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. 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”). History tells us that Jerusalem was destroyed according to Jesus’ prophecy in 70 AD.
- 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.
The Duty of a Man 