In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop,.... Either for diversion or devotion, when he shall hear that the Roman armies are approaching to Jerusalem, to besiege it: and his stuff in the house; or "his vessels", his goods and furniture; or his utensils, and instruments of trade and business: let him not come down; the inner way of the house, from the top: to take it away; with him in his flight, but let him descend by the steps, or ladder, on the outside of the house, and make his escape directly to Pella, or the mountains: and he that is in the field; at work, and has laid down his clothes in some certain part of the field, or at home: let him likewise not return back; to fetch them, but make the best of his way as he is; See Gill on Mat 24:17 and See Gill on Mat 24:18.