Luke 21:24

Edge of the sword. Literally, “mouth of the sword.” Obviously this refers to the bloody climax of the siege of Jerusalem in the year A.D. 70 (see pp. 70-77; see on Matt. 24:2, 15–20).

Led away captive. As Moses had predicted, if Israel would “not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book” (Deut. 28:58, 63–68). This warning had already been fulfilled previously, in the Babylonian captivity (Jer. 16:13; 40:1, 2; 52:12–16, 28–31; Dan. 1:1–3; 9:11–14; etc.). In connection with Gabriel’s explanation to Daniel concerning the eventual restoration from Babylonian captivity (see on Dan. 9:24, 25), there was also coupled a warning that repetition of the mistakes that occasioned the Babylonian captivity would result in a second destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (see on Dan. 9:26, 27). It was to this second destruction and the scattering of the Jews that Christ here refers (see on Matt. 24:15–20; cf. Luke 21:20). This situation was not to be remedied “until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” For further comment see Vol. IV, pp. 30-36.

Trodden down. The semblance of autonomy the Jews enjoyed under Roman jurisdiction prior to A.D. 70 was never restored, and ever since that fateful year Jerusalem has remained largely, if not entirely, under Gentile control. As a result of the revolt under Bar Cocheba, crushed in A.D. 135, all Jews were forbidden to enter the city on pain of death. Never since that time has Jerusalem been a truly Jewish city. The Temple was never rebuilt after A.D. 70. Among others, Romans, Saracens, Norsemen, Turks, Crusaders, and Arabs have controlled the city and the former Temple area. Though recently the new State of Israel has secured control of a portion of the city, Old Jerusalem is still not a Jewish city, and the former Temple area remains in non-Jewish hands. See pp. 78, 79.

Times of the Gentiles. The time allotted the Jewish nation would soon end, and they would be God’s chosen people no more. Upon their rejection as a nation the gospel was to go to all nations (see Acts 1:8; 13:46; 18:6; 28:25–28; Rom. 1:16). For a further discussion of the role of the Jews as God’s chosen people, of their apostasy, and of the Gentiles replacing the Jews, see Vol. IV, pp. 26-36.