Meaning and Interpretation

• Context of Distress: According to Matthew Henry, this warning serves to highlight the particular suffering that will befall certain groups who will find themselves unable to escape the calamities of the time. The plight of mothers underscores the vulnerability of life during these distressing periods.
• Symbolism of Labor: Albert Barnes explains that the references to childbirth and nursing metaphorically signify the natural duties and emotional bonds of parents, which will be significantly challenged in times of crisis. The mention of “great distress” demonstrates the severity of the impending troubles.
• Historical Fulfillment: Adam Clarke suggests that this prophecy may have had an immediate fulfillment in the siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD but also points to broader, timeless truths about the hardships faced by the faithful throughout ages.

Related Bible Cross-References

• Matthew 24:19: "And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!" - This verse parallels the sentiment found in Luke 21:23.
• Mark 13:17: "But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!" - Another confirmation of the distress in similar contexts.
• Lamentations 4:10: "The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children: they were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people." - This verse provides an Old Testament reference to the suffering of mothers during times of siege.
• Isaiah 13:8: "And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travails." - This illustrates the anguish of impending disaster.
• Revelation 6:15-17: Reflects on the judgment and distress towards those who dwell on the earth and its correlative sufferings.
• Jeremiah 30:7: "Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it." - Highlights a foreboding time of trouble in the context of God’s people.
• Matthew 2:18: "In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children." - Emphasizes the sorrow associated with loss in a prophetic context.

Thematic Connections

The themes emerging from Luke 21:23 include:

• Divine Judgment: The mention of "wrath upon this people" indicates divine judgment as a recurring theme in biblical prophecy and fulfillment.
• Suffering and Preservation: Throughout scripture, the dual themes of suffering and the assurance of preservation for the faithful often intertwine, as seen in the cross-references above.
• The Role of Women: The special attention to mothers in distress serves to highlight not only physical suffering but also emotional turmoil in times of crisis, making it relatable for many audiences.
• Prophetic Assurance: Amid distress, the biblical narrative continues with the assurance that God's people will ultimately be saved, urging believers to be steadfast amidst the trials.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

For those seeking to delve deeper into the connections within the Bible, several tools are available:

• Bible Concordance: A helpful tool that lists words and their occurrences throughout the Bible, giving quick access to related verses.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study Guides: These guides aid in discovering links between verses and themes across Scripture.
• Comprehensive Bible Reference Resources: Various books and online databases are designed to assist with finding inter-Biblical dialogue and comparative studies.
• How to Use Bible Cross-References: Learning methods for effectively utilizing cross-referencing can enhance understanding and enrich study sessions.

Conclusion

Luke 21:23 serves as both a warning and a profound reflection on human vulnerability amid divine prophecy. By utilizing cross-references, one can uncover a richer understanding of the biblical narrative surrounding this verse, revealing the interconnectedness of Scripture and God's overarching plan for His people. In studying these connections, believers can gain insights into the nature of suffering, the role of prophecy, and the promise of hope that runs throughout the biblical text.