John 7:33,34 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Then said Jesus Continuing his discourse, (from John 7:29,) which they had interrupted, Yet a little while am I with you My ministry among you is drawing toward a conclusion; you ought, therefore, while it lasts, to make the best possible improvement of it. For ye shall seek me, and shall not find me You shall earnestly desire my presence with you, but shall not obtain it. “This seeking for the Messiah was general through the nation, during the calamities in Judea, occasioned by Titus and his armies; and has continued among the Jews ever since, in all the countries where they have been dispersed, but to no purpose, for their Messiah having already appeared, it is in vain to expect another. By thus predicting his own death, our Lord insinuated that he both knew the present disposition of the council, and foresaw that they would soon put an end to his ministry by taking away his life.” And where I am Or, where I shall then, and always be; ye cannot come Referring to his speedy exaltation to the heavenly world, and the impossibility of their being admitted thither: for so a similar expression, used John 8:21, evidently means, namely, Ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. Perhaps, also, our Lord might refer to the impotent malice with which, after his exaltation to the Father's right hand, they should oppose his triumphant cause.