The story is full of symbolism indicating that the Child Jesus is a true representative of Israel. The Holy Family fleeing from Herod to Egypt reminds us of Moses fleeing to Midian to escape the Pharaoh. It also recalls the Pharaoh's command to kill all the first-born Israelites in Egypt. Jesus is seen by Matthew as the new Moses. "I have called my son out of Egypt" bring to mind the Exodus, the great act of liberation for God's people. Jesus will bring about an even greater liberation by the establishment of His Kingdom, the Kingdom of 'truth and life, of holiness and grace, of justice, love, and peace'. As the Pharaoh hoped to wipe out the Israelites, Herod, whose cruelty is historically well established, tried to wipe out a potential threat to his kingship. The death of the children echoes the death of so many Israelites during the cruel days of exile. Jesus is one with His people. He escapes now but later on will die on their behalf, the testimony of God's love to His own people and the people of the whole world.