The answer is: The mountains

Mark 13:14

When Jesus spoke about the "abomination of desolation" in Mark 13:14, He was referencing a profound prophecy from the Book of Daniel, linking historical turbulence to future upheaval. This term alerted His listeners to something of catastrophic significance, often interpreted as degradation of sacred spaces or corruption invading the heart of their faith. For early Christians in Judea, the mountains represented not just location but a getaway from danger, a symbol of refuge and safety.

If you picture the rocky hills and rugged terrain around Jerusalem, it’s easy to understanding why fleeing to those heights felt reassuring. Upper grounds often provided vantage points against the chaos swirling below, and legends proliferated about God intervening from mountains (like in Psalm 121, where it reassures, "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth").

Notably, Jesus’ direction to the mountains echoes similar themes of seeking shelter in God—think of Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength," illustrating how easily divine safety and natural protection can intertwine. Interestingly, during the Jewish War of 66-73 AD, you really would find people retreating into these very hills.

The lesson of fleeing from desolation has implications today too; regardless of your beliefs, in times of turmoil, there's power in finding our metaphorical mountains, places of peace and clarity amidst crisis!