be rendered "the angel."
Appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,