Olivet Discourse and Babylonian Destruction Parallels

Question

Are there any parallels between the Olivet Discourse and the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem?

Answer

Yes, the Olivet Discourse is parallel to the prophecy of the destruction of the temple that occurred in approximately 586 B.C. when the Babylonians overtook Jerusalem. The Old Testament description of the devastation caused by the Babylonians (cf. Ezek. 5:9; 7:5-6; Dan. 9:12) and Jesus' description of the destruction to be brought by the Romans (Matt. 24:21) are closely related. Their connection becomes clearer when we view the chart below:

Topic	Old Testament	New Testament
God's house would become desolate.	Jer. 12:7; 22:5	Matt. 23:38; 27:51
God's glory left the temple; Jesus left the temple.	Ezek. 10:1-19	Matt. 24:1; Mark 13:1
Destruction of the city.	2 Kings 25:9; Ezek. 11:6-7	Matt. 24:2; Mark 13:2; Luke 21:6
The glory of the Lord went up from within the city and stopped above the mountain east of it and Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives east of the city.	Ezek. 11:23	Matt. 24:3; Mark 13:3