The Bible provides important details about where Jesus Christ will return. Though we do not have an exact location, Scripture points to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem as a significant place connected to Christ’s second coming.
Zechariah 14:4 states, “On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east…” This indicates the Mount of Olives will be a pivotal site when Jesus returns. Acts 1:11-12 also describes Jesus ascending to heaven from the Mount of Olives, and the angels said he would return “in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
The Mount of Olives overlooks the old city of Jerusalem and the temple mount area. Many key events in Jesus’s life and ministry took place on and near the Mount of Olives. It was a place he frequented during his time on earth (Luke 21:37).
The Mount of Olives is situated between the wilderness and Jerusalem. When Jesus returns, he will come from the east, approach Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, and enter through the east gate of the temple mount (Ezekiel 43:1-5). Zechariah 14:4 also states that the Mount of Olives will split in two when his feet touch down upon it.
This geological event will create a valley that allows people to flee westward and provide an escape route from the Antichrist’s forces. Jesus will then fight against the enemy coalition gathered against Jerusalem and deliver the city (Zechariah 14:2-3).
Though we do not know the precise spot on the large Mount of Olives ridge where Christ’s feet will land, Scripture connects this mountain near Jerusalem as the gateway for the returning King. It will be the direction from which he approaches the city.
The book of Acts affirms that Jesus will come back “in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Since he ascended from the Mount of Olives, it strongly suggests this is where he will return. God’s Word highlights this mountain ridge east of the temple mount as the path for Christ’s second coming.
Some speculate that Jesus will descend upon the Mount of Olives at the same place he ascended from. In Luke 24:50-51, the Lord led his disciples out as far as Bethany on the Mount of Olives before ascending to heaven. The Bethany area is on the eastern slope of the ridge, overlooking the temple mount. This may point to the approximate area Christ will return to, though we cannot say for certain.
The prophet Zechariah spoke many years earlier of this same location, stating that the Lord’s feet will stand again on the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4). This prophecy will be fulfilled when Jesus comes back in great power and glory. For the Jewish people and inhabitants of Jerusalem, his return to the familiar Mount of Olives signifies the long-awaited Messiah coming back.
Not only will Jesus return to the Mount of Olives, but Zechariah 14:4 also says this mountain will split apart beneath his feet, creating a large valley running east to west. This newly formed valley will allow people to flee away from the Antichrist and his forces as they attack Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:5).
The splitting of the mountain marks a powerful geological event coinciding with Christ’s return. Amos 1:1 and Ezekiel 47 also depict an enormous earthquake and massive topographical changes around Jerusalem. As Jesus descends upon the Mount of Olives, a great shaking of the land will occur.
According to Scripture, Jesus Christ will return bodily and physically to the earth (Acts 1:11). Just as he left from the Mount of Olives, he will come back to the same place. When his feet touch down, the mountain will divide, and God’s power will be on display as his Son returns as conquering King.
The specific spot where Jesus returns cannot be stated with certainty. The Mount of Olives ridge stretches for about 2.2 miles (3.5 km) along the east side of the old city of Jerusalem. However, the Scripture points to this mountain near the temple mount as the pivotal location connected with Christ’s second coming.
The Mount of Olives has been a significant place throughout biblical history. It towers over Old Jerusalem and the Kidron Valley below. This ridge accommodated large crowds, like the gathering of Jesus’s followers in Acts 1:12. It provided a vantage point overlooking the temple mount for Jewish pilgrims.
The olive groves on the mount are likely where Jesus went with his disciples on the night before his crucifixion (Matthew 26:30). He also taught there during his triumphal entry week (Matthew 24:3). And it is the place where Jesus wept over the city prior to his death (Luke 19:37-41).
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus went to Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives to pray (Matthew 26:36). This garden contained ancient olive trees and an oil press. It was probably located on the lower western slope of the mountain.
The Mount of Olives has been associated with Jewish burial grounds for thousands of years. It contains the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in the world with an estimated 150,000 graves. Even the prophets Zechariah, Haggai, and Malachi were buried there.
Given its close proximity to the Old City and temple mount, the Mount of Olives has long had religious and spiritual significance. And Scripture connects it directly with Jesus’s ascension to heaven and his future second coming.
When Jesus Christ returns, Satan and the Antichrist will oppose him. Revelation 19:19 speaks of the forces that will war against Christ. But Scripture says Jesus will defeat all his enemies and deliver Jerusalem from their attacks.
As Jesus’s feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, an enormous earthquake will occur. This will split the mountain ridge from east to west to form an expansive valley (Zechariah 14:4-5).
The purpose of this newly created valley is to provide an escape route for fleeing survivors. They will have the opportunity to run away from the carnage as Jesus wages war against the Antichrist’s coalition.
According to Zechariah 14:5, people will flee through this valley to Azal. We do not know exactly where Azal is located today, but it is likely in the vicinity of Jerusalem or farther eastward across the Jordan River.
This earthquake and splitting of the Mount of Olives occurs when Jesus returns to battle the Antichrist and his forces attacking Jerusalem. A means of escape is provided for people of the city to reach safety.
The prophet Zechariah indicates that not all will escape, however. He says a residual group will remain in Jerusalem once the splitting of the mountain creates an exit route (Zechariah 14:2). But the Lord will rescue them and go out to fight against the attacking nations.
Jesus will initiate an enormous shaking of the earth when he returns. As his feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, a great valley running east-west will open up. This is designed by God to facilitate survivors fleeing away from the unprecedented warfare.
The newly formed valley from the earthquake provides an exit route from the chaos in Jerusalem. Those who reach Azal and neighboring regions will escape harm as Jesus vanquishes his enemies and delivers the city.
But Scripture indicates not all will escape the carnage. A remnant will remain trapped in Jerusalem, only to be delivered by Christ’s supernatural power against the Antichrist’s forces. They will be spared through his direct intervention.
The massive shaking of the land described in Zechariah 14:4-5 parallels the account of the coming earthquake in Ezekiel 38:19-20. Gog and his armies attack Israel “like a storm” and seek to destroy the land. But God’s fury will be aroused.
The LORD says in Ezekiel 38:19, “…there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.” As in Zechariah’s prophecy, this earthquake coincides with God’ intervention to destroy the invading armies.
In Ezekiel 38:20, God further declares: “the mountains shall be thrown down, and the cliffs shall fall, and every wall shall tumble to the ground.” This language points to geological changes and topography alterations.
When these prophcies are compared, it seems the earthquake on the day of the Lord leveling mountains and hills around Jerusalem may accompany Jesus’s return. His feet will touch down on the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two and creating an escape route.
Isaiah 64:1-3 also describes the LORD coming down and the mountains quaking before him. “As when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil…” The prophet says the mountains will melt under the presence of the Lord when he acts to make his name known.
As Jesus descends upon the Mount of Olives, the enormous shaking described in these prophecies will occur. When his feet hit the mountain, it will divide. The geological havoc there fulfills Scripture and signals the Messiah has returned.
When the 7th bowl of wrath is poured out in Revelation 16:17-21, a great earthquake will shake the world in connection with Babylon’s judgment. Huge cities crumble and mountains disappear. This context places it at the end of the tribulation period.
It appears this earthquake is a final shattering event marking Christ’s second coming and strong judgment on the Antichrist’s kingdom. The earthquakes in Ezekiel, Zechariah, and other prophets precede this and accompany Jesus’s return to the Mount of Olives.
The massive global earthquake described in Revelation likely comes on the heels of the land being altered around Jerusalem. Jesus first sets foot on the Mount of Olives, which splits at his arrival. This facilitates survivors fleeing as God moves to crush his enemies.
The book of Zechariah specifically speaks about the survivors who flee through the valley when the Mount of Olives splits. Those who reach Azal are spared from the judgment God brings against the attacking forces.
Zechariah 14:16 further states: “Everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts…” This indicates these refugees survive and enter into Christ’s kingdom.
However, Zechariah 14:19 suggests some from the attacking armies will escape the destruction and plagues God inflicts. Representatives will go to Jerusalem yearly to worship the LORD, but they will be shown that rebellion brings consequences.
This indicates two groups escape the warfare around Jerusalem when Jesus returns: 1) survivors fleeing the city when the Mount of Olives splits and, 2) remnants of the invading armies. But their experiences will be vastly different.
Those who flee through the valley created by the earthquake will make it to safety in Azal. They will enter Christ’s kingdom and worship him in the new Jerusalem. Those from the opposing armies left alive will face judgment and be forced into submission to the Lord.
In Revelation 16:20 it says every island fled away and the mountains were no longer found. This disappearance of land, mountains, and hills likely includes areas around Jerusalem after the Mount of Olives splits. The initial enormous earthquake facilitates changes around Jerusalem.
By the time the 7th bowl of wrath produces a massive global earthquake (Revelation 16:17-21), the geography around the Holy City has already been dramatically altered. The horrendous quake levels anything remaining, creating a vast plain for the new Jerusalem.
Isaiah 40:3-4 speaks of the Lord coming and the topography being changed to make “the rough places level.” Ezekiel 38:20 also describes the mountains thrown down when God’s judgment comes against those invading his land.
The prophecies indicate a process with successive earthquakes. As Jesus descends, the Mount of Olives splits, producing an initial shaking in Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4). Survivors flee as mountains around the city are leveled over time, making way for the new Jerusalem.
Zechariah 14:10 indicates Jerusalem and the areas around it will be changed from the Benjamin Gate up to the site of the First Gate and the Corner Gate. This describes the vicinity around the temple mount and old city being altered.
By the time the massive global earthquake hits (Revelation 16:18), Jerusalem and its environs have already been dramatically affected. The old topography has been wiped out. The earth is prepared for Christ’s millennial reign from the new Jerusalem.
Scripture points to the Mount of Olives as the gateway for Jesus’s return. When his feet touch down, this mountain near Jerusalem will be split in two. A valley running east to west will be formed instantly.
This geographical alteration facilitates people fleeing away from the warfare against Jerusalem. Those who escape through the valley created by the quaking land will survive God’s judgment on the Antichrist’s forces.
Massive topographical changes will occur around Jerusalem as Jesus descends to the Mount of Olives and initiates an enormous earthquake. These alterations prepare the region for his millennial kingdom and allow the inhabitants to flee from the final carnage.
Though we do not know the precise spot, the biblical prophecies identify the Mount of Olives as the critical location associated with Christ’s second coming. This mountain ridge east of Jerusalem’s old city is where Jesus ascended to heaven.
It overlooks the temple mount area where Jesus taught and wept over the city. And it will be the gateway for the returning King to enter Jerusalem and liberate it from the Satanic global system of the Antichrist.
When the LORD suddenly comes to his temple according to Malachi 3:1, his appearing will be linked to the Mount of Olives. As the prophecies indicate, this mountain holds deep spiritual significance related to Israel’s Messiah and his second coming.
No other geographical feature outside the city of Jerusalem itself figures as prominently in prophecy concerning Christ’s return. The Bible spotlights the Mount of Olives east of the temple mount as the preeminent location connected with the LORD coming back in glory.
Though the Mount of Olives extends for over a mile adjacent Jerusalem, Scripture points to this ridge as the critical hub area where Jesus will return. When his feet touch down, the associated earthquake will dramatically alter the landscape.
Zechariah 14:4 specifically says the LORD’s feet will stand on the Mount of Olives before the split occurs. This is likely the catalyst that triggers the enormous geological events described in Ezekiel, Isaiah, Revelation, and other prophets concerning Christ’s second coming.
The biblical prophets indicate that God will dramatically reshape the topography around Jerusalem when Jesus returns in power and might. He first descends upon the Mount of Olives, which divides beneath his feet. This facilitates major changes to the land for his coming kingdom.
Though we cannot state the precise spot with certainty, the biblical evidence strongly suggests Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives just as he departed from there. This mountain east of the temple mount holds deep prophetic significance regarding the Messiah’s second coming.
When Christ’s feet touch down on the Mount of Olives, it will split in an unprecedented seismic event coinciding with his return. Scripture connects this prominent ridge with both the ascension and return of the Son of God. The LORD will stand once again upon this mountain when he comes back in glory.
