What did Jesus tell people in Judea to do when they see the abomination of desolation?
Jesus instructed those in Judea that when they see the abomination foretold by Daniel the prophet, they must flee to the mountains. The nearest mountains for safety are thought to be southeast, with some suggesting the red rock city of Petra as the place of refuge.
Les explains that Jesus is referencing Daniel’s prophecy: the Antichrist will come from his place, possibly Western Europe, down to the temple in Jerusalem. He will defile it, turn on the Jew, and take away their freedom of worship. Revelation says at that same hour, in the midpoint of the tribulation, a remnant of Israel will flee from Jerusalem and the area of Judea. In Matthew 24:16 Jesus says, “when you see this happen... let them who be in Judea flee to the mountains.” The nearest mountains for safety are thought to be southeast, with some suggesting the red rock city of Petra.
Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
Where would the nearest mountains of safety be for those fleeing Judea?
They would flee to the mountains to the southeast of Judea. Some suggest the red rock city of Petra as the place of refuge, though the exact location is left unspecified. Jesus commands flight when the abomination foretold by Daniel occurs, emphasizing urgent escape from Jerusalem and Judea.
What did Jesus say in Matthew 24:16 about fleeing?
In Matthew 24:16, Jesus said that when you see this happen, those who are in Judea should flee to the mountains. This flight is commanded at the midpoint of the tribulation, after the Antichrist defiles the temple and turns against the Jews, with safety sought in nearby mountains.