Matthew 11:23

And thou, Capernaum.

Capernaum was at that time. city of 30,000 inhabitants. Its site also is disputed. Some locate it on the lake shore, and others about three miles north of the ruins of Tell-Hum. It enjoyed signal advantages as being the Galilean home of Christ, who taught in its streets, houses and synagogue and worked many miracles there.

Shalt thou be exalted unto heaven?

The Revision, which follows the best MSS., makes this. question. It had been highly exalted in privileges; after its rejection of the gospel would it be still further exalted? The question implies. negative answer.

Shalt be brought down to hell.

Not Gehenna, but Hades, in the Greek; the abode of the dead, rather than the place of future punishment. This implies ruin, desolation, death, as Hades was the place of the dead. In about thirty years the place was overthrown and made desolate by the Romans, and has been extinct ever since. The country around where it once stood is. picture of entire desolation at this day, and is overgrown with thorns and thistles.

If... had been done in Sodom.

Sodom had been destroyed for its sins, and its name is. synonym for wickedness, but had it enjoyed such exalted opportunities as Capernaum it would have repented.

And remained until this day.

Note the inference. 1. Sodom was destroyed for its sins. 2. Had it not been sinful it would have "remained." 3. Therefore it is sins that destroy cities and nations. Jerusalem, Babylon, Sodom, Capernaum, and other extinct ancient cities have perished on account of their sins. 4. Modern cities which scoff at God and revel in iniquity will "be brought down to Hades" also. Permanent temporal prosperity depends on righteousness.