Matthew 2:23 in the King James Version reads, "And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene."

This verse comes at the end of Matthew's account of the early life of Jesus. It marks the conclusion of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, the visitation of the Magi, and the flight to Egypt to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male children in Bethlehem. The verse is a fulfillment of a prophecy, and it symbolizes the divine plan of God in the life of Jesus.

The city of Nazareth, where Jesus grew up, was a place of little significance at the time. It was not a place of great wealth or power, and it was not known for producing great leaders or prophets. In fact, it was even looked down upon by some as a place of low reputation, as seen in John 1:46 when Nathanael expressed skepticism about the potential of anything good coming from Nazareth. However, it was in this humble and ordinary city that Jesus would grow up and begin His ministry.

The fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus would be called a Nazarene has been a topic of much debate among scholars and theologians. While there is no direct Old Testament prophecy that specifically mentions the word "Nazarene," it is likely that the reference here is a general statement about Jesus being associated with the town of Nazareth. The prophets had foretold that Jesus would come from humble beginnings, and that He would be despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3). This is in line with the humble reputation of Nazareth, and the rejection of Jesus by some people during His ministry.

The mention of Nazareth in this verse also carries with it the theme of fulfillment of prophecy. Throughout the book of Matthew, the author frequently makes references to Old Testament prophecies being fulfilled in the life of Jesus. This serves to authenticate Jesus' identity as the long-awaited Messiah, and to show that He was the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The fact that Jesus would be called a Nazarene is yet another piece of evidence that points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.

In a broader context, the verse also speaks to the sovereignty and wisdom of God. God's plan for Jesus' life was carefully orchestrated, down to the smallest detail. The fact that Jesus spent His formative years in a place like Nazareth, rather than in a powerful and influential city, was all part of God's divine plan. It demonstrates that God often chooses what the world considers weak and insignificant to bring about His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:27). This is a comforting reminder that God is in control of all things, and that He can use even the most unlikely circumstances for His glory and for the good of His people.

Symbolically, the reference to Jesus being called a Nazarene also points to the humility and lowliness of Jesus. Throughout His life, Jesus exemplified humility, choosing to identify with the poor and the marginalized, and to serve rather than be served. His upbringing in Nazareth reflects this humility, and serves as a reminder to His followers to live lives of humility and service to others.

In conclusion, Matthew 2:23 is a powerful statement about the fulfillment of prophecy, the sovereignty of God, and the humility of Jesus. It serves as a reminder that God's plans are perfect and can be trusted, even when they seem to contradict human understanding. The verse also challenges believers to embrace humility and to trust in God's ability to use even the most unlikely circumstances for His purposes.