There is no greater view in the world than that of Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives. There isn’t a more wonderful picture of world history, of rhythm and harmony, of political breadth and religious magnificence. The Holy City is a labyrinth of streets and alleys surrounded by fortifications and battlements, all bowing toward the Temple at the obstinate heart. It is a rigidity and inflexibility which stood against invaders for a thousand years. Perhaps that same obstinacy was the cause of her destruction and the ejection of Israel from the land of her forefathers. Did Jesus have a premonition?

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it…(Lk 19:41).

And Jews have been weeping over it for two millennia – its destruction, desolation, and days of vengeance. There came the prophesied distress upon the land and wrath upon its hardhearted…