Once it starts to be positive, the language becomes increasingly so. When Israel’s enemies come against her, Jerusalem will be to them a cup of trembling or of inebriation which causes trembling.
Jerusalem is besieged and yet the nations roundabout will tremble. Jerusalem is so powerful, that she will bring down all who oppose her. It is hard to think of any time in history when this has been true literally, but as applied to the church of Jesus Christ, it is certainly the case that the waves of persecution that Satan has unleashed on the church have failed to bring her down. This the Pharisees interpreted too literally. They were good dispensationalists! But many of these words cannot be understood in a literal way. The true church of God is invincible; it is always used, blessed, and protected. All the world is against the church, but not only will they fail to overpower her, they will break themselves in the attempt. No philosophy can do anything but fail without the teaching of the word of God. History is a demonstration of generation after generation failing to overcome the church. In the last day all will gather against it, and may seem to prevail, but God will reverse their victory (Revelation 11:11).