Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "Jerusalem trodden down by the Gentiles" refers to a period of time during which the city of Jerusalem is under the control or influence of non-Jewish nations. This concept is rooted in biblical prophecy and history, reflecting times when Jerusalem was dominated by foreign powers.Biblical Prophecy and Context The prophecy concerning Jerusalem being "trodden down by the Gentiles" is found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus, in His Olivet Discourse, speaks of the future desolation and subjugation of Jerusalem. In Luke 21:24 , Jesus states, "They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive into all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." This prophecy is significant in eschatological discussions, as it indicates a period during which Jerusalem would not be under Jewish sovereignty. The "times of the Gentiles" is understood to be a divinely appointed period during which Gentile nations have dominion over Jerusalem. Historical Fulfillment Historically, Jerusalem has experienced multiple periods of Gentile domination. The Babylonian conquest in 586 BC marked a significant early instance when the city was captured, and its inhabitants were exiled. Later, during the Roman period, Jerusalem was again subjected to foreign rule. The destruction of the Second Temple in AD 70 by the Romans is a pivotal event that aligns with Jesus' prophecy, as it marked a long period of Gentile control. Following the Roman period, Jerusalem continued to be under the control of various Gentile powers, including the Byzantine Empire, Islamic Caliphates, Crusaders, and the Ottoman Empire. Each of these periods contributed to the fulfillment of the prophecy that Jerusalem would be "trodden down by the Gentiles." Theological Implications The concept of Jerusalem being trodden down by the Gentiles carries significant theological implications. It underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His overarching plan for Israel and the world. The prophecy also serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. From a prophetic standpoint, the "times of the Gentiles" is often discussed in relation to the end times and the eventual restoration of Jerusalem under Jewish sovereignty. Many conservative theologians view the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the recapture of Jerusalem in 1967 as significant events in the unfolding of biblical prophecy, though interpretations vary regarding their ultimate fulfillment. Conclusion The phrase "Jerusalem trodden down by the Gentiles" encapsulates a period of foreign domination over the city, as foretold by Jesus in the New Testament. This period has been historically realized through various conquests and occupations, and it holds deep theological significance within the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 21:24And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38 Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold. It is a Ground for Thanksgiving that During the Last Three or Four ... We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ... The Redeemer's Return is Necessitated by the Present ... The Scriptures Forbid Our Supposing Either that the Resurrection ... When Shall These Things Be? The Predictions of Christ. The Meaning The Declensions of Christianity, an Argument of Its Truth. . Resources What is a Gentile? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning and importance of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15)? | GotQuestions.org Who are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Gentiles: Blasphemous and Reproachful Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcised Gentiles: Called: Uncircumcision Gentiles: Christ Given As a Light To Gentiles: Comprehend all Nations Except the Jews Gentiles: Constant to Their False Gods Gentiles: Conversion of, Predicted Gentiles: Counsel of, Brought to Nought Gentiles: Excluded from Israel's Privileges Gentiles: First General Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: First Special Introduction of the Gospel To Gentiles: Given to Christ As his Inheritance Gentiles: Hated and Despised the Jews Gentiles: Israel Rejected Till the Fulness of Gentiles: Jerusalem Trodden Down By Gentiles: Not Allowed to Enter the Temple Gentiles: Often Ravaged and Defiled the Holy Land and Sanctuary Gentiles: Outer Court of Temple For Gentiles: Prophecies of the Conversion of Gentiles: Refusing to Know God Gentiles: The Gospel not to be Preached To, Till Preached to the Jews Gentiles: The Jews: Despised, As If Dogs Gentiles: The Jews: Dispersed Amongst Gentiles: The Jews: Never Associated With Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Follow the Ways of Gentiles: The Jews: Not to Intermarry With Gentiles: The Jews: Often Corrupted By Gentiles: The Jews: Permitted to Have, As Servants Gentiles: Unclassified Sciptures Relating To Gentiles: United With the Jews Against Christ Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |