Matteo 24:16

16 allora coloro che saranno nella Giudea fuggansene sopra i monti.

Matteo 24:16 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 24:16

Then let them which be in Judea
When this signal is given, let it be taken notice of and observed; let them that are in the city of Jerusalem, depart out of it; or who are in any other parts of Judea, in any of the towns, or cities thereof; let them not betake themselves to Jerusalem, imagining they may be safe there, in so strong and fortified a place, but let them flee elsewhere; see ( Luke 21:21 ) and accordingly it is observed, that many did flee about this time; and it is remarked by several interpreters, and which Josephus ^F1 takes notice of with surprise, that Cestius Gallus having advanced with his army to Jerusalem, and besieged it, on a sudden, without any cause, raised the siege, and withdrew his army, when the city might have been easily taken; by which means a signal was made; and an opportunity given to the Christians, to make their escape: which they accordingly did, and went over Jordan, as Eusebius says ^F2, to a place called Pella; so that when Titus came a few mouths after, there was not a Christian in the city, but they had fled as they are here bidden to

flee into the mountains;
or any places of shelter and refuge: these are mentioned particularly, because they are usually such; and design either the mountains in Judea, or in the adjacent countries. The Syriac and Persic versions read in the singular number, "into the mountain"; and it is reported that many of them did fly, particularly to Mount Libanus ^F3.

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 De Bello Jud. l. 2. c. 19. sect. 7.
F2 Eccl. Hist. l. 3. c. 5. p. 75.
F3 Joseph. ib.

Matteo 24:16 In-Context

14 E questo evangelo del regno sarà predicato in tutto il mondo, in testimonianza a tutte le genti; ed allora verrà la fine.

15 QUANDO adunque avrete veduta l’abominazione della desolazione, della quale ha parlato il profeta Daniele, posta nel luogo santo chi legge pongavi mente;

16 allora coloro che saranno nella Giudea fuggansene sopra i monti.

17 Chi sarà sopra il tetto della casa non iscenda, per toglier cosa alcuna di casa sua.

18 E chi sarà nella campagna non torni addietro, per toglier la sua vesta.