Signs of the End
So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), Matthew 24:15 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus points to an ancient prophecy from the book of Daniel about something terrible standing in the holy place. When you see this happen, Jesus says, it's time to act immediately.
Daniel's prophecy had already been partially fulfilled once. Jesus is saying it will happen again, and when it does, it's the signal that destruction is imminent.
Jesus references the prophet Daniel, and Matthew adds a note urging readers to pay careful attention.
Jesus is using an ancient prophecy as a warning signal. When the unthinkable happens in the most sacred place, it's the alarm bell that everything is about to change.
Jesus references 'the abomination of desolation' (bdelygma tēs erēmōseōs) from Daniel 9:27, 11:31, and 12:11. The parenthetical 'let the reader understand' (ho anaginōskōn noeitō) is likely Matthew's editorial note urging discernment. Historically, this was fulfilled when Roman standards were brought into the Temple area in 70 AD.
Daniel's prophecy originally referred to Antiochus IV Epiphanes (167 BC), who desecrated the Temple. Jesus applies it typologically to the coming Roman destruction, with possible further fulfillment in the eschaton.
Jesus quotes Daniel's prophecy, and Matthew adds a parenthetical call for reader discernment.
Jesus points to Daniel's ancient prophecy and says it will happen again. A desecrating horror will stand in the holy place. When you see it, everything changes.
13But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
15So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),
16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
17Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house.
Read all of Matthew 24 — The disciples ask when the end will come. Jesus answers with wars, earthquakes, and a warning: stay awake, because no one knows the hour.
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