By Fransisco Msonge (MD), 2024.

CONTENT

  • Introduction
  • Antiochus IV Epiphanes
  • Three basic questions
  • The seventy prophetic weeks
  • Another way of salvation
  • Abomination of desolation

1.INTRODUCTION

One of the most interesting prophecies in the Bible concerns the abomination of desolation. It’s so important that every human being today understands the biblical meaning of the term “abomination of desolation.” Because the abomination of desolation in our time (the time of the end) is a religious apostasy. In Daniel 8:13, we find the phrase “the transgression of desolation” instead of “the abomination that maketh desolation” used in Dan. 11:31 and 12:11. But both phrases appear to refer to the same phenomenon.

Daniel 9: 27 (KJV)

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”

This text is part of the prophecy of the 70 weeks, with its prediction of the coming of the Messiah and the destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem in 70 A.C.E. The destruction is associated with the abomination that maketh desolation. In Daniel 9:27, the noun abomination is plural (“abominations”); this suggests “intensification” or “utter abomination.”

2.ANTIOCHUS IV EPIPHANES

The world teaches that the pronoun “he” in Daniel 9:27 is the Greek king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Even more, its taught that the “abomination of desolation” in Daniel 9: 27 describes the pagan sacrifices with which the 2nd century before Jesus Christ (168 B.C.E.) Greek King Antiochus IV replaced the daily offering in the Jewish temple.

Antiochus IV called himself “Epiphanies,” as he regarded himself as Zeus, a manifestation of a god. He set up an altar to Zeus over the altar of burnt offerings and offered pigs as sacrifices. He outlawed circumcision, required Jews to sacrifice to pagan gods, and also killed a great number of Jews and sold others into slavery.

Yes, what Antiochus IV did was evil and abominable to God. But Antiochus IV Epiphanes is not the pronoun “he” in Daniel 9:27. His account in the second century (168 B.C.E.) doesn’t conform to the 70-weeks prophecy of Daniel 9:24–27.  His account doesn`t conform to Daniel 9:24–27 timeline, events, or fulfillment. His account in the second century (168 B.C.E.) doesn’t conform to the biblical interpretation of Daniel 9:24–27. Then there are those who believe the abomination of desolation is the Roman standards which were worshiped in Jerusalem in 70 A.C.E. at the time of its destruction by Titus, this is also not true.

The world also teaches that Daniel 11:31 is about Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who is also described to be the “Anti-Christ.” prefiguring the future antichrist. But the historical-biblical timeline and many other specific biblical characteristics show that this teaching is not true. The scriptures tell us that the little horn, the anti-Christ, originated and rose from the head of the fourth beast (Four Kingdom)-Roman Empire (168-476), while the 2nd century B.C.E. Greek King Antiochus IV Epiphanes came from the third kingdom-Greek Empire (331-168).

The book of Daniel was written in the sixth century before Jesus Christ and not in the second century—during Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Daniel (Chapter 1-6) is the historical-chronological part, while Daniel (Chapter 7-12) is prophetic. The prophecies of Daniel range from events in Daniel`s day to end-time events (our time) that affect the entire world.

In Daniel 11:18–22, the one who imposes taxes refers to Augustus Caesar—it was during his reign that Jesus was born. The vile person refers to Tiberius Caesar; it was during the reign of Tiberius that the prince of the Covenant was broken, which refers to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. 

Antiochus IV Epiphanes never had a covenant with Jews or Gentiles; he never confirmed a covenant with many nations and tribes. Antiochus IV Epiphanes lived and died in the 2nd century before Christ, while the events and abomination of desolation explained in Daniel 9:27 occurred in the days of Jesus, in the first century.

Abomination is something that God loathes or hates because it is offensive to Him and His holy character—God`s ten commandments. The Hebrew words translated “abomination” are often used with things like idol worship and false gods. Proverbs 6:16–19 contains a list of seven things that God calls an abomination.

Desolation is a state of complete emptiness or destruction. Throughout Daniel and the entire Bible, when the people of God did not obey God and did abominable things, the final results were their destruction—the destruction of their sanctuary and city. It should be noted that “desolation and destruction were the result abominations.”

What exactly is the abomination of desolation? The answer to this question is vitally important. Jesus clearly implies that our very lives could be at stake over this matter. Both Bible passages, first (Daniel 9:24–27), second (Daniel 8:11–14, 11:30-37 12:11–12), speak of abominations in the same biblical meaning and interpretation. Although they are types (examples) of each other, they are two different biblical accounts because they have different contextual settings and occurred at different times.

3.THREE BASIC QUESTIONS

Both gospels (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) emphasize the need for continual watchfulness and readiness. They reveal the reality of the great tribulation (Matthew 24:21–22, Mark 13:19–20) and deceptions while encouraging believers to endure and stay prepared for Christ`s second return (Matthew 24:40–51, Mark 13:33–37, and Luke 21:34–36).

In both three gospels, Jesus responds and answers three very important questions. These three questions are key to the understanding of the three gospels and the abomination of desolation as explained by Daniel. If we cannot see the great theological picture of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 through these three basic questions, there is no way we can understand the abomination of desolation in Daniel. Note that Jesus started to respond to the second question, then the first and the third.

1.Tell us when shall these things be?

  • This was about the destruction of the city and the second temple in 70 A.C.E
  • Matthew 24: 1-3, Mark 13:1-4 and Luke 21: 5-7
  • Luke 21: 20-24, and Luke 19: 41-44, Matthew 24: 15-20, Mark 13: 14-18.

Luke 21:20-24 (KJV)

20 “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto.

22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled”

Luke 19:41-44(KJV)

41 “And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.

43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation”.

Matthew 24:15-20 (KJV)

15 “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:)

16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day”

Luke 21:20-24, Luke 19:41-44 Matthew 24:15-20 and others, these texts help us better understand what Jesus was talking about in regard to the “abomination of desolation” in the three gospels. These texts make it clear that Jesus’ prediction includes, in a more immediate sense, the terrible destruction that would come upon Jerusalem in 70 A.C.E when pagan Rome would destroy not only the city but the sacred temple, as well.

However, there is a second fulfillment of this prophecy in which the more immediate events, such as the destruction of Jerusalem, stood as a type of future, end-time events. “Christ saw in Jerusalem a symbol of the world hardened in unbelief and rebellion, and hastening on to meet the retributive judgments of God.

2. What shall be the sign of thy coming?

  • This was about Jesus Christ second coming
  • Matthew 24: 14, 29-39, Mark 13: 10, 24-32, and Luke 21: 25-27

3.What shall be the sign of the end of the world?

  • This was about the sign of the end of the world
  • Matthew 24: 4-13, 23-28, Mark 13: 5-13, 21-23, and Luke 21: 8-19, 28-31

4.THE SEVENTY PROPHETIC WEEKS

The correct biblical meaning and interpretation Daniel 9:24–27 is pivotal to the understanding of the term “abomination of desolation” and its impact in our Christian lives and salvation. This is even more important because poor understanding and misapplication of Daniel 9:24–27 have led to many errors in faith for many Christians today.

Daniel 9: 24-27, the seventy prophetic weeks were a probationary timeframe for Jews and their city, Old Jerusalem. The end of this time was the end of the Israelite era as a God-chosen nation. It’s biblically important to remember that this timeframe took 490 years, from 457 B.C.E to 34 A.C.E. This important prophecy was about

  • 1.Israelites and their holy city-Jerusalem
  • 2.Reconciliation of Israelites iniquity to God
  • 3.Birth of Jesus Christ (Messiah)
  • 4. Anointment of the most Holy.
  • 5.Crucifixion of the Messiah (The Messiah cut off)
  • 6.Ceasation of sanctuary sacrificial services and worship.
  • 7.Making covenant with many (Gospel to the Gentiles)

In Daniel 9:26b, the prince represents a ruler (A Roman army commander called Titus, who later become the Roman emperor). The people of the prince represent a pagan Roman empire and its army. The city represents Old Jerusalem, and the sanctuary is the second temple. The flood represented a storm of destruction by a dreadful and irresistible Roman army

Daniel 9:27b is directly associated and applied to the first question of the three basic questions—about the destruction of the city—Jerusalem and the Sanctuary (second temple) in 70 A.C.E. Daniel 9:27b has its references and fulfillment in Luke 21:20-24, Luke 19:41-44, Matthew 24:15-20, and Mark 13:14-18. This fulfillment occurred in 70 A.C.E. Daniel 9:27b is not a futuristic prophecy, as it was completely fulfilled in 70 A.C.E. Daniel 9:27 is not associated with the second question, “Jesus Christ second coming,” or the third question, “The sign of the end of the world.”

It should be noted that the pronoun “he” in Daniel 9: 27a is the Messiah (Jesus Christ), an anointed ruler, called “Messiah the Prince” in Daniel 9:25. The phrase Messiah the Prince is used only once in the scriptures, and it only refers to the Son of Man, King of King Jesus Christ. The covenant is God’s covenant with Israel that “he” (God) was to make or confirm with many tribes, and nations.

The 490 years were an extension of God’s covenant with Israel. Therefore, the seven-year covenant in 9:27a must be the last seven years of that 490-year covenant. The verb translated as “confirm” (the covenant) is not a verb for the making of a new covenant but for maintaining an existing covenant.

The scripture says: “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.” This is the covenant between Jesus and the people of all nations, which occurred in this last week of Daniel’s seventy weeks. The 70th week of Daniel 9:24–27 was the last week when Jews were still the chosen nation and host of the gospel. And in the midst of the 70th week of Daniel 9:24–27, the gospel was to be preached to every person, every tongue, and every nation. (Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19).

The ministry of Christ on earth lasted for three and a half years (Dan. 9:26–27) from 27 A.C.E to 31 A.C.E. These three and a half years are the first part of the last seven years in Daniel 9, that is, the last week of the seventh week of Daniel 9:24–27. Jesus Christ was rejected, crucified, and killed in the year 31 A.C.E. That is Christ dies in the middle of the last week, and after His death, the apostles begin the second part of the last week (three and a half years) by continuing the work of the gospel from 31 A.C.E to 34 A.C.E. During this time and after this time the gospel was preached to all nations and tongues.

5.ANOTHER WAY OF SALVATION

The death and blood of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb at Calvary Cross, in 31 A.C.E (1 Corinthians 5:7) ended all sanctuary sacrificial services and its priesthood system, and the word of God, which says, “In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease” (Daniel 9:27a), were fulfilled. But because the devil wanted to be worshipped (Isaiah 14:14) and he is worshipped as God, humanity re-established the sanctuary sacrificial offering and forgiveness of sin through mere human priests up to 70 A.C.E.

Many Jews and others who rejected Jesus Christ as their Messiah continued with Second Temple sacrificial offerings and worship style. Jesus Christ did not dwell in them; they did not become a “temple” to God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 6:19-20, 10:18-19, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 2: 20-22, and 1Peter 2:5). Jesus warned about this in (Matthew 24: 15, Mark 13: 14, Luke 21: 20-24, 19: 41-44).

The great picture of Act 21:15-30 (KJV) shows that the second temple animal sacrificial offerings and worship services went on after Jesus Christ Calvary Cross on 31. A.C.E. In this biblical account (Act 21:15-30) the four Jewish men who had a vow on them (Act 21:23) refers to the Nazarite described in (Numbers 6: 1-21), as to the law of the Nazarite their vow (Numb 6: 13-21) involved giving animal sacrificial offering in the tabernacle of congregation after the days of separation.

It is also important to note that just as it is explained in Act 24:10-21 (KJV), in Act 21:15-30 Paul did not do animal sacrificial offering in the temple. Although the narrative elements suggest that Paul would have complied with James’s request for the sacrificial offering required by the four Jewish men, there is no explicit description of him doing so. Nor do we see the four Jewish men do so. Paul went to the Temple authority and notified them when the four men would be ready to complete their vow. But before a week had passed, Paul was arrested and accused of trying to take a non-Jew into the sanctuary.

After Solomon’s Temple was destroyed, sacrifices were resumed until the Second Temple was also destroyed in 70 A.C.E. The temple worship went on even after his (Jesus Christ) perfect sacrifice was made once and for all. Jesus offered his body and his blood, as the final sin offering for all people for all eternity.

Hebrews 10:14 (KJV) “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified”. 1 John 2:1-2 (KJV) “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world”. Animal sacrifices should have ceased the day Jesus died. But no, the bloody slaughter of animals went on for another generation. It continued until it ceased perforce, when the temple was destroyed by Rome in 70 A.C.E.

We should ask our self-simple but important questions: Was it God’s will that animal sacrifices continue from the Calvary Cross (31 A.C.E.) until 70 A.C.E.? Or was it rather rebellion against God’s will? Did God feel pleased with any animal sacrifice offered in the temple after Jesus was crucified? Or did animal sacrifice become an abomination in God’s sight?

This was an act of abomination then, and it’s an act of abomination today, as in doing so, they created their own way of salvation, just as we have created our own way of forgiveness of sin and salvation. This was an abomination that led to destruction and desolation, explained in Luke 21:20-24, Luke 19:41-44, Matthew 24:15-20, and Mark 13:14-18, the first question of the three basic questions.

This is because they denied Jesus Christ’s atonement at Calvary Cross; they denied Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation (John 3:14–15, 14; 6 Acts 4:12). They denied forgiveness of sin only through the blood of Jesus Christ at the Calvary Cross (Hebrews 10:16–19, Colossians 1:14–20, Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:7, 2:12).

They denied Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man (1Timothy 2:5, Romans 8:34), and they denied Jesus Christ as the only perfect and Holy high priest (Hebrews 2:16–18, 4:14–16, 9:11–15, and Hebrews 10:12–15). An alternative system of mediation and salvation was set up, one which seeks to usurp what Christ did for us at Calvary Cross and what is doing for us now in the heavenly sanctuary.

6.ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

Abomination is from the Greek root word bdelugma, it is something that God loathes or hates because it is offensive to Him and His holy character—God`s ten commandments. Desolation is from the Greek root word eremosis, it is a state of complete emptiness or destruction.

Some versions translate the phrase as “the abomination that causes desolation.” With a prayerful Bible study, you can discover that the abomination of desolation is described in three phases. If we study this prophecy carefully, we will find that in each of its three fulfillments refers to a national apostasy by God’s people that ends in their tragic destruction. We are now living in the time of the Christian church’s final apostasy, which makes of none effect the commandments of God. We need to see that we are in the midst of fulfilling prophecy and keep our eyes open for the culmination of all things.

First phase

  • 2 Chronicles 36: 5–23, 2 Kings 24-25, Daniel 1:1–7 and Daniel 9: 16-18
  • The abomination of desolation in the days of Daniel the prophet
  • This phase involved the destruction of the first temple by Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon (586 B.C.E)
  • The main issue was worship, people of God had forgotten God`s Law and turned to idolatry worship and practices.
  • These abominations occurred mostly during Jehoiakim King of Judah, his son King Jehoiachin and King Zedekiah (2Chronicle 36: 5-14)
  • 2 Chronicles 36: 8-9 (KJV) “Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead. Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord.”
  • 2 Chronicles 36:14 (KJV) “Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.”
  • Some of these abominations are mentioned in (Jeremiah 17: 19-27, 25:5-11) and (Ezekiel 8:5-6, 16) and it includes: Breaking of seventh day Sabbath, adoring unclean beasts, idol worship, sun worship and worshipping pagan god – Tammuz.
  • Daniel himself agrees that it was the sins committed by God`s people that caused their desolation.
  • Daniel 9:16-18 (KJV) “Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us. Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies”.

Second phase

  • Daniel 9: 27, Luke 21: 20-24, Luke 19: 41-44, Matt 24: 15-20, Mark 13: 14-18.
  • The abomination of desolation in the days of Jesus Christ
  • It involved the destruction of the second temple by the Roman army under the command of Titus (70 A.C.E)
  • The main issue was worship, people of God had turned against God and followed the traditions of men (Mark 7:8, Col 2:8), then rejected Jesus Christ and His atonement at Calvary Cross. 
  • Because Israel rejected the Messiah, they lost their place as God’s favored people. Jesus predicted this would take place by saying, “The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43).

Third phase

  • Daniel 8: 11-14, 11:30-37, 12: 8-12, and 2Thessalonians 2: 1-4.
  • It’s the third and final abomination of desolation
  • The abomination of desolation in the time of the end. “Our time, from 1798”
  • The expression “time of the end” appears in Daniel (Dan. 8:17; 11:35, 40; 12:4,9). Examination of Daniel’s prophecies indicates that the time of the end extends from 1798 A.C.E (Dan 12; 4-9. Rev 11:2-3, 12:6, 14, 13:3-5) to the resurrection of the dead (Dan. 12:2).
  • This last phase involves the whole Christian church-body.
  • No temple, because biblically there is no third physical temple
  • The main issue in the third phase is worship
  • This phase is marked by rejection of God`s word, rejection of God`s Law, religious apostasy, and heathen worship.
  • Any prophetic student will realize that these verses (Daniel 8: 11-14, 11:30-37, 12: 8-12, and 2Thessalonians 2: 1-4) predict the formation and ascension of power by the Papacy. It is an indisputable fact of history that the Papacy brought into the Christian church the very same practices of spiritualism and paganism for which ancient Jerusalem was destroyed.
  • Anyone can study and see how spiritualism, eucharist, image worship, Mary worship, sun worship and rejection of God`s seventh day Sabbath were introduced to Christianity during the papal dark ages (538-1798). These and many other papal abominations are still with us today.
  • The Christian church today is in apostasy; in the third and final phase of abomination of desolation, the church is full of unbiblical doctrines and abominations. Here are examples of these abominable doctrines: Sunday sacredness, transubstantiation, papal infallibility, immortality of the soul, prayers through dead saints, existence of purgatory, worship, sacrifice, and prayer for the dead, worship and respect for idols, Mary our mediator and intercessor to God, forgiveness of sins through mere human priests, use of holy water and ashes, infant baptism, baptism by sprinkling water, burning incense in the pulpit, indulgence, and several pagan-rooted festivals.
  • The Christian church today is mirroring literal Israel, we are repeating many of the same sins and will consequently reap the same punishment of destruction and desolation.

The main issues that come into play in the abomination of desolation as treated in the book of Daniel remain the same in each of its three phases. Therefore, they are types, or examples, of each other, and the issue is worship.

Abomination of desolation: is a religious apostasy with heathen worship practices and an unbiblical way of salvation. The Bible often refers to abomination as a major covenant violation, especially idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:25, 17:1–5, and 18:9–12). The book of Kings describes abomination as idolatry, often with child sacrifice (1 Kings 11:7, 2 Kings 23:13), while the scripture also calls sexual sins like adultery, homosexuality, and bestiality abominations (Leviticus 18:20–30).

The result of God’s people practicing the religious abominations of the heathen was the desolation of their land, city, and sanctuary. It’s so sad that even today, after Jesus Christ’s death on the Calvary Cross, after the 70 A.C.E. destruction of the temple, its services, and everything made desolate, we are still doing the same abominations and apostasy. Just like the papal system, many of the so-called Christians sect re-established the sanctuary services and worshipping style and practice many of these abominable practices and worship.

We are to study the Bible both telescopically and microscopically to understand the prophecy in Daniel and Revelation. These two books have the present truth for our generation and are very important for our spiritual lives. When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart

Our only sure protection against the abomination of desolation is to give our lives unreservedly to Jesus and worship Him in the way that His word teaches. To please and honor Him will be natural if we love Him. In return, He will see us safely through the desolation that will close this earth’s history just before He comes again.

AMEN

Related Posts

Verified by MonsterInsights