Standing where he ought not (ἑστηκοτα ὁπου οὐ δει [hestēkota hopou ou dei]). Matt.

24:15 has “standing in the holy place” (ἑστος ἐν τοποι ἁγιῳ [hestos en topoi hagiōi]),
neuter and agreeing with βδελυγμα [bdelugma] (abomination), the very phrase applied in
1 Macc. 1:54 to the altar to Zeus erected by Antiochus Epiphanes where the altar to
Jehovah was. Mark personi es the abomination as personal (masculine), while Luke 21:20
de nes it by reference to the armies (of Rome, as it turned out). So the words of Daniel
nd a second ful lment, Rome taking the place of Syria (Swete). See on Matt. 24:15 for
this phrase and the parenthesis inserted in the words of Jesus (“Let him that readeth
understand”). See also on Matt. 24:16 to 25 for discussion of details in Mark 13:14 to 22.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Mr
13:14.

13:14 the abomination of desolation In this context, this phrase could refer to some worldwide
or regional catastrophe (see vv. 19–20). It also could indicate the Romans’ attack on
Jerusalem and destruction of the temple in ad 70.
ee to the mountains During the First Jewish Revolt (ad 66–70), many who lived in
Jerusalem attempted to ee the city to avoid the violence between the Romans and the
rebels.

John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press,
2012, 2016), Mr 13:14.

The events of 13:14–23 concern the Roman campaign against Judea. “Never to be
equaled again” in verse 19 suggests an event within human history rather than its
conclusion. The “abomination that causes desolation” refers to the de ling of the temple.
As before, Jesus cautioned believers about false messiahs and false prophets. In the
midst of judgment, God “has shortened” the days of war for the sake of believers (“the
elect”).
The events surrounding the coming of Christ belong to a time after the destruction of
Jerusalem. The coming of Christ in power and glory (see 9:1) is an event whose cosmic
repercussions echo Old Testament descriptions of the coming of God for judgment (for
example, Isa. 13:10; 34:4). Jesus here emphasized His coming to save the elect.
The g tree lesson is likely a warning to be prepared for Christ’s coming, though “this
generation” suggests that the destruction of Jerusalem was in view. “That day,” which was
unknown even to the Son, is the time of Christ’s return. Christians’ duty in the interim is to
perform assigned tasks rather than speculate about God’s timetable. The church must not
repeat Israel’s failure to be found fruitless when visited by Christ (see 11:12–21).
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 Christopher L. Church, «Mark», en Holman concise Bible commentary, ed. David S. Dockery
(Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1998), 441.