In the prophecy of this chapter, there is a double reference: first, to the destruction of the temple, and as connected with this the overthrow of the Jewish state and nation; secondly, to the end of the world. Both these events are included in the question of the disciples, Matthew 24:3, who seem t... [ Continue Reading ]
THROWN DOWN; expressive of the utter destruction which took place about forty years after.... [ Continue Reading ]
It is a great privilege to be permitted to apply to Christ for instruction; for he can give us what we need, and in the best time and way.... [ Continue Reading ]
False teachers abound in all ages, and seek in various ways to draw away disciples after them. We should not believe every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God. 1 John 4:1. In order to do this, all should study the Scriptures, and compare what they hear with the word of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
MY NAME'S SAKE; on account of their attachment to him. The hatred of men to Jesus Christ often shows itself in hatred to his people; and the manner in which men treat them, shows how, were he embodied and dwelling among men, they would treat him.... [ Continue Reading ]
OFFENDED; let to forsake him, and apostatize from his religion.... [ Continue Reading ]
ENDURE; continue to obey Christ, notwithstanding all opposition. The sure and decisive test of friendship to Christ, in distinction from all counterfeits, is love to his character shown by perservering obedience to his commands.... [ Continue Reading ]
ALL THE WORLD; all the countries then known.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION; commonly understood of the eagles of the Roman standards, regarded as objects of idolatrous worship. STAND IN THE HOLY PLACE; encamped about Jerusalem. WHOSO READETH; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:11. LET HIM UNDERSTAND; that the destruction foretold by the prophet Daniel... [ Continue Reading ]
FLEE INTO THE MOUNTAINS; to save themselves, and prevent their being taken by the Romans.... [ Continue Reading ]
HOUSE - TOP; the tops of houses were then made flat, and persons often sat, walked, prayed, took their meals, and spent their nights upon them. TO TAKE ANY THING; but flee by the shortest way, and in the quickest manner.... [ Continue Reading ]
WOE; on account of the increased difficulty of fleeing.... [ Continue Reading ]
WINTER-SABBATH - DAY; because it would then be more difficult to escape. God's arrangements for the future are not so fixed that it is improper for us to pray that we may be favored in escaping from evils, and obtaining needed good. But while we pray, we must act; for in answering prayer, God encour... [ Continue Reading ]
THEN SHALL BE GREAT TRIBULATION; great distress. It is stated that eleven hundred thousand were slain, and in the neighborhood two hundred and fifty thousand more. Ninety-seven thousand were sold into perpetual bondage, and multitudes perished by famine, pestilence, and cruel treatment.... [ Continue Reading ]
THOSE DAYS; days of distress. NO FLESH BE SAVED; all the covenant people would perish. ELECT'S SAKE; those whom God had chosen to be his people. God orders the dispensations of providence and the manifestations of grace with special reference to his people; and in such a manner as shall secure the... [ Continue Reading ]
IF IT WERE POSSIBLE; this implied that it was not possible.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE IS IN THE DESERT; that is, the Messiah is there.... [ Continue Reading ]
SO SHALL-THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE; it shall be so public that all must see it.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHERESOEVER THE CARCASS IS, THERE WILL THE EAGLES BE; wherever the Jews are, the Romans will be upon them, as eagles are upon their prey; the eagle being the ordinary standard of the Roman armies.... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL THE SUN BE DARKENED; on the twofold reference of these words, see the introductory note to the chapter. From this point onward the form of the prophecy has more immediate reference to Christ's final coming, yet not so as to exclude its earlier fulfilment. The language which Christ used to desc... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SIGN OF THE SON OF MAN IN HEAVEN; the sign of his speedy coming. SHALL SEE THE SON OF MAN; fulfilled in a lower figurative sense when Christ came providentially to destroy the Jewish city and nation: to be fulfilled in the highest sense at his final personal coming. The same is true of the gath... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS GENERATION SHALL NOT PASS-BE FULFILLED; that is, in the nearer event foretold. See the introductory note to the chapter.... [ Continue Reading ]
THAT DAY; the day of "The coming of the Son of man," ver Matthew 24:37; 2Ti 1:12; 2 Timothy 1:18. Christ did not tell them when it would be, and none but God know. He warned them to be prepared for it, and to be always ready.... [ Continue Reading ]
NOE; the Greek method of spelling Noah. Genesis 7:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
TAKEN; and saved as a follower of Christ. LEFT; to perish through unbelief and rejection of him.... [ Continue Reading ]
YE KNOW NOT; this was true with regard to the destruction of Jerusalem. It is also true with regard to each one's death; and it will be true with regard to the day of judgment. The day of our death, and of our being called to judgment, though known to God, is not revealed to us, that we may always b... [ Continue Reading ]
READY; for the coming of your Lord, in whatever way.... [ Continue Reading ]
MADE RULER; given him the care of providing for his family.... [ Continue Reading ]
CUT HIM ASUNDER; the reference is to the punishment of cutting or sawing asunder. The meaning is, he shall punish him with awful severity.... [ Continue Reading ]