God’s shortening of this time of suffering is mentioned often in Jewish writings written between the Old and New Testaments (for example, 2 Esdras 2:13; 2 Baruch 20:1). This statement emphasizes both the terrible suffering of God’s people during this tribulation (a time of great trouble) and God’s mercy in shortening those days.
nobody would be saved: The whole population of Judea might have died if this time of suffering had lasted longer.
elect: These are followers of Jesus.