verses 4 - 6 continue
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;* (because he was of the house and lineage of David
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Joseph obeyed the LAW and decree of government and went with his "ESPOUSED" wife to pay his taxes. He did not grumble, throw a tantrum, resist, start an uprising, but rather submitted himself to the government and rulers of that day and time. GOD commands us all to pray for those who are in authority over us. I am confident that Joseph who was obedient in taking Mary for HIS WIFE, though HE did not understand what was happening here, and only could BELIEVE HIS WIFE'S explanation of WHY she was pregnant while they were engaged to be married , also trusted in the LORD and believed Mary's account, and so was faithful to GOD as well.
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