Matthew 24:1

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 to have connected them as inseparable from each other. The providential coming of the Son of man to destroy the city and temple, which was to be fulfilled before that generation had passed away, shadows forth, therefore, his more awful and majestic personal coming at "the end of the world." So far as the outward form of the prophecy is concerned, the first part is more occupied with the nearer event; the later, with the more distant. But it was not our Lord's purpose to reveal distinctly the separation of the two by a vast interval of time. The signs of the approaching catastrophy-wars, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, persecution, false prophets, etc.-were all fulfilled, as the history of these times shows, in respect to its nearer fulfilment in the destruction of Jerusalem. Another fulfilment remains for the last days. The darkening of the sun, moon, and stars, Matthew 24:29, was fulfilled symbolically at the overthrow of the Jewish temple and city, this being a well-known emblem of revolutions and the fall of nations. See note on Isaiah 13:10, and the references. But it shall be literally fulfilled when heaven and earth shall pass away.

The temple; this temple was built by the Jews after their return from the Babylonish captivity, and greatly enlarged and beautified by Herod.