John Calvin Commentary Matthew 24:16

"then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains:" — Matthew 24:16 (ASV)

Then let them who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Having shown by the testimony of the prophet that, when the temple had been profaned, the services of the Law would soon afterwards be abolished, he adds that fearful and appalling calamities will soon overtake the whole of Judea, so that there will be nothing more desirable than to withdraw to a distance from it.

At the same time, he states that these calamities will be so sudden that time will scarcely be allowed for the most rapid flight. For such is the meaning of the expressions, Let not him who is on the house-top enter into the house; let not him who is in the field turn back; that is, lest, by attempting to save their property, they themselves perish.

Again, Woe to the women with child, and to them that give suck; for they will not be in a fit condition for flight. Again, Pray that your flight may not be in the winter; that is, that neither a regard for the sacredness of the day, nor the roughness of the roads, nor the shortness of the days, may prevent or delay your flight.

The design of Christ, therefore, was, first, to arouse his followers that they might no longer indulge the hope of ease and repose, and the enjoyments of an earthly kingdom; and, secondly, to fortify their minds, that they might not give way under ordinary calamities.

Such an admonition, no doubt, was far from being agreeable, but, because of their stupidity, and the great weight of the calamities, it was highly necessary.