What is the “abomination of desolation”?

Jesus’ comments regarding the “abomination of desolation” come as a response to two questions from the disciples—first, about the destruction of the Hebrew temple, when there would not be left one stone upon another; second, about the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). Christ then speaks of this abomination, saying, “There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (v. 21).

Jesus tells us directly that to understand this subject, we must go back to Daniel the prophet. Daniel 8:13 speaks of “the vision … concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot.”

The first fulfilment of the desolation happened when Roman armies destroyed the Jewish temple in a.d. 70. This is why Jesus says in Luke 21:20, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” This brought a great tribulation to the Jewish people. In fact, Jesus uses the same words as Daniel: “Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).

The final desolation spoken of by Jesus and first mentioned by Daniel (8:13; 11:31; and 12:11) speaks of the rise of an evil religious power that will, at the end of time, bring desolation into God’s church, His spiritual temple, mingling paganism with Christianity. Just as God gave early Christians a warning to flee Jerusalem, so at the end of time, the Lord gives us a similar warning to come out of Babylon or receive of her plagues. When a corrupt world church unites with worldly powers, we know the time of the end is at hand. Like the apostles, we might need to flee to more desolate places before the great tribulation begins.

Key Bible Texts

When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: (Matthew 24:15-16 KJV)