Bible Questions and Answers

What is the abomination of desolation? Where is that phrase in the Bible?

The ‘abomination of desolation’ first occurs in Daniel’s prophecy, speaking of the time when the daily sacrifices in the Temple, required by the Law given through Moses, would be brought to an end. Daniel 11:31

Jesus refers to it in what is known as the ‘Olivet prophecy’ given to his disciples concerning the future desolation of Jerusalem – which happened in AD70 Matthew 24:15-21; Mark 13:14-18

In the parallel account in Luke’s Gospel Jesus describes the ‘abomination of desolation’ as Jerusalem ‘surrounded by armies’ Luke 21:20-22

This prophecy had it’s fulfilment when the Romans laid siege to Jerusalem. For a short period the siege was lifted. Those Christians in Jerusalem who understood the prophecy were able to escape before the siege was resumed. The Romans destroyed the Temple and thus caused the daily sacrifice to cease.

There is good reason to believe that Jesus’ prophecy has a dual fulfilment – the second being just prior to Christ’s return. Once again Jerusalem will be surrounded by the armies of Gog of the land of Magog and his allies as described in Ezekiel 38 and 39.

The same event is described in Zechariah. Zechariah 14:2

This will result in the return of Jesus to raise the faithful to eternal life and save Israel from their enemies. Zechariah 14:3-5 The earthquake will change the topography of the land of Israel. Jerusalem will be rebuilt with a new Sanctuary and Temple as described in Ezekiel 40 onwards.

The kingdom of David will be restored as the kingdom of God upon the earth. Luke 1:30-33

I hope this helps.

God bless,
Glenn