His feet will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, making a very great valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 4. Olives. Here the tenth legion was stationed, (Jos. B. vi. 3.) on the spot where Christ had denounced this judgment, and ascended into heaven. Lu. 19:41. Acts 1:12.—South. We cannot shew the literal accomplishment. If it regard the latter times, this must be hidden. But it suffices that some great earthquake should take place, according to most interpreters; or rather, ( Calmet.) the Romans removed vast quantities of earth and stone. Jos. B. vi. 12. Grot.—Olivet has three tops; the southern one is the lowest. But whether this was caused by an earthquake we know not. The rocks are said to split, and so forth when God displays his power and affords some miraculous assistance. Psalms 17:8. Isaiah 24:8. Habakkuk 3:10.