Matthew 24:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After addressing the adversities that would confront the city, as well as the trials faced by the apostles who would emerge triumphant and spread their message throughout the world, the Savior speaks once more about the tribulations of the Jewish people. He indicates that when the apostles, after proclaiming the Gospel to the entire world, receive their honor, the Jewish people will endure great suffering. Notice how He discusses warfare, conveying its brutality with seemingly trivial words. "Then," He states, "let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." "Then" refers to what moment? "When all these things shall come to pass, when you see the abomination of desolation in the holy place." From this, I deduce that He is referring to the invading armies.

Anticipating the certainty of impending disasters, the Lord instructs His followers to escape without looking back, disregarding their possessions, garments, or any other items left behind in their homes. Some interpreters identify the ‘abomination of desolation’ with the Antichrist, who is foretold to emerge during the desolation of the world and the ruin of the churches, ultimately taking his seat in the temple. Thus, the instruction to flee is interpreted in this context: those who have ascended to the pinnacle of virtue, symbolized by reaching the roof of their house, should not descend to retrieve material possessions, as the body serves as the dwelling place of the soul. We are called to leave behind the field, representative of worldly pursuits, since the field signifies life itself; we must also refrain from taking the garment, which represents the ancient sin that we have come to regret.

The term "abomination of desolation" may also refer to any corrupt doctrine. When we observe this presence within the sacred space, specifically the Church, revealing God's essence, we must flee from Judea and ascend to the heights, which signifies abandoning the fatal letter and the decay of Jewish practices. Instead, we should strive to reach the eternal peaks radiating the divine light, as indicated in Psalm 75:5: "Thou art glorious, mightier than the mountains of predation." It is vital to reside within that shelter and abode impervious to the fiery darts of the adversary, as noted in Psalm 115:5: "I will make my vows unto the Lord before all His people." We must not descend to reclaim anything from our former dwelling nor seek what is left behind.

If righteous individuals endure deep emotional distress in this world due to those who are unworthy, they will receive a greater reward in the life to come. Assistance is available to them: Let those in Judea escape to the mountains. What is this Judea? I recognize another Judea that is spiritual rather than literal, for God reigns in Judea (Psalms 75:2). What mountains could possibly withstand the impending judgment when it is foretold: Trembling will sweep over the mountains (Isaiah 54:10)? Heaven and earth will pass away (Luke 21:33)—how can any part of the earth remain unscathed or provide me refuge when it cannot safeguard itself? Where can I find safety from the wrath that stirs the ocean's depths? Refer to Psalm 64:8.

After discussing the disasters that befell Jerusalem and the numerous challenges faced by the apostles, as well as the triumphant spread of their message across the globe, he returns to the suffering of the Jewish people. He illustrates that at the time when He and His followers would receive honor everywhere, they would face total destruction. In seemingly trivial remarks, he conveys the unbearable severity of these afflictions. Be alert, he warns, when the abomination appears; those located in Judea, where Jerusalem lies, should escape to the mountains. They must not cling to any hope of safety by remaining, for there will be no opportunity for return, nor any respite from the tribulations. It is far wiser to flee, even in a state of vulnerability, without looking back.

Question. If the end of the world and the return of Christ are near, why does the Lord instruct, 'Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let those who are on the housetop not go down to take anything from their house; and let those who are in the fields not return to take their cloak'? He also states, 'But pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing in those days.' If the end occurs in the summer, on a Sunday or Monday, can we find refuge and escape? Why does He specifically mourn for the pregnant and nursing among the multitude, highlighting a familial connection? Is it due to the loss of the ability to nurture life, or the prospect of enduring greater suffering?

In your letter, you requested an explanation of the signs of profound urgency at the end of days, which the Lord has disclosed for our understanding. Now perceive their significance. Those in Judea should escape to the mountains. Those rooted in righteousness—this refers to Judea—should aim for the highest sanctuary and encircle themselves with their faith. If someone is on the rooftop, they should not descend to retrieve what is inside their home. The individual who has overlooked their earthly abode, has disregarded all earthly dwellings, has elevated their life, and has cast aside their inner desires should not be swayed by any such temptations: whether it be fear, negligence, vanity, or an obsession with wealth; all these lead to a fall from heights.

At that point, everyone should relinquish any expectation of preserving the homeland and focus solely on their personal safety. Those residing in Judea, including both Christians and other citizens of the city, would be wise to escape to the mountains, as the plains offer no sanctuary from the overwhelming forces of the enemy. The mountains provide numerous caves, desolate sites, and secluded areas where one can find secure shelter.

The Lord illustrated a series of ominous events, emphasizing the imminent divine judgment regarding Jerusalem. He stated that the impending destruction of the city is guaranteed; as foretold by Daniel, the abomination of desolation will emerge in the sacred place. Therefore, those who wish to escape this catastrophe must flee from Judea without delay. Those who remain will face a tribulation unlike anything ever witnessed since the beginning of time. Moreover, false messiahs will arise, but do not place your trust in them. The Son of Man will manifest like lightning, not confined to a specific location or form, but as the embodiment of God's judgment (Matthew 24:15-28). He will come in the fullness of His glory at the culmination of the age (29-31).

When you observe the city encircled by soldiers and witness the detestable thing standing in the sanctuary, make haste to escape to the hills; if you are found within the city, depart swiftly, and if you are nearby, do not enter. Believers, holding fast to the promise of Christ, departed from Jerusalem prior to its siege and found refuge across the Jordan in secluded areas.

The reference to "being in Judea" conveys a notion of strife, capturing its brutality in seemingly insignificant terms. This alludes not only to Christians but also to Jews, primarily focusing on the latter and indicating a widespread retreat from disaster. The mention of "in Judea" highlights that, as Jesus foretold, the conflict will impact not just Jerusalem but the entire region of Judea, albeit with a lesser intensity there. The call to "let them flee into the mountains" signifies the quest for safety. The mountains of Palestine housed numerous caves, ruins, and desolate areas that provided secure havens. In those locations, many outlaws once sought shelter, and it was customary for the persecuted to conceal themselves (see 1 Samuel 13:6, 1 Samuel 22:1, 2 Samuel 23:13, Num. 10:16, etc.).