The Abomination of Desolation
Daniel's sign, partly fulfilled in history, awaiting final unveiling.
Daniel foretold an 'abomination that maketh desolate' set up in the holy place. Antiochus IV foreshadowed it, the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 echoed it, yet Christ in the Olivet Discourse pointed His disciples to a final fulfillment.
The Prophecy
"...and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation..."
"And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days."
"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:)"
Historic foreshadow
Antiochus IV defiled the temple in 167 BC; in AD 70 the Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem. Both events partly fulfilled Daniel's warning.
Still to come
Christ spoke of this sign as future to His own day — pointing to a final desolation tied to His return.
People in This Prophecy
Verse Commentary
Read verse-by-verse commentary on the key passages of this prophecy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the abomination of desolation?
A defiling, blasphemous act in the holy place foretold by Daniel and referenced by Jesus.
Related Bible Prophecies
The Great Tribulation
Unequalled trouble before the coming of Christ.
The Antichrist and the Man of Sin
A final lawless one to be destroyed by the brightness of Christ's coming.
The Second Coming of Christ
The visible, glorious return of Christ to judge and reign.
The Day of the Lord
A great and dreadful day of divine judgment and salvation.
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