Bible Commentaries

Mount of Olives; an extensive elevation of cultivated land situated east of Jerusalem, and commanding a view of the whole city.

In my name; claiming to be the Messiah.

Matthew 24:6,7. There was a literal fulfilment of these predictions just before the destruction of Jerusalem.

Be offended; apostatize, through fear of persecution.

In all the world. Before the destruction of Jerusalem, the gospel had been preached through all the regions of the then known world.

The abomination of desolation; the abominable and desolating armies of the Roman empire. (Daniel 9:27.)--The holy place; the precincts of Jerusalem.

Matthew 24:16-21. These expressions are figurative, representing, by lively images, the terrible urgency of the danger.

The elect; the chosen people of God.

The desert;--secret chambers. The false Christs would meet their followers in solitudes and secret chambers, for fear of the government.

Matthew 24:29-31. The connection in which this passage occurs, and especially the statement in Matthew 24:34, which brings within short limits the time assigned for the fulfilment of the prophecy, indicates that it was intended only to describe, in sublimely figurative language, great political and social revolutions, which would attend and follow the destruction of the Jewish state, and the rapid spread of Christianity which would ensue. Some think, however, that the language can only be referred to the general judgment at the end of the world. By the word immediately, (Matthew 24:29,) they understand suddenly; and by the expression this generation shall not pass, (Matthew 24:34,) that the Jews, considered as a distinct people, shall not cease to exist. By this means the apparent limitation of time is removed.

It is near; that is, the reign of the Messiah is near,--the open establishment of the Redeemer's kingdom on earth.

Noe; Noah.

Mill; hand-mill,--such as were used in those days.

The good man of the house; the master of the house,--that is, of a house attacked by robbers.