The Magi's announcement of a Jewish king born in Israel made King Herod very anxious. He was not a descendant of David, or even a true Jew; he was an Edomite, a descendant of Esau who married one of Ishmael's daughters (Genesis 28:8-9). He had done well for himself as the puppet-king of the occupying Roman forces, but he did not know God or His Word.
The wise men had gone. In a dream, God told them not to tell Herod anything about their visit to Jesus; so they went home by slipping across the border without going to Jerusalem. (NIVUK)
Egypt was not to be Jesus' home. It was a temporary refuge, as it had been for the children of Israel over 1800 years previously - until it was God’s time for them to move.
These days we get to know about local and global news impersonally - through the TV, radio or internet. Mobile phones carry the information to us, wherever we may be.
In those days, travelling philosophers made a good living. They had a new idea and people paid to hear it. Not so John. He was under God's instructions to get people ready to welcome the Messiah.
John the Baptist's wilderness preaching-place was a popular destination. Many came because they longed for the Messiah to come, and wanted to be ready for Him.