Luke 21:10
Then said he vnto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdome against kingdome: Luke 21:10 (KJV)
Prior to Luke 21:10, Jesus had been discussing the signs that would precede the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. He spoke about false messiahs, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines, and persecution. In verse 9, Jesus addressed the occurrence of wars and commotions, stating “be not terrified” as these events must first come to pass. In verse 9, Jesus urged his listeners to stay alert and pray, emphasizing the need to be prepared for what was to come. This verse is part of Jesus’ teachings known as the Olivet Discourse, which took place on the Mount of Olives, where He spoke to His disciples about the signs of the end times and the destruction of Jerusalem.
Symbolic Language: In Luke 21:10, Jesus uses symbolic language to describe the state of the world during the end times. When He says, “Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,” He is referring to conflicts and wars that will occur on a global scale. The phrase “nation against nation” suggests conflicts between different ethnic groups or nations, while “kingdom against kingdom” represents conflicts between political entities or regions.
Fulfillment: This verse has been interpreted by many as an indication of the ongoing presence of conflicts and wars throughout history. Since Jesus’ time, various nations and kingdoms have indeed risen against one another. This verse is seen as an acknowledgment of the fallen nature of the world, with strife and conflict being prevalent until the culmination of God’s plan.
End Times Implications: While this verse refers to conflicts in general, it is often associated with the signs of the end times. Jesus used similar language in Matthew 24:6-7, where He described wars and rumors of wars as the beginning of birth pains. These signs serve as reminders of the transitory nature of the world and the imminent return of Christ.
Overall, Luke 21:10 serves as a reminder of the tumultuous nature of the world and the reality of conflicts and wars. It is a call for believers to remain vigilant and discern the signs of the times, while also finding hope in the promises of Christ’s return and the ultimate establishment of His eternal kingdom.
