THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM.
Luke 21:20-24.
LUKE 21:20. Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, which took place some forty years after His prophecy. This was divine foreknowledge, Jesus as God ‘declaring the end from the beginning’ (cf. Isaiah 46:10). We may not know what tomorrow may bring (cf. Proverbs 27:1), but nothing happens without God’s say so!
LUKE 21:21. Jesus’ instruction for the people of Judaea in those days was, “Flee to the mountains.” To do so is not cowardice, but common sense. It was also a prophecy because, when the Romans inexplicably and momentarily withdrew, a flood of refugees did escape before the final assault.
Among these were some Christians, who made their way to the little town of Pella, in the Transjordan hills. By doing this they were obeying Jesus. This was in the territory of Herod Agrippa, who remained loyal to the Romans, so the Christians escaped the destruction, and survived.
LUKE 21:22. Jesus gave a reason for fleeing: “For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.” This is a solemn word, pronouncing judgment against God’s ancient people. It had been a long time coming, but it at last came to a head with their rejection of Jesus.
LUKE 21:23. The “woe unto” in this verse is an expression of pity. “Alas for” is an alternative translation. The Lord has pity upon the victim and the refugee, and especially upon the vulnerable and the young.
“For there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.” This is not just the wrath of man (the Romans), but the wrath of God (cf. John 3:36).
LUKE 21:24. According to Josephus, 110,000 Jews died during the siege of Jerusalem. A further 97,000 were taken away as prisoners.
“Led away as captives into all the nations” heralds “and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” ‘Nations’ and ‘Gentiles’ are both a reference to non-Jewish peoples. Jerusalem remained outside of Jewish control for nearly 1900 years.
The hourglass is now running out on “the times of the Gentiles” (cf. Romans 11:25). Blessed is the person who is ready for Jesus’ return.
