Bible Study Week 11
Part 1
The Destruction of Jerusalem
Prophecy is a definite for in Scripture. Many historical events are specifically foretold in the pages of the Bible. It is one of the Bible's most interesting studies.
While people have different interpretations of various future prophetic details, the central message of biblical prophecy is not difficult to understand. We will study certain outstanding events, and our study will reveal that we need to make our "calling and election sure".
The Old Testament prophets continually foretold the gathering again of the Jews to their land. But the Romans dispersed the Jews from their land and destroyed the city of Jerusalem.
>>> Why do you think Jesus included prophecy in the Scripture?
Jesus foretold this happening to His disciples. He warned them of these coming events in the not-to-distant future so the church could be prepared for trouble and tribulation that would come upon the earth.
In Luke 19:41-44, Jesus told of the coming destruction of the city of Jerusalem. In verse 43 and 44 He said, "For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee, and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
Jerusalem: Jewish Pivotal Point
Jerusalem was the center of activity for the Jews. It was their great city, the center of their religion because the Temple was there. Jerusalem represented the Jewish culture because their lives revolved around their religion. It was also the center of commerce and had been for many centuries. The trade routes from the north, south, and east converged on this city.
Jesus Wept over Jerusalem
Jesus was probably on the caravan road between Bethany and Jerusalem and had reached a point on the side of the Mount of Olives where He could overlook Jerusalem. He saw the Temple in its grandeur sitting on top of Mount Moriah. He could see the City of David covering the mountains and stretching down to the Kidron and Hinnom valleys. He stopped, wept, and cried, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate" (Mathew 23:37-38).
Jerusalem Destroyed by the Armies of Titus
After the death of Christ, the Jews revolted against Roman rule. In the year AD 70, General Titus and the Roman army laid siege to the city of Jerusalem. The smaller influential towns and cities of the Hebrews had already been subdued. The people of Jerusalem would now feel the strong might of the Roman Empire. The city was totally destroyed because:
a. This was God's judgment for their sin.
b. The Romans wanted to stamp out the Jewish religion.
c. The Romans wanted to destroy the Jewish nation.