Episode 98: Contrary to Joel Richardson, the Abomination of Desolation is History

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 98

Gary responds to a recent video by Joel Richardson about Matthew 24:15 and the “abomination of desolation.”

Futurists need a rebuilt temple in order to project the fulfillment of prophecies related to the abomination of desolation to another time. Is this what Jesus had in view in Matthew 24:15? A careful reading of Scripture will show that the abomination of desolation mentioned by Jesus was an event that would be fulfilled during the lifetime of His disciples. Jesus said, “This generation”—the generation He addressed—“will not pass away until all these things take place” (24:34). One of the “things” was the “abomination of desolation … standing in the holy place” (24:15).

The abomination of desolation is mentioned in one Old Testament book (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). The book of Maccabees, a non-inspired book written during the intertestamental period, mentions the abomination of desolation and its relationship to Antiochus Epiphanes (168 B.C.) (1 Macc. 1:10-64; 4:36-59; 6:7; 2 Macc. 10:1-8). First-century Jews would have been familiar with the theology and history surrounding the abomination of desolation. There was no doubt in the minds of those who read and understood Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:15 that the abomination of desolation prophecy was fulfilled in events leading up to the temple’s destruction in A.D. 70. The Apostle Paul would later address the concerns of the Thessalonians about the “day of the Lord” with a discussion of the man of lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2). The man of lawlessness was a contemporary figure who was identified with the “abomination of desolation.”

The prophecy of Daniel concerning the appalling sacrilege had been called to mind in the year A.D. 40 when Caligula laid plans to have an image of himself set up in the Jerusalem Temple (see Philo, Legatio ad Gaium; Josephus, Antiquities XVIII. viii. 2-9; Tacitus, History V.9). After that catastrophe was averted, Josephus found the fulfillment of Daniel in the events of A.D. 66-70 (Antiquities X. xi. 7: “in the same manner Daniel also wrote about the empire of the Romans and that Jerusalem would be taken and the Temple laid waste”). He refers to an ancient prophecy concerning the desecration of the Temple by Jewish hands and found its fulfillment in a whole series of villainous acts committed by the Zealots in the Temple precincts from the period November 67 to the spring of 68.[1]

Further study on this important topic should leave no doubt that Matthew 24:15 was fulfilled in its entirety before the passing away of the generation that heard Jesus’ prophecy on the Mount of Olives. Again, the time text of verse 34 compels us to look for a candidate within the time frame of the generation that heard the prophecy.

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Gary responds to a recent video by Joel Richardson about Matthew 24:15 and the “abomination of desolation.” Before addressing Joel’s claims, Gary conducts a brief survey of the Gospel of Matthew, reminding readers (and hearers) of what Jesus said and to whom He was speaking. Context and audience relevance are important and crucial to understanding.

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[1] William L. Lane, Commentary on the Gospel of Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1974), 468-69.

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