Ko e hā ʻa e meʻa fakalielia ʻo e fakaʻauhá?

ʻOku kau ʻi he ngaahi kaveinga mystifying mo fakatupu fakakaukau taha ʻi he Tohi Tapú ʻa e foʻi fakakaukau ko ia ʻo e "fakalielia ʻo e fakaʻauhá." ʻOku fakamamafaʻi tonu ʻe Sisu ʻa hono kalavite ʻaki ʻene fakaʻaiʻai ʻa e kau laukonga ke mahino ia (Matiu 24:15). ʻ E fekumi ʻ a e kupu ko ení ki he ngaahi potutohi fakahisitōlia mo fakaekikite ʻ a ia ʻ okú ne fakamaama ʻ a e fakatokanga ko ení. Te tau sivisiviʻi ʻa hono fakafisingaʻi ʻe he puleʻanga Siu ʻa Kalaisi mo hono ngaahi nunuʻa ʻi he 70 A.D., fakakaukau ki he fakaʻuhinga naʻe fakahoko ʻe ʻAniteoke Epiphanes ʻa e kikite ʻa Taniela, ʻiloʻi ʻa e fakaʻosi ʻo e kikite fakatupu fakakaukau ko ʻeni, pea iku ʻo fakakaukau ki he ngaahi ʻuhinga fakatautaha ʻo e fakatokanga ʻa Sisu.

Contents

Jesus Warning
What is the Abomination of Desolation

The Warning from Jesus

To understand Jesus message regarding the Abomination of Desolation, let us first consider the broader context of His statement. Jesus has just finished his final visit to Jerusalem, capital of the Jewish nation in His time. Entering in that last time on His triumphant entry, Jesus wept over the city.

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If you had known, even you, at least in this your day, the things which belong to your peace! but now they are hid from your eyes. For the days shall come on you, that your enemies shall cast a trench about you, and compass you round, and keep you in on every side, And shall lay you even with the ground, and your children within you; and they shall not leave in you one stone on another; because you knew not the time of your visitation. ~ Luke 19:41-44

As Jesus wept he undoubtedly caught the attention of His disciples. They carefully would have listened with curious ears as he pronounced a judgement that was to come upon the city and the people. Referring to the people of the city Jesus said;

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is left to you desolate. ~ Matthew 23:37-38

When the disciples heard about the fall of Jerusalem, they linked it to Jesus returning in power—expecting Him to rule over all nations, punish those who refused to repent, and free the people from Roman rule. Jesus had already told them He would come again, so when He mentioned judgment on Jerusalem, they immediately thought of this as His second coming. As they sat with Him on the Mount of Olives, they asked;

...Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world? ~ Matthew 24:3

Jesus in His mercy did not expand to their understanding His sufferings and death, the destruction of their city, or the long time between his first and second coming. Instead, Jesus begins to give them signs and warnings that would precede His second coming. He masterfully then pointed his hearers to Daniel’s prophecies, saying;

When you therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand) ~ Matthew 24:15

Christ’s words in Matthew 24:15 primarily pointed to the looming destruction of Jerusalem—an event that would mark the end of the Jewish temple system and open the door for Gentile inclusion. That prophecy also foreshadows the final judgment at the end of the age. In this way, Jesus’ warning carries a dual application: it speaks both to immediate events for the early disciples and to the ultimate fulfillment when Christ returns in glory. As Matthew Henry—a Presbyterian minister and esteemed Bible commentator—observes;

Now the prophecy primarily respects the events near at hand - the destruction of Jerusalem, the period of the Jewish church and state, the calling of the Gentiles, and the setting up of Christ's kingdom in the world; but as the prophecies of the Old Testament, which have an immediate reference to the affairs of the Jews and the revolutions of their state, under the figure of them do certainly look further, to the gospel church and the kingdom of the Messiah, and are so expounded in the New Testament, and such expressions are found in those predictions as are peculiar thereto and not applicable otherwise; so this prophecy, under the type of Jerusalem's destruction, looks as far forward as the general judgment; and, as is usual in prophecies, some passages are most applicable to the type, and others to the antitype; and toward the close, as usual, it points more particularly to the latter.

Now that we have traced the backdrop of Jesus’ words—from His lament over Jerusalem to the disciples’ expectation of His triumphant return—we face a central question: What does Jesus mean by “the abomination of desolation” that He invites us to understand (Matthew 24:15)? This phrase stands at the crossroads of near-term events (the fall of Jerusalem) and far-reaching prophetic fulfillment (the end of the age). By examining both the historical setting and the broader biblical context, we will see why this warning remains so vital for believers today.

What Is the Abomination of Desolation?

Scripture frequently operates this way, with prophecies meeting an initial fulfillment before pointing to deeper spiritual realities still to come.

At its core, the “abomination of desolation”

In Luke 21:20, the warning is echoed, identifying Jerusalem’s impending siege by Roman armies as part of the immediate fulfillment. Yet Christ also broadened the scope to include events at the very end of time.

Thesis

This article explores the historical context of the Jewish rejection of Christ, presents evidence against Antiochus Epiphanes as the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy, and ultimately demonstrates how the papal system fits the larger prophetic portrait of the abomination of desolation.

What Is the Abomination of Desolation?

At its core, the “abomination of desolation” signifies a blasphemous or idolatrous power—something or someone that usurps God’s rightful place and causes spiritual desolation among God’s people. In Old Testament history, abominations frequently involved idolatry, pagan sacrifices, and the transgression of God’s law. When Scripture speaks of “desolation,” it indicates judgment and destruction that follow widespread apostasy.

Jesus used this terminology to describe both the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and a future event that would signal a final crisis. Understanding how it applied historically and prophetically is essential for discerning end-time realities.

Part 1: The Jewish Nation and the First Desolation

The True Glory of the Second Temple

Scriptural Basis:

• Haggai 2:7

• Colossians 2:9

• Matthew 23:38

Though the second temple (rebuilt after the Babylonian exile) was grand in structure, it lacked the visible Shekinah glory that had rested in the first temple. Yet Haggai 2:7 predicted a greater glory: the coming of the “Desire of All Nations.” This was fulfilled by Christ’s very presence in the temple. In Him “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). Tragically, Israel’s leaders did not recognize this true glory. When Jesus finally departed, He lamented, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate” (Matthew 23:38).

Israel’s Apostasy and Rejection of Christ

Scriptural Basis:

• Mark 7:6–13

• Luke 13:34–35

Centuries of legalism and human tradition had supplanted genuine faith. The Pharisees had elevated ritual above relationship, and religious form above heartfelt obedience. Time and again, Jesus called the nation to repentance: “How often would I have gathered thy children together… and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34). Their ultimate rejection of Christ ensured that judgment would follow.

The Judgment Fulfilled in 70 A.D.

Scriptural Basis:

• Matthew 24:15–16

• Luke 21:20

Following the warnings of Jesus, believers fled Jerusalem when they saw the Roman armies (the “abomination”) encircling the city. The Romans, under Titus in 70 A.D., became the instrument of God’s judgment—sacking Jerusalem and destroying the temple. This fulfilled Daniel’s warning in Daniel 9:26–27: because the nation collectively rejected the Messiah, the city and sanctuary were left in ruins.

Part 2: Refuting Antiochus Epiphanes as the Abomination of Desolation

Understanding the Claims

Some interpret Daniel’s prophecies (particularly Daniel 8:11–14 and 11:31) to refer to the Seleucid ruler Antiochus Epiphanes, who desecrated the Jewish temple in 168 B.C. by sacrificing a pig on the altar and temporarily halting temple services. They argue that this act of sacrilege was the abomination of desolation.

Arguments Against Antiochus as the Fulfillment

1. Jesus’ Perspective

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus points to the abomination of desolation as a future event relative to His time on earth—long after Antiochus had died. If Antiochus’s desecration fully fulfilled Daniel’s prophecy, Jesus would not have spoken of it as yet to come.

2. Limited Scope

Antiochus’s actions, while abhorrent, were largely confined to Judea and revolved around political struggles. Daniel’s prophecies, however, have worldwide and end-time ramifications, pointing beyond a localized incident.

3. Misinterpretation of Daniel 8

The 2,300 “days” (or prophetic evenings and mornings) in Daniel 8:14 concern the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary—not merely the earthly temple’s defilement. This cleansing points to a greater, more spiritual reality and timeline extending well beyond Antiochus’s era.

4. Prophetic Context

Daniel’s broader vision in Daniel 9:24–27 extends to the Messiah’s first advent and beyond, culminating in end-time events. A short-lived desecration in 168 B.C. cannot satisfy the full scope of these prophecies.

Abomination of Desolation: Daniel

The book of Daniel is pivotal for understanding how the abomination of desolation appears repeatedly throughout history and culminates in a final, climactic fulfillment. Daniel’s visions (chapters 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12) span from his own time through the coming of the Messiah and onward to the close of earth’s history. Key prophecies—like the 1,260 years and the 2,300 days—show that while there may have been preliminary types of abominations (such as Antiochus Epiphanes), the real weight of the prophecy points to a power that would distort God’s truth and oppress His people over a much larger historical span.

Part 3: The Papal System as the Final Abomination

The 1260-Year Reign of the Papacy

Scriptural Basis:

• Daniel 7:25

• Revelation 13:5

Prophetically, the “little horn” of Daniel 7 and the beast of Revelation 13 both wield authority for 1,260 prophetic days (interpreted as literal years). Historically, this duration corresponds to the medieval supremacy of the papacy. During this period:

• Biblical faith was suppressed.

• Those who dissented from official dogma were persecuted.

• Pagan customs—such as image veneration—mingled with Christian worship.

• The day of worship shifted from the seventh-day Sabbath to Sunday through ecclesiastical edicts, thus replacing God’s commandment with a human tradition.

Parallels Between Apostate Israel and Apostate Christendom

Scriptural Basis:

• Mark 7:7–8

• Matthew 23:13–36

Just as Israel’s religious leaders replaced God’s commands with human tradition, so too did the papacy build layers of tradition, distorting Scripture’s plain teachings. Both systems led to spiritual desolation—cutting people off from a direct, gospel-based relationship with God.

Desolating Christendom

Scriptural Basis:

• Revelation 17:1–5

• Revelation 18:4

As the church adopted pagan rites, merged with secular power, and suppressed the light of the Word, spiritual darkness spread across what was once Christian Europe. In Revelation 17 and 18, symbolic Babylon exemplifies a fallen religious system, echoing Israel’s unfaithfulness. God’s people are called to “come out of her” (Revelation 18:4), lest they share in her plagues.

Abomination of Desolation: Revelation

Within the book of Revelation, the abomination of desolation takes on an end-time dimension. Chapters 13 and 17 portray a religio-political power that compels the world to worship contrary to God’s commandments. Ultimately, this power enforces a mark (Revelation 13:16–17), representing false worship, and works great wonders to deceive the masses. Those who remain faithful to God’s law, especially the Sabbath command, face economic sanctions and persecution.

Part 4: Lessons and End-Time Application

The Dual Fulfillment of Daniel’s Prophecies

Scriptural Basis:

• Daniel 8:13

• Daniel 12:11

Jerusalem’s fall was a historical type, illustrating the consequences of forsaking God’s truth. In the end-time, a parallel spiritual desolation emerges as apostate Christianity leads millions away from God’s commandments. Daniel saw both the immediate punishment of Jerusalem and the climactic conflict that culminates at the close of history.

The Final Abomination

Scriptural Basis:

• Revelation 13:15–17

• Luke 21:20–21

When church and state unite to enforce religious decrees—particularly a national Sunday law—that usurp God’s authority, this act becomes the ultimate abomination. It mirrors ancient Jerusalem’s plight: religious leaders aligning with secular powers to silence truth and persecute genuine worshipers.

God’s Call to True Worship

Scriptural Basis:

• Revelation 14:6–7

Amid pervasive deception, God’s “everlasting gospel” beckons believers to “fear God, and give glory to Him.” This involves honoring all His commandments, including the Sabbath, which commemorates God’s creation and underscores His sovereignty (Exodus 20:8–11).

Warning to Leave Babylon

The cry of Revelation 18:4–8 compels people to withdraw from corrupt systems that elevate human tradition above God’s Word. Adherents are called to break free from religious forms and practices that obscure the simplicity of the gospel.

Conclusion

Rejecting Misinterpretations

Antiochus Epiphanes cannot fulfill the scope of Daniel’s abomination of desolation. His desecration was confined to a small region in a pre-Christian era, while Jesus insisted that the prophetic event awaited a future and more far-reaching fulfillment.

The Papal System’s Fulfillment

History bears out that the papacy, through a 1,260-year span of influence, meets the criteria of Daniel and Revelation. It introduced unbiblical doctrines, persecuted those who resisted, and paved the way for a final confrontation over worship.

The Urgency of Understanding

Jesus’ exhortation—“whoso readeth, let him understand” (Matthew 24:15)—echoes across the centuries. Recognizing the parallels between ancient Israel and modern Christendom enables believers to prepare for the final crisis and avoid the spiritual catastrophe of placing tradition above divine command.

Call to Faithfulness

In the face of end-time deceptions, true worshipers “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). This fidelity rests on Christ’s righteousness, not on human effort or works. By abiding in Him, Christians can stand firm against the apostasy foretold in Bible prophecy.

Promise of Victory

Revelation 14:12–13 heralds the ultimate victory for those who persevere in Christ, assuring them eternal rest and joy. The abomination of desolation may bring hardship, but those who trust in God’s Word and cling to Jesus’ righteousness will prevail.

“He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13

In a tumultuous world, may we heed Christ’s counsel, learn from Israel’s solemn example, and remain faithful to the God who desires our worship in spirit and in truth.