Matthew 24:16

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

Then {G5119} let them which be in {G1722} Judaea {G2449} flee {G5343} into {G1909} the mountains {G3735}:

"that will be the time for those in Y'hudah to escape to the hills.

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

then let them that are in Judæa flee unto the mountains:

Matthew 24:16 (KJV) is a crucial verse within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, providing a direct instruction for immediate action during a specific prophetic event. This verse urges those in Judaea to flee to the mountains when certain signs appear, emphasizing urgency and the need for swift response.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' warning about the "abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet," standing in the holy place. The Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) is Jesus' response to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. While often understood to have a dual fulfillment—partially in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD and also prophetically pointing to future end-time events—verse 16 gives a very practical, urgent command for those experiencing the initial signs.

Key Themes

  • Urgency and Preparedness: The command to "flee" highlights the critical need for immediate action without delay once the specified sign appears.
  • Divine Warning: Jesus provides a clear warning, enabling His followers to discern the times and escape impending catastrophe.
  • Refuge and Safety: The "mountains" symbolize places of natural refuge and safety, echoing ancient practices of seeking shelter in rugged terrain during times of invasion or conflict.

Historical and Cultural Context

Historically, many scholars and early Christian traditions believe this warning was fulfilled when the Roman armies under Titus besieged Jerusalem in 70 AD. Josephus, a Jewish historian, records that Christians in Jerusalem, remembering Jesus' words, fled to Pella, a city in the Decapolis region across the Jordan, before the final siege. This act saved them from the horrific destruction that followed. The "abomination of desolation" for the 70 AD context is often understood as the Roman armies with their idolatrous standards surrounding the holy city, or the desecration of the Temple itself. The parallel account in Luke 21:20-21 also speaks of fleeing when Jerusalem is surrounded by armies.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "flee" is pheugō (φεύγω), which signifies rapid escape, flight, or taking refuge. It implies a hurried departure, emphasizing that there should be no hesitation once the signal is given. The "mountains" (Greek: orē, ὄρη) served as natural sanctuaries and hiding places throughout biblical history.

Practical Application

While the immediate historical context of this verse points to the events surrounding Jerusalem's destruction, its timeless message resonates with believers today. It underscores the importance of:

  • Discernment: Being watchful and understanding the signs of the times, both biblically and in current events.
  • Obedience: Heeding divine warnings and acting decisively when God's guidance is clear.
  • Spiritual Preparedness: Beyond physical escape, the verse encourages spiritual readiness and reliance on God as our ultimate refuge in all times of trouble, much like Psalm 46:1 states, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

This instruction from Jesus reminds us that God often provides warnings and pathways to safety for His people, both physically and spiritually, urging us to be alert and responsive to His voice.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 19:15

    ¶ And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

  • Genesis 19:17

    And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

  • Luke 21:21

    Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

  • Luke 21:22

    For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Exodus 9:20

    He that feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh made his servants and his cattle flee into the houses:

  • Exodus 9:21

    And he that regarded not the word of the LORD left his servants and his cattle in the field.

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