These be the days of vengeance

Often, our ideas of vengeance include elements of vindictiveness or spite. Nothing could be further from the truth when we consider divine vengeance. According to VINE’s Dictionary of New Testament Words, the word ‘vengeance’ means ‘that which proceeds out of justice’. It denotes measured judgement flowing from impartial justice.

It must have astonished the disciples to learn that their impressive temple, and its associated religious system, was earmarked for divine judgement! Having rejected the Messiah, the nation inevitably faces the vengeance of God.

There appear to be two outpourings of divine vengeance referred to in this passage; firstly, the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus in AD 70, vv. 12-24, and secondly, the judgements prior to the Lord’s coming in power and glory, vv. 5-11, 25-28. Both are centred on Jerusalem and its temple.

The Lord accurately foretold events that would unfold shortly after His ascension. This would be a period of widespread witness by, and persecution of, the disciples, vv. 12-19. The Lord encourages them to endure, v. 19. This period would cover the witness and sufferings of saints recorded in Acts, and would culminate in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman general Titus, vv. 20-24. This event would usher in ‘the times of the Gentiles’, during which Jerusalem would be subdued and its people led captive into all nations, v. 24.

The destruction of Jerusalem by Titus appears to be a parenthesis in this discourse, vv. 12-24. It is preceded and followed by descriptions of the final judgement of God on the nation.

The Lord enumerates the signs marking the approach of the final judgement on apostate Israel. These will include the appearance of false messiahs, v. 8, international tension and warfare, vv. 9, 10, natural and unnatural catastrophes, v. 11, and astronomic phenomena, vv. 25, 26. Ultimately the Lord Himself will appear ‘with power and great glory’, v. 27. The generation that behold these signs will witness the fulfilment of the Lord’s prophecy, v. 32.

In light of this, the Lord says, ‘Watch . . . pray’, v. 36.