Book of Mark - Chapter 13 - Verse 14
Meaning
The verse "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:" refers to a prophetic warning given by Jesus to his disciples about the destruction of Jerusalem. The phrase "abomination of desolation" can be traced back to the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, where it is mentioned in relation to a desecration of the Jewish temple. In this context, Jesus is foretelling the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem, which historically occurred in 70 AD when the Roman army destroyed the city and the temple. The warning for those in Judaea to flee to the mountains was a call to escape the impending destruction and persecution. This verse serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding prophetic warnings.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of the verse "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains," points to the importance of understanding the signs of the end times. The phrase "abomination of desolation," originally mentioned in the book of Daniel, refers to a desecration of the holy place. This event signals a time of great tribulation and a call to action for believers. The urgency of fleeing to the mountains in Judaea signifies the need for quick and decisive action in response to the impending destruction. The instruction to "let him that readeth understand" highlights the need for spiritual discernment and knowledge of scripture to recognize these crucial signs. This verse serves as a reminder for Christians to be vigilant and prepared for the challenges that may come in the future.