Mat 24:29-31 | RWP | e4.org | Immediately ( ευθεως ). This word, common in Mark's Gospel as ευθυς , gives trouble if one stresses the time element. The problem is how much time intervenes between "the tribulation of those days" and the vivid symbolism of verse . The use of εν ταχε in should make one pause before he decides. Here we have a prophetic panorama like that with foreshortened perspective. The apocalyptic pictures in verse also call for sobriety of judgment. One may compare Joel's prophecy as interpreted by Peter in . Literalism is not appropriate in this apocalyptic eschatology.

‏ Matthew 24:29-31

Immediately ( ευθεως ). This word, common in Mark's Gospel as ευθυς, gives trouble if one stresses the time element. The problem is how much time intervenes between "the tribulation of those days" and the vivid symbolism of verse 29. The use of εν ταχε in Re 1:1 should make one pause before he decides. Here we have a prophetic panorama like that with foreshortened perspective. The apocalyptic pictures in verse 29 also call for sobriety of judgment. One may compare Joel's prophecy as interpreted by Peter in Ac 21:16-22. Literalism is not appropriate in this apocalyptic eschatology.

The sign of the Son of Man in heaven ( το σημειον του υιου του ανθρωπου εν ουρανω ). Many theories have been suggested like the cross in the sky, etc. Bruce sees a reference to Da 7:13 "one like the Son of man" and holds that Christ himself is the sign in question (the genitive of apposition). This is certainly possible. It is confirmed by the rest of the verse: "They shall see the Son of man coming." See Mt 16:27; 26:64. The Jews had repeatedly asked for such a sign (Broadus) as in Mt 12:38; 16:1; Joh 2:18.

With a great sound of a trumpet ( μετα σαλπιγγος φωνης μεγαλης ). Some MSS. omit ( φωνης ) "sound." The trumpet was the signal employed to call the hosts of Israel to march as to war and is common in prophetic imagery (Isa 27:13). Cf. the seventh angel (Re 11:15). Clearly "the coming of the son of man is not to be identified with the judgment of Jerusalem but rather forms its preternatural background" (Bruce).