Matthew 24:15-18

Matthew 24:15-18
Jesus predicted the complete destruction of Jerusalem with the temple being torn down stone by stone. His disciples asked Him when this would be and what the “sign” would be in which these things would take place, and thus the end of the Jewish age, as predicted by Daniel. In verses 3-14, Jesus told the disciples of the things that would occur prior to the fall of Jerusalem, but that these things would not be the “sign” of the fall.
Now in verse 15, Jesus gives the sign. In other words, this is the point in which the people of Judea needed to flee. Until this time, “see that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet” (vs. 6). So here is the sign: “when you see the abomination of desolation…standing in the holy place…then let those who are in Judea flee…”
First, notice who is to flee when they see the sign. This is not a sign of the end of the world or the end of time, else there would be no need to “flee,” and certainly if there was any fleeing to be done, it would not be limited to “those in Judea.” The specific reference is to the fall of the Israel nation in 70 A.D.
Second, the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet (Dan. 9:24-27), specifically has to do with the fall of the nation of Israel. In that text, God refers to a “prince” with whom He will make a covenant. This prince will be an “abomination” (the Roman army carrying a pagan insignia would march on to holy ground) who would then make the nation of Israel “desolate.”
Third, Luke’s account of this incident tells us exactly what the abomination of desolation is. Luke states, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that her desolation has come near” (Luke 21:20).
Finally, notice that when this sign took place, those in Judea were to flee immediately, not even going back to their house to pick anything up for the journey. The reason this was so critical is because once the Jewish leaders realized what was going to happen, they would lock the city up and not allow anyone to leave. Therefore, those who believed Jesus’ words and were watchful would be able to escape the tribulation of that time. There would still be serious hardships, but at least they would not suffer and die in the city.
Berry Kercheville