Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 16

 The Abomination of Desolation

Verses 16-28: The warning to flee into the mountains eschatologically looks beyond the first century to the Jews’ flight from the persecution of the Antichrist (Rev. 12:6-14). The reference to the Sabbath day indicates that these events will occur in a Jewish area where such restrictions would be observed.

Verse 21: “Then shall be great tribulation” makes our Lord’s reference to (Daniel 12:1), clearly evident as taking place just prior to the resurrection (in Daniel 12:2). The terrible days of that time shall be shortened by the sudden return of Christ to destroy the Wicked One (2Thes. 2:8).

Mat. 24:24 phrase if it were possible … shall deceive the very elect, clearly indicates that those who have been truly saved cannot be deceived and fall away. For even if it were humanly possible; the Lord will stop it by hastening His coming.

Mat. 24:25 phrase: The exclamation Behold, I have told you before indicates Jesus’ belief in the predictive nature of this prophecy. The lightning shining from the east … even unto the west refers to the final aspect of Christ’s return (not the Rapture), in judgment upon the earth. In (1Thes. chapter 4), He comes in the clouds for the church. In (2Thes. chapters 1 and 2), He comes to the earth with the church to judge the world.

Matthew 24:16 “Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:”

Then let them... Then—when Antichrist enters Judea and takes over the temple (Dan. 9:27; 11:40-45). Israel will have to flee from Judea.

into the mountains... Probably a reference to the region southeast of Jerusalem, particularly the Dead Sea area, where there are many caves and places of refuge. David hid from Saul in this area (1Sam. 23:29). This would also include the hills of Moab and Edom.

Into Edom and Moab which escape the Antichrist (Rev. 12:6, 12:14).

And so very little time will elapse between the sign listed above and the event to which it points, that He (Christ) warns them against any delay, and tells them, as soon as it shall appear, to flee at once to the mountains and escape for their lives.

When that event occurs, those… in Judea should flee to the mountains.