The answer is: The mountains

Mark 13:14

In Mark 13:14, the reference to the "abomination of desolation" is quite a fascinating and intricate part of the story. This term echoes back to the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, where it initially pointed to past desecrations of holy spaces, effectively warning followers about future peril. Jesus, speaking to his disciples, emphasizes urgency by advising them to "flee to the mountains" when they see this event occurring. But why the mountains?

Mountains in biblical times symbolized refuge, strength, and a place of closeness to the divine. Think about it—when trouble comes, where do people look for safety? Certainly not in the valleys where they might be trapped! It's that classic image of climbing to higher ground for a broader perspective. Additionally, mountains played a significant role in Jesus’ own life, from his Sermon on the Mount to remarkable transfigurations.

This warning from Jesus portrays the impending distress of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, an indication of larger prophetic themes entwined in his messages regarding vigilance. A key nugget of trivia: Kadesh-barnea, on the southern fringe of Judea, offers a gateway to dramatic mountain regions, emphasizing that geography often intertwined with spiritual lessons in these narratives. The need for foresight amid calamity recipes a profound gospel lesson still relevant today, urging believers to remain aware and steadfast even during troubling times.