Topical Bible: The Jews: Their House Left Desolate

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "their house left desolate" is a poignant expression found in the New Testament, specifically in the context of Jesus' lament over Jerusalem. This entry explores the biblical and theological significance of this phrase, its historical context, and its implications for the Jewish people from a conservative Christian perspective.

Biblical Context

The phrase "your house is left to you desolate" is found in the Gospel of Matthew 23:38 , where Jesus addresses the city of Jerusalem: "Look, your house is left to you desolate." This statement is part of a larger discourse in which Jesus pronounces a series of woes upon the scribes and Pharisees, condemning their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness (Matthew 23:13-36). The lament over Jerusalem follows, expressing Jesus' sorrow over the city's rejection of Him and the impending consequences.

Historical Context

In the first century, Jerusalem was the religious and cultural heart of Judaism, home to the Second Temple, which was central to Jewish worship and identity. Jesus' ministry took place during a time of great expectation for the Messiah, yet His message was largely rejected by the religious leaders and many of the people. The phrase "your house is left to you desolate" prophetically alludes to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, which occurred in AD 70 when the Romans, led by General Titus, besieged and destroyed the city. This event marked a significant turning point in Jewish history, leading to the dispersion of the Jewish people and the end of the sacrificial system.

Theological Significance

From a conservative Christian viewpoint, the desolation of the Jewish "house" is seen as a consequence of the nation's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. The "house" can be understood as both the physical Temple and the broader religious system that had become corrupt and spiritually barren. Jesus' lament highlights the missed opportunity for peace and redemption that He offered, as He longed to gather the people of Jerusalem as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings (Matthew 23:37).

Theologically, this desolation is interpreted as a divine judgment, yet it is not without hope. The New Testament teaches that God's promises to Israel remain, and there is an expectation of future restoration. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 11:25-26 , speaks of a "partial hardening" that has come upon Israel until the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in," and he anticipates that "all Israel will be saved."

Implications for the Jewish People

The desolation of the Jewish house serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's provision and revelation. However, it also underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Conservative Christian theology holds that the Jewish people continue to have a unique role in God's redemptive plan. The desolation is not the end of the account but a chapter in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.

In summary, the phrase "their house left desolate" encapsulates a moment of profound sorrow and judgment in the biblical narrative, reflecting both the immediate historical consequences for Jerusalem and the broader theological themes of rejection and hope.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 24:38
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ Predicts the Divine Judgments Upon Jerusalem. (Matt. ...
... for the truth of old; and that the Jews, thus partaking ... fathers, would fill up the
measure of their sins, and ... your house is left unto you desolate; [683] for I ...
/.../section 253 christ predicts the.htm

How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up.
... In every house also, and among all to whom any of the ... and was satisfied within himself
that the Jews were every where perverted [from their obedience to ...
/.../chapter 9 how joppa was.htm

John viii. 20
... Then said the Jews, Will he ... He addresseth Himself to their weakness, and at the same
time ... Wherefore He said not, "I leave your house desolate," but, it "is left ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily liii john viii 20.htm

Things Perishing and Things Stable
... of war, and the certainty that the Jews would never ... as it would be an ornament to
their government while it ... My Father's house," but saying, "Your house is left ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 13 1-7 things perishing and.htm

The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
... feast in a temple, and if you are at a private house you must ... self-control is proved
by the fact that the ancient Jews, in spite of their high privileges ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter x the first epistle.htm

Matt. xxiv. 1, 2
... For inasmuch as He said, "Your house is left desolate," and ... they were hated as Jews,
and by the Jews were stoned, as waging war against their laws; and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxv matt xxiv 1.htm

Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ...
... foreigners, as well as natives; for Jews and Gentiles ... no longer do I expect that
this house will flourish ... the persons educated here, prosecute their studies, not ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/preached before the governor and.htm

Summary of the Prophecies.
... are called the tribe of Israel, and the house of Jacob ... the works of their hands;
but the Jews and Samaritans ... He spoke as from their person: "Except the Lord had ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter liii summary of the prophecies.htm

The Strait Gate. Warned against Herod.
... compass his death.] 35 Behold, your house [temple] is ... refer to the triumphal entry
for their fulfillment (Matthew 21 ... glory, before which time the Jews must turn ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxxxix the strait gate warned.htm

John xi. 49, 50
... and the voice of Christ which said, "Behold, your house is left ... them, (to see) if
they would alter their ways, left ... And God having taken it from the Jews, as a ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxv john xi 49.htm