“The abomination of desolation” is a phrase that is repeatedly found in the Holy Scriptures. To interpret this phrase, you need to familiarize yourself with the events associated with it, as well as the etymology of the first of two words. Versions about the meaning of the “abomination of desolation” will be discussed below.
Etymology
In the traditional sense, the word "abomination" is something very repulsive, something that causes an involuntary shudder. However, in the Tanakh and Mishnah, written in Hebrew, it is often used in a different meaning. There it denotes an idol. Therefore, a number of researchers believe that the book of the prophet Daniel refers to the "motionless abomination," that is, a statue for worship.
Another group of scientists is inclined to believe that the ancient Roman god Jupiter was called by this word with the intention of distortion. In Hebrew, "abomination" is written as βδέλυγμα, this word is close in spelling to Baalsham - "lord of heaven." This could be following the prescription that the names of idols, which for the Jews, in fact, was the statue of Jupiter, can be pronounced only in a distorted or abbreviated form.
The first three mentions of the studied phrase are found in the Book of Daniel, where he sets out his apocalyptic visions.
The Abomination of Desolation by Daniel
Christian tradition refers him to the great biblical prophets. He was a descendant of a noble family of Jews and was still a teenager, together with his fellow tribesmen in Babylonian captivity. There he received a Chaldean education, and he was called up for service at court.
As stated in the Bible, Daniel was sent a gift from God - to understand and interpret dreams, and this is what he became famous for. Two of the most famous episodes of his life are a miraculous salvation from lions in a moat and a clue to the meaning of words written on the wall by a mysterious hand at Belshazzar's feast.
Among others, Daniel made prophecies about the "abomination of desolation." He says that she will appear on the wing of the sanctuary, the daily sacrifice will be stopped, and this will last 1290 days, and then the predetermined final death will befall the devastator. What does it mean? An explanation will be given below.
Antiochus Epiphanes
This Greek king in 170 BC. To restore order in Jerusalem, he introduced troops there, and the rebellion was brutally crushed, and the city was plundered. After that, relying on loyal priests, he switched to forced Hellenization. The Jerusalem temple was turned by him into the sanctuary of Zeus. Before everyone's eyes, he personally stabbed a sacrificial pig on the altar.
This was followed by the persecution of the Jews, which was accompanied by torture and public executions. The city fortifications were torn down, and severe persecution contributed to the outbreak of a new uprising led by the Maccabees. The organization of a new campaign against the Jews was prevented by the death of Epiphanes in 164 BC. e.
It is these events that are known as the “abomination of desolation”, and Daniel prophesied about them.
The first book of the Maccabees
It says that “an abomination” was erected on the altar of burnt offering. Under the burnt offering altar in Judaism is meant one of the main objects of religious service, conducted in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple. As stated in the Bible, several miraculous phenomena were associated with this subject:
- Fire was constantly burning in the altar, but despite this, it was never damaged.
- It was located in the open air, but the fire was never extinguished by rain.
- A column of smoke rising from the altar went vertically towards the sky, and the wind never carried it to the side.
- The smell of burning flesh never came from him.
For the Jews, the desecration of this sacred object was truly an abomination. The Maccabees book says that they destroyed the “abomination” erected by Antiochus Epiphanes in Jerusalem over the altar of burnt offering, and surrounded the sanctuary with high walls, as before. As indicated above, this, as well as the death of the devastator, was also mentioned in the prophecy of Daniel.
Interpretations by Daniel and the Maccabees
As the interpreters of the Holy Scriptures suggest, in the two indicated sources “abomination” is interpreted literally, that is, either as an “idol” in general, or as a statue of Zeus (Jupiter). Which in both cases was a great insult to the faithful Jews.
Here it will be appropriate to recall one of the biblical commandments calling not to create an idol, that is, a statue of a pagan god. Thus, Antiochus Epiphanes violated the foundations of the Jewish faith.
In the gospel of Matthew
There Jesus on the Mount of Olives speaks of the abomination of desolation spoken by the prophet Daniel. In his sermon, he recalls his prediction. As it was found out, they relate to the establishment of a statue of the supreme pagan god, who among the Greeks was called Zeus, and among the Romans by Jupiter, in a Jewish temple.
What does the Son of God mean when he utters the words about the abomination of desolation in a holy place given in the Gospel of Matthew? They were spoken about 200 years after the events described. Thus, Jesus uttered a prophecy that in the future in the temple of Jerusalem at a certain time something similar will happen again. Most Bible commentators believe that the Savior had in mind the coming of Antichrist.
The prophecy of jesus
In it, he says to his disciples: “When you see the abomination of desolation, about which Daniel prophesied and which stands where it is not supposed, let those who flee to the mountains.” Jesus further gives the following directions. Those on the roof should not go down to take something from their home. And those who are in the field do not have to go back to take their clothes.
Woe will be pregnant and lactating in those days. Everyone will need to pray so that this flight does not happen in winter, because then there will be such a great sorrow, which was not yet from the very beginning of creation and which will not be after. Jesus further notes that if the Lord had not reduced the number of these days, then no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of those whom he chose, he shortened those terrible days.
The Son of God warns: “If someone tells you that Christ is here or there, do not believe him. Since the false prophets and false Christs will arise, they will be given miracles and signs to seduce the elect, if possible. I said everything in advance, and you beware. " Moreover, the words of the Savior are mysterious, and they need to be understood. Yes, and he himself says about them: "Let the reader understand."
What's the point?
According to exegetes, it is as follows. Speaking about the “abomination of desolation” to the witnesses of his earthly life, Jesus did not mean one particular event. The Holy Fathers come to the conclusion that the demonic person is meant - the Antichrist, who should come at the end of time. Therefore, Christ demands to leave the terrible place, because in case of delay in flight will perish. It is necessary to pray that no adverse circumstances prevent a quick outcome.
There are times and circumstances when the earthly fatherland must be immediately abandoned for the sake of the heavenly fatherland. When it is said that one must pray that flight does not happen in winter, it refers to the coldness of the Apocalypse, from which the hearts freeze.
But in the midst of anger, Jesus remembers grace. He says that the Lord will shorten these days for the elect, that is, for those who receive Christ. For those who were promised that "the remainder will be saved." The elect of God, both day and night, cry out to him, and the Lord answers their prayers.
These favorites include all who keep him faithful in trials. Whatever happens around, God is always here. He is the absolute master of time and history. He will reduce the time of trials, he will save from all despair, salvation is always his main and last word.
Thus, the expression “abomination of desolation” is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures both in the literal and figurative sense. In the first case, this is a pagan statue installed in a Jewish temple, and in the second - those tests that await everyone during the coming of the Antichrist, but their time will be shortened in the name of true believers.