Jerusalem Trodden Down of the Gentiles
Christ foretold Jerusalem's long subjection until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Jesus said Jerusalem would be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Zechariah pictured Jerusalem as a burdensome stone for all peoples — a focus of the world's conflict in the last days.
The Prophecy
"And 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."
"Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about...And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people..."
Centuries of dispersion
From AD 70 onward Jerusalem was indeed trodden down by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, and the British — exactly as Christ foretold.
A stone of stumbling for the nations
Zechariah's picture of Jerusalem as a cup of trembling and burdensome stone increasingly matches modern geopolitics, pointing toward final fulfillment at Christ's return.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the times of the Gentiles?
The era of Gentile dominance over Jerusalem foretold by Christ, ending at His return.
Has Jerusalem been trodden down by Gentiles?
Yes — from AD 70 onward, fulfilling Christ's prophecy. The 'times of the Gentiles' continue until His return.
What is the 'burdensome stone' of Zechariah 12:3?
Jerusalem in the last days — a city whose status will trouble every nation that meddles with it.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Destruction of Jerusalem
Christ's prophecy fulfilled when Rome destroyed the temple.
The Abomination of Desolation
Daniel's sign, partly fulfilled in history, awaiting final unveiling.
Daniel's Seventy Weeks
Daniel 9 timed Messiah's coming, cutting off, and a final week.
The Regathering of Israel
God will gather His scattered people from all nations.
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