Here is a clear prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman
armies. Our Lord referred to the book of Daniel, and taught his disciples
to read and understand it; and when they should see take place what was
there predicted, they must make their escape.
It would seem to be impracticable to flee from a city after it was
encompassed with armies; but our Saviour did not speak at random. Josephus
tells us that Cestius, the Roman general who first led the attack upon
Jerusalem, became dismayed at the apparent forces and strength of the
city, and after having surrounded the city raised the siege. The historian
says: “He retired from the city, without any reason in the
world.”—_“__Wars,__”__ book ii, chap. xix._ And in the first words of the
succeeding chapter he further states: “After this calamity had befallen
Cestius, many of the most eminent Jews swam away from the city, as from a
ship when it was going to sink.”