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.