The “Abomination of Desolation” is a term that appears in the Bible, particularly in the books of Daniel and Matthew, and it refers to a profane act that leads to the desecration of a holy place, usually the temple in Jerusalem. This event is often linked with the end times and signals a period of intense tribulation and judgment. The term has been interpreted in different ways, depending on whether one views it as a historical event, a prophetic future event, or both.
Key Biblical References
1. The Book of Daniel
The first mention of the Abomination of Desolation is found in the book of Daniel, where it is used in prophetic visions to describe a future defilement of the Jewish temple.
- Daniel 9:27:
“He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
This passage is part of Daniel’s prophecy of the Seventy Weeks, a vision of the future timeline of Israel. In this context, the “abomination that causes desolation” refers to an event that happens after a period of covenant-making and sacrifice. The “he” mentioned is traditionally understood to refer to a coming ruler or Antichrist figure who will desecrate the temple and end the sacrificial system, an act of sacrilege that marks a period of great tribulation.
- Daniel 11:31:
“His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.”
This refers to a historical event in which the temple was desecrated, a prophecy initially fulfilled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BC. He set up an altar to Zeus in the Jewish temple and sacrificed pigs, an act of extreme defilement that is viewed as the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy. This event is often seen as a foreshadowing of future fulfillment.
- Daniel 12:11:
“From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.”
Daniel adds more details about the timeline of these events, indicating that from the abolition of sacrifice and the setting up of the abomination, a period of tribulation will follow. This further emphasizes the severity of the desecration.
2. The Gospel of Matthew
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself refers to the “Abomination of Desolation” when speaking about the future destruction of the temple and the coming of the end times.
- Matthew 24:15-16:
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
In this passage, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the signs of the end times. He references the prophecy of Daniel and warns them that when they see the “abomination that causes desolation” standing in the holy place (the temple), it will signal a time of great distress. The phrase “let the reader understand” indicates that the prophecy is important and should be interpreted carefully.
3. The Gospel of Mark
- Mark 13:14:
“When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.”
This passage mirrors the one in Matthew, where Jesus speaks about the desolation of the temple. Mark’s account also emphasizes the need for urgency when this sign appears, urging those in Judea to flee.
4. The Gospel of Luke
While Luke does not specifically mention the “abomination of desolation,” he refers to the desolation of Jerusalem, which many scholars believe to be connected:
- Luke 21:20-21:
“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.”
Jesus warns of a time when Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies, leading to its desolation. This is often interpreted as a precursor to the abomination, and many see it as a foreshadowing of the future fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy, which culminates in the Antichrist’s desecration of the temple.
Historical Fulfillment: The Desecration of the Temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes
Many scholars believe that the Abomination of Desolation was initially fulfilled historically in 167 BC when the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. He set up an altar to the Greek god Zeus in the temple and sacrificed pigs, which was a direct affront to Jewish religious practices. This act is referred to in Daniel 11:31 and is widely accepted as a past fulfillment of the prophecy.
Future Fulfillment: The Antichrist and the End Times
Many Christians also believe that the Abomination of Desolation will have a future fulfillment during the Great Tribulation, when a figure often identified as the Antichrist will enter the Jewish temple (which some believe will be rebuilt) and proclaim himself to be God. This event is anticipated as a key sign of the end times.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4:
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
This passage in 2 Thessalonians describes the man of lawlessness (interpreted by many as the Antichrist) who will exalt himself above God and sit in the temple, declaring himself to be God. This is seen as a fulfillment of the “abomination” Jesus spoke of.
Interpretation and Significance
The Abomination of Desolation is often seen as:
- A Historical Event: Many scholars point to the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV as the first fulfillment of the prophecy.
- A Future Prophetic Event: Christians believe that the final fulfillment of the prophecy will occur in the last days, marking the rise of the Antichrist and the final judgment of the world.
- A Symbol of Idolatry and Rebellion: The “abomination” represents any act of defiling what is holy and setting up something in opposition to God, often related to idolatry or self-exaltation.
Summary
The Abomination of Desolation is a biblical prophecy that refers to the desecration of the temple and the setting up of something profoundly offensive to God, such as idolatry or blasphemy. While it was historically fulfilled by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, many Christians believe it will also have a future fulfillment during the rise of the Antichrist. It serves as a pivotal sign in both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final tribulation before the return of Christ.
Key Biblical References
- Daniel 9:27 (Prophecy of the abomination)
- Daniel 11:31 (Antiochus IV desecrates the temple)
- Matthew 24:15-16 (Jesus warns about the abomination)
- Mark 13:14 (Jesus’ warning to flee when the abomination occurs)
- Luke 21:20-21 (Destruction of Jerusalem)
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (The Antichrist exalts himself in the temple)