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:
| 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 |
Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).
Third Millennium Ministries is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)- Thirdmill
- 316 Live Oaks Boulevard
- Casselberry, FL 32707 USA
- 407-830-0222
- webmaster@thirdmill.org
- Copyright 2011-2022, Third Millennium Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.