So when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. So when you see the abomination of desolationThis phrase refers to a prophecy originally found in the book of Daniel ( Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11), which speaks of a sacrilegious act that desecrates the holy place. Historically, this was partially fulfilled in 167 BC when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Second Temple by erecting an altar to Zeus and sacrificing pigs. In the context of Mark 13, Jesus is likely referring to a future event, which many scholars believe was fulfilled in AD 70 when the Romans destroyed the Temple. This event is seen as a type of ultimate desecration that will occur before the end times. standing where it should not be
This indicates a presence in a sacred space that is inappropriate and offensive. The Temple in Jerusalem was considered the dwelling place of God, and any defilement of it was seen as a grave sin. The phrase suggests an intrusion into a holy area, which could be interpreted as a literal or symbolic act of defilement. This aligns with the historical account of the Roman army entering the Temple precincts. (let the reader understand)
This parenthetical note suggests that the audience should be aware of the significance of the prophecy and its implications. It implies that the readers of Mark's Gospel, likely early Christians, should be discerning and recognize the signs of the times. This call for understanding may also point to the need for spiritual insight and readiness for the events that are to unfold. then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains
This is a direct instruction for immediate action in response to the abomination of desolation. Judea, the region surrounding Jerusalem, would be the epicenter of the coming destruction. The mountains are seen as a place of refuge and safety, away from the chaos and devastation. Historically, Christians heeded this warning and fled to Pella, a city in the Decapolis, during the Roman siege of Jerusalem. This flight is seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy and serves as a type for the ultimate deliverance of God's people in times of tribulation. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abomination of DesolationThis term refers to a sacrilegious act or object that causes desolation, often associated with idolatry or desecration of the holy place. It is a prophetic term that has roots in the Book of Daniel and is significant in eschatological discussions. 2. JudeaA region in ancient Israel, significant in biblical history and prophecy. In this context, it is the area from which Jesus advises people to flee when they see the abomination of desolation. 3. MountainsSymbolic places of refuge and safety. In the context of this passage, they represent a place of escape from impending danger or judgment. 4. ReaderThe audience of the Gospel, both contemporary to Jesus' time and future readers, who are encouraged to understand the significance of the prophecy. 5. DanielThe Old Testament prophet whose writings include references to the abomination of desolation, providing a backdrop for Jesus' prophecy in Mark 13:14. Teaching Points Understanding ProphecyBelievers are encouraged to study and understand biblical prophecy, recognizing its fulfillment in history and its implications for the future. Spiritual VigilanceThe call to "let the reader understand" highlights the need for spiritual discernment and awareness of the signs of the times. Preparedness and ActionJesus' instruction to flee to the mountains underscores the importance of being prepared to act swiftly in response to prophetic warnings. Trust in God's SovereigntyIn times of turmoil and desolation, believers are reminded to trust in God's sovereign plan and seek refuge in Him. Historical and Future FulfillmentUnderstanding the dual fulfillment of prophecy—both in historical events and future eschatological scenarios—can deepen faith and provide hope. Bible Study Questions 1. What historical events might Jesus have been referring to with the "abomination of desolation," and how do they relate to the prophecy in Daniel? 2. How can we cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize the signs of the times as described in Mark 13:14? 3. In what ways can the instruction to flee to the mountains be applied to our spiritual lives today? 4. How does understanding the fulfillment of prophecy in history strengthen our faith in God's promises for the future? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are spiritually prepared for times of trial and desolation? Connections to Other Scriptures Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11 These passages in Daniel provide the original context for the "abomination of desolation," describing events that desecrate the temple and disrupt worship. Matthew 24:15This parallel passage in Matthew's Gospel also discusses the abomination of desolation, reinforcing its importance in eschatological teachings. Luke 21:20-21Luke's account provides a similar warning about the desolation of Jerusalem, emphasizing the urgency of fleeing to safety. People Andrew, Daniel, James, Jesus, John, PeterPlaces Jerusalem, Judea, Mount of OlivesTopics Abomination, Belong, Causes, Clear, Consider, Daniel, Desolating, Desolation, Destruction, Escape, Flee, Hills, However, Judaea, Judea, Makes, Mountains, Observe, Ought, Prophet, Quickly, Reader, Readeth, Reading, Reads, Sacrilege, Spoken, Standing, Unclean, UnderstandDictionary of Bible Themes Mark 13:14 2333 Christ, attitude to OT
5175 reading
5511 safety
8355 understanding Mark 13:3-26 9170 signs of times Mark 13:4-22 1450 signs, kinds of Mark 13:14-17 5319 fugitives Mark 13:14-19 5733 pregnancy
6103 abomination
7259 promised land, later history Mark 13:14-20 5978 warning Mark 13:14-23 1424 predictions Library Authority and Work
'For the Son of Man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.'--Mark xiii. 34. Church order is not directly touched on in the Gospels, but the principles which underlie all Church order are distinctly laid down. The whole community of Christian people is a family or household, being brethren because possessors of a new life through Christ. In that household there is one 'Master,' and all …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Credulity of Unbelief
'Many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many.'--Mark xiii. 6. 'When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?'--Luke xviii. 8. It was the same generation that is represented in these two texts as void of faith in the Son of Man, and as credulously giving heed to impostors. Unbelief and superstition are closely allied. Religion is so vital a necessity, that if the true form of it be cast aside, some false form will be eagerly seized in order to fill the aching …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture On the Words of the Gospel, Mark xiii. 32, "But of that Day or that Hour Knoweth no One, not Even the Angels in Heaven, Neither
1. The advice, Brethren, which ye have just heard Scripture give, when it tells us to watch for the last day, every one should think of as concerning his own last day; lest haply when ye judge or think the last day of the world to be far distant, ye slumber with respect to your own last day. Ye have heard what Jesus said concerning the last day of this world, "That neither the Angels of heaven, nor the Son knew it, but the Father." [3176] Where indeed there is a great difficulty, lest understanding …
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament "But the End of all Things is at Hand, be Ye Therefore Sober and Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer." If ye would ask what ye should do till Christ come again, or what should be your exercise and employment in this old age of the world, here ye have it in a word, "be sober, and watch unto prayer." When Christ was to go away to his Father, and leave his disciples in this world, as he left them not orphans, or comfortless, without the Comforter, so neither left he them without counsel and direction. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Short and Easy Method of Prayer
CHAPTER I The Universal Call to Prayer What a dreadful delusion hath prevailed over the greater part of mankind, in supposing that they are not called to a state of prayer! whereas all are capable of prayer, and are called thereto, as all are called to and are capable of salvation. Prayer is the application of the heart to God, and the internal exercise of love. S. Paul hath enjoined us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. v 17), and our Lord saith, "I say unto you all, watch and pray" (Mark xiii. …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer All are Commanded to Pray --Prayer the Great Means of Salvation
CHAPTER I. ALL ARE COMMANDED TO PRAY--PRAYER THE GREAT MEANS OF SALVATION, AND POSSIBLE AT ALL TIMES BY THE MOST SIMPLE. Prayer is nothing else but the application of the heart to God, and the interior exercise of love. St Paul commands us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. v. 17). Our Lord says: "Take ye heed, watch and pray." "And what I say unto you, I say unto all" (Mark xiii. 33, 37). All, then, are capable of prayer, and it is the duty of all to engage in it. But I do not think that all are …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents The Noonday.
Or, The Doctrines Of An Apostate Religion Obscuring The Gospel Light. The prophet Isaiah said. "The morning cometh, and also the night." Isa. 21:11, 12. A dark night succeeded the morning of this gospel day. Jesus said to his disciples, "But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." Mark 13:24. The tribulation here spoken of was the siege and destruction of Jerusalem, the city of the Jews, by the son of Vespasian, A.D. 70, in which …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day The Four Gospels.
General Character and Aim of the Gospels. Christianity is a cheerful religion and brings joy and peace from heaven to earth. The New Testament opens with the gospel, that is with the authentic record of the history of all histories, the glad tidings of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [871] The four canonical Gospels are only variations of the same theme, a fourfold representation of one and the same gospel, animated by the same spirit. [872] They are not full …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. A. D. 70
"And as He went forth out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto Him, Master, behold, what manner of stones and what manner of buildings! And Jesus said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left here one stone upon another, which shall not be thrown down."--Mark 13:1,2. Sources. Josephus: Bell. Jud., in 7 books; and Vita, c. 4-74. The history of the Jewish war was written by him as eye-witness about a.d. 75. English translations by W. Whiston, in Works of Jos., and …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I
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