The “abomination of desolation” is a term used by the prophet Daniel (Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11) who wrote several hundred years before Jesus was born. In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus is telling His disciples that the destruction of the great buildings in Jerusalem they were observing would be fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy. Matthew’s and Mark’s parenthetical cue to the synagogue reader (Mt 24:15; Mk 13:14) is telling him to be ready to explain that connection to the listening congregation.
(These verses include the only two places in the NASB 1995 where the word “reader” appears. These occurrences remind us that in Jesus’ day, people had to go to a synagogue or the temple to know what the Scriptures said because that’s where readers read them. Few people knew how to read, and fewer still had copies of all the Scriptures. Today, almost everyone knows how to read and the Scriptures are available everywhere!)
Just as when Jesus was concerned about people having enough to eat, Jesus is being very practical here. Jerusalem was situated in the region called Judea, so Jesus is saying that the manifestation of Daniel’s sign would indicate that destruction was imminent and everyone should get out of Dodge (“those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains”). Luke makes this clearer in his version (see below). History tells us that Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD according to Jesus’ prophecy.
- See Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 for Daniel’s references.
- See Mt 24:15-28; Mk 13:14:23; Lk 21:20-24 for Jesus’ references.
- See also Ezek 33:29.
You can search online and find a lot of scholarly explanations of “the abomination of desolation.” That’s fine, but my most practical thoughts when I encounter the expression is to remember how it feels to pass deserted homes or even strip malls that have been abandoned – it feels desolate. Any person or group that kicks God out is going to be desolate and is inviting abominations.
Matthew 24:15 “Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),
Matthew 24:16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Mark 13:14 “But when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION standing where it should not be (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.
Luke 21:20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.
Luke 21:21 “Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains…
Note that the expression was someone set up by Matthew at the end of his preceding chapter.
Matthew 23:37 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.
Matthew 23:38 “Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!
A Bible Reader's Website 