then let those who are in JudeaThis phrase refers specifically to the inhabitants of Judea, a region in ancient Israel. Judea was the southern part of the divided kingdom, with Jerusalem as its capital. Historically, Judea was a significant area for the Jewish people, being the center of religious, political, and cultural life. The mention of Judea indicates a localized event, suggesting that the prophecy is initially directed towards those living in this specific region. This aligns with the historical context of the Roman siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD, when the Roman army destroyed the city and the Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy of destruction.
flee to the mountains.
The instruction to flee to the mountains is a call for urgent escape and survival. In biblical times, mountains were often seen as places of refuge and safety. The rugged terrain provided natural protection against invading armies. This directive echoes similar biblical themes where mountains serve as places of divine encounter and protection, such as Mount Sinai and Mount Carmel. The urgency of the command suggests an imminent threat, emphasizing the need for immediate action without delay. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God's people seeking refuge in times of distress, as seen in Psalms and the prophetic writings. Theologically, it underscores the importance of heeding divine warnings and the provision of God for His people in times of tribulation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JudeaA region in ancient Israel, significant in Jewish history and the ministry of Jesus. It was a central location for many of Jesus' teachings and miracles.
2.
MountainsOften used in biblical texts as places of refuge, revelation, or divine encounter. In this context, they symbolize a place of safety away from impending danger.
3.
The Abomination of DesolationA prophetic event mentioned earlier in
Matthew 24, referring to a time of great tribulation and desecration, drawing from Daniel's prophecy.
4.
Jesus' DisciplesThe primary audience of Jesus' discourse in
Matthew 24, representing all believers who seek to understand the signs of the end times.
5.
The Great TribulationA period of severe trial and suffering, as described in the eschatological teachings of Jesus, which believers are warned to prepare for.
Teaching Points
Urgency of ObedienceWhen Jesus instructs His followers to flee, it underscores the importance of immediate obedience to His commands, especially in times of crisis.
Spiritual PreparednessBelievers are called to be spiritually vigilant and prepared for trials, understanding the signs of the times and responding with faith and action.
Trust in God's ProvisionThe call to flee to the mountains is a reminder that God provides places of refuge and safety for His people, even in the midst of chaos.
Historical and Prophetic AwarenessUnderstanding the historical context of Judea and the prophetic significance of Jesus' words helps believers discern current events in light of biblical prophecy.
Community Support and EncouragementIn times of tribulation, the Christian community should support one another, encouraging each other to remain steadfast and faithful.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 24:16?
2.How should believers respond when they see signs mentioned in Matthew 24:16?
3.What historical events might Matthew 24:16 be referencing for early Christians?
4.How does Matthew 24:16 connect to Old Testament prophecies about fleeing?
5.What practical steps can Christians take to prepare for end-time events?
6.How can Matthew 24:16 encourage believers facing persecution today?
7.What does "flee to the mountains" in Matthew 24:16 symbolize in a modern context?
8.How does Matthew 24:16 relate to the concept of end times prophecy?
9.What historical events might Matthew 24:16 have been referring to?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24?
11.Does prophecy have a dual or double fulfillment?
12.What does the Bible say about Israel in End Times?
13.What is the Abomination of Desolation?
14.Should we escape to the mountains for safety?What Does Matthew 24:16 Mean
Setting the SceneJesus has just spoken of “the abomination of desolation” (Matthew 24:15). With the temple in view and His disciples asking about “the end of the age” (24:3), He immediately adds, “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (24:16).Mark 13:14 andLuke 21:20–21 echo the same timing and urgency, rooting the command in a real historical moment while also pointing forward to climactic events yet to come.
Why Judea?• Judea held Jerusalem and the temple—the epicenter of national and spiritual life (Psalm 48:1–2).
• When Rome surrounded the city in A.D. 70, the region became the first to feel the shock (Luke 21:20).
• By naming Judea, Jesus warned the very ones who would witness the siege, showing His mercy and foreknowledge (Amos 3:7).
The Call to Flee• “Flee” is not counsel to negotiate or resist; it is to escape without hesitation, mirroring Lot’s evacuation from Sodom (Genesis 19:17).
• Immediate obedience would spare lives, just as Noah’s timely construction of the ark preserved his family (Hebrews 11:7).
•Matthew 24:17–18 underscores haste: no retrieval of possessions, no turning back.
Why the Mountains?• Mountains outside Judea offered natural refuge, much like David found safety in the wilderness from Saul (1 Samuel 23:14).
• Harsh terrain deterred invading armies, fulfilling God’s pattern of providing a “place prepared” for His people (Revelation 12:6).
•Psalm 11:1 captures the instinct: “How then can you say to me: ‘Flee like a bird to your mountain’?”—a picture of righteous flight from imminent danger.
Literal Fulfillment in A.D. 70• Eusebius and other early sources record believers relocating to Pella, across the Jordan, before Jerusalem fell—direct obedience to Jesus’ directive.
•Luke 21:24 foretells that the city would be “trampled by the Gentiles,” and history confirms it.
• The survival of those who heeded the warning showcases the trustworthiness of Jesus’ prophecy (Isaiah 46:9–10).
Prophetic Foreshadowing of Future Tribulation•Daniel 9:27 andRevelation 13:14–15 depict another desecration and a global crisis, suggestingMatthew 24 looks beyond A.D. 70.
• The command to flee remains a template for end-time believers in Israel when the Antichrist sets up an image in the yet-to-be-rebuilt temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4).
•Zechariah 14:5 anticipates a final flight “to the valley of My mountains,” aligning with Jesus’ words.
Practical Takeaway for Believers Today• God warns before He judges; heed His Word promptly (Proverbs 1:24–27).
• Spiritual preparedness—walking in daily obedience—prevents paralysis when crises strike (Luke 12:35-40).
• The same Lord who directs evacuation also promises protection and ultimate deliverance (Psalm 91:1-4).
summaryMatthew 24:16 is a clear, time-stamped directive: when desecration appears, residents of Judea must escape to the hills without delay. Historically, the verse found literal fulfillment in the first-century destruction of Jerusalem; prophetically, it foreshadows a future tribulation yet to unfold. In every era it underlines God’s faithfulness to forewarn and preserve those who trust and obey His Word.
(16)
Then let them which be in Judsea.--The words were acted on when the time came. Eusebius (
Hist. Eccl. iii. 5) records that the Christians of Judaea, acting "on a certain oracle," fled, in A.D. 68, to Pella, a town on the northern boundary of Peraea. So Josephus (
Wars, iv. 9, ? 1; v. 10, ? 1) more generally relates that many of the more conspicuous citizens fled from the city, as men abandon a sinking ship. The "mountains" may be named generally as a place of refuge, or may point, as interpreted by the event, to the Gilead range of hills on the east of Jordan.
Verse 16. -
Then;
i.e. when they shall see "the abomination of desolation," etc.
Them which be in Judaea. Not only in Jerusalem, but in its vicinity, as most exposed to danger from the invading army.
Flee into (
ἐπὶ,
over)
the mountains. The Christians seem to have taken this advice when the city was attacked by Costius Gallus, about A.D. , some three or more years before the siege under Vespasian. Gallus had appeared before the walls, and apparently had every hope of taking the city, when, for some reason not certainly known (either owing to a supposed defeat, or ignorance of his own success, or the advice of his generals), he suddenly withdrew his forces (Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 2:19, 6, 7). The Christians, bearing Christ's warning in mind, and having, as we may conjecture, seen the predicted sign, took the opportunity of flight from the doomed city, and made their escape to Pella, a town of Decapotis, southeast of Bethshean, and the ruins of which are known now by the name of
Fahil. Euschius probably refers to this migration ('Hist. Eccl.,' 3:5), narrating that, owing to a certain revelation given to holy men among them, the whole body of the Church, before the war, removed across the Jordan to Pella, and dwelt there in safety during those troublous times. We probably, however, do not know the exact time of the flight, as we are ignorant of what was the warning of imminent danger which rendered this hurried proceeding necessary.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
then {let}τότε(tote)Adverb
Strong's 5119:Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.thoseοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.JudeaἸουδαίᾳ(Ioudaia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2449:Judea, a Roman province, capital Jerusalem. Feminine of Ioudaios; the Judaean land, a region of Palestine.fleeφευγέτωσαν(pheugetōsan)Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5343:To flee, escape, shun. Apparently a primary verb; to run away; by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.theτὰ(ta)Article - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.mountains.ὄρη(orē)Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3735:A mountain, hill. Probably from an obsolete oro; a mountain: -hill, mount(-ain).
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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:16 Then let those who are in Judea (Matt. Mat Mt) 
