Matthew 24:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

NIV: then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

NASB: then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

CSB: "then those in Judea must flee to the mountains.

NLT: Then those in Judea must flee to the hills.

KJV: Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

NKJV: “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Jesus has warned of a moment when His followers will see something called "the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place" (Matthew 24:15). This imagery comes from the prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:13; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). Speaking in response to questions about the end times (Matthew 24:3), Jesus has pointed to this event as one of the clearest signs. The meaning of this and its connection to Old Testament prophecy is not immediately obvious, which is why both Matthew (Matthew 24:15) and Mark (Mark 13:14) add a footnote encouraging future readers to clearly understand it.

Historians of Jesus' day likely thought this prophecy had been fulfilled in 167 BC. At that time, Antiochus IV Epiphanes set up an altar to Zeus in the temple and defiled it. That included sacrificing unclean animals, such as pigs, on the Jewish people's holiest site. Christ, of course, is speaking of something which had not yet happened during His earthly ministry.

Some modern interpreters think this was fulfilled when the temple was burned to the ground and the standards of the Roman "god" Caesar were set up over its remains, in AD 70. The most likely meaning, however, is that this will happen as part of the very end of days, immediately before the coming of Christ (Matthew 24:14).

In any case, Jesus warns those in Jerusalem who see this happen to run for safety. The terrain around Jerusalem, especially the mountains to the north, had offered protection for those on the run throughout Israel's history. Christ emphasizes in the following verses that there will be no time to spare.

Matthew 24:15–28 begins with a warning to all in Jerusalem to flee to the mountains when the abomination that will bring desolation to the temple stands in the holy place. This will be a terrible time, especially for those who are particularly vulnerable. That tribulation will be worse than anything ever, though another tribulation will come right before Jesus' return. It will be cut short to save some of humanity and for the sake of the elect, all those who truly believe in Christ. When He returns, everyone will know.

Jesus makes a dire prediction about the destruction of the temple. Immediately after this, while seated on the Mount of Olives, Jesus responds to a question from the disciples. They ask when judgment will come and what signs will signal His return. Christ describes a season of unimaginable world turmoil and persecution. He points to a specific moment of defilement of the temple, at which point people should run for their lives. Jesus speaks of world-threatening tribulation which will be cut short right before He returns as King and Judge. Since nobody can possibly know when He will return, His followers must live in readiness.

Jesus has just left the temple area, after delivering a blistering criticism of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23). After predicting that the temple would be destroyed, He answers their questions about the end times. He speaks of a period when He will be gone from earth and they will be persecuted and killed. The world will be in turmoil, but the gospel will be preached everywhere. Nobody knows exactly when Jesus' return will be completed, so his followers should constantly be prepared. Jesus continues to teach on these themes in the next chapter.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.