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Deuteronomy 28:56,57
The tender and delicate woman among you, which would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter, …

Lamentations 2:19,20
Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children, that faint for hunger in the top of every street…

Lamentations 4:3,4,10
Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my peopleis become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness…

for pregnant and nursing mothers!
Pregnant and nursing mothers are highlighted to emphasize the vulnerability and helplessness of those who are caring for young children during times of crisis. In the cultural and historical context of the first century, women in these conditions would have faced significant challenges, as they would be less able to flee quickly or endure harsh conditions. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's concern for the vulnerable and defenseless, as seen in passages likeIsaiah 40:11, where God is depicted as a shepherd caring for His flock, including those with young. The mention of mothers also underscores the severity of the tribulation, as it affects even the most innocent and dependent members of society.

• The phrase “How miserable” signals the deep anguish Jesus foresees. He is not exaggerating; He is describing literal hardship that will provoke heartfelt lament (Mark 13:19;Daniel 12:1).

• Similar prophetic warnings—“Woe to those who dwell on the earth” (Revelation 12:12)—underscore that this misery is both real and unparalleled.

• The Lord’s tone reveals compassion: He grieves over the suffering even while affirming its certainty (Luke 19:41–44).

• “Those days” point to a defined season of tribulation. In immediate view is the AD 70 fall of Jerusalem, yet Jesus’ wording also stretches forward to the climactic troubles preceding His return (Matthew 24:21;Luke 21:22).

• Scripture consistently treats prophetic “days” as actual historical periods—never vague impressions (Genesis 7:11;Acts 2:17).

• The convergence of war, deception, and cosmic signs inMark 13 ties “those days” to the Great Tribulation (Revelation 6:12–17).

• The verb “will be” affirms inevitability. What Jesus foretells must happen, just as “not one word of the LORD shall fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19).

• God’s sovereignty stands behind the timeline: He “declares the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10).

• Because the prophecy is certain, believers prepare, watch, and trust rather than speculate or dismiss (Mark 13:33;2 Peter 3:11–13).

• Expectant mothers carry extra weight, move slower, and face sudden labor. In a flight-for-your-life scenario (Mark 13:14–16), that physical reality turns danger into severe peril.

• Scripture often notes pregnancy’s vulnerability in crisis (1 Samuel 4:19–20;Hosea 13:16).

• Jesus’ words affirm unborn life’s value; He cares for mother and child alike (Psalm 139:13–16).

• Nursing mothers must protect and feed infants who cannot travel rapidly or remain silent. The demand to flee “without turning back” (Luke 17:31) intensifies their anxiety.

• Shepherd imagery shows God’s tenderness toward this group: “He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads the nursing ewes” (Isaiah 40:11).

• The verse is not a curse on motherhood but a compassionate acknowledgment of heightened hardship, urging the rest of God’s people to intercede and assist (Galatians 6:2).

Mark 13:17 is Jesus’ heartfelt warning that the coming tribulation will be especially harsh on those carrying or caring for little ones. He speaks literally, foretelling an inescapable season of unparalleled distress, yet His compassion shines through. The verse calls believers to take prophecy seriously, to prepare practically, and to extend tangible care to the most vulnerable while anchoring their hope in the Savior who foresees every trial and promises ultimate deliverance.