Time was of the essence. To postpone flight would entail great danger. As events proved, this counsel was appropriate, for the Roman armies soon returned. The temporary respite (see on v. 16) was the last opportunity the Christians would have to escape. See pp. 74, 75.

 Houses were generally constructed with flat roofs, which were commonly used for the drying of fruits. These roofs also afforded a place for rest, meditation, and prayer (see Acts 10:9). For scriptural references to the various uses to which the roofs of houses were put, see Joshua 2:6; 1 Sam. 9:25, 26; 2 Kings 23:12. Some think that the expression “him which is on the housetop” refers primarily to city dwellers.