What does Matthew 24:15 mean?

Explanation

The passage from Matthew 24:15 refers to a teaching by Jesus about the end times.

"The abomination of desolation" is a term that originates from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, which describes an event where an abomination causes desolation, especially in the context of desecrating the temple in Jerusalem.

In Matthew, Jesus mentions this event as a sign for the faithful to recognize that difficult times are approaching, particularly the ransacking of the holy place which is thought to be the temple in Jerusalem.

The parenthetical admonition, "(whoso readeth, let him understand:)", emphasizes the need for discernment and wisdom in interpreting the signs of the times.

Historical Context

The Book of Matthew was written in an era when there was a high expectation among Jews for the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of Israel.

The "abomination of desolation" had a historical precedent in 168 BC when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish Temple by erecting a statue of Zeus and sacrificing a pig on the altar, which was an abomination to the Jews.

When Jesus spoke of this "abomination of desolation," it is possible he was prophesying the Roman destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, an event that would have been seen as remarkably similar in its desecration of the holy place.

Theological Insights

Various theological interpretations surround this verse.

Preterist theologians interpret the "abomination of desolation" as referring to events that occurred in the past, such as the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD.

Futurists, however, believe that this event is yet to occur, and will be a sign of the end times immediately preceding the Second Coming of Christ.

Some theologians propose a dual fulfillment of prophecy, with the term referring both to past events and future occurrences. This school of thought sees the historical desecration of the temple as a type or foreshadowing of an ultimate abomination of desolation to occur before the final judgment.

Practical Applications

Matthew 24:15 calls for alertness and understanding among believers.

The practical application could involve studying biblical prophecies with the goal of recognizing the signs of the times, leading to a sober and vigilant life.

It also suggests a readiness to respond to spiritual and societal challenges that may test one's faith.

Cross-References

• Daniel 9:27: "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."
• Daniel 12:11: "And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "abomination of desolation" is "βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως" (bdelygma tes eremoseos). "Βδέλυγμα" (bdelygma) can mean "abomination" or "detestable thing," while "ἐρημώσεως" (eremoseos) is derived from the root word "ἐρήμωσις" (eremosis), meaning "desolation" or "desertion." The phrase evokes strong imagery of something that is intensely loathed resulting in utter ruin and abandonment.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing this verse to other ancient religious writings, it resembles the theme of prophetic visions concerning sacrilege found in other traditions.

For instance, the Roman historian Tacitus documents instances of desecrations that would have symbolized a break with the sacred (such as the Sibylline books predicting disasters when sacred rituals were not performed correctly).

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective does not directly deal with the prophecies or religious symbolism present in Bible verses.

However, archaeology contributes to the understanding of historical contexts (such as the evidence of the destruction of the Second Temple), which underscores the historical bases for some of the narratives mentioned in the Bible.

Commentaries

Commentaries from biblical scholars vary widely on Matthew 24:15.

Some contend that Jesus alludes to the coming destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans as a direct fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy, as suggested by authors like R.T.

France.

Others, like N.T.

Wright, may suggest that while the verse had a fulfillment in 70 AD, it also speaks to a future event with theological implications for the end of the age.

Dispensationalist scholars, such as John Walvoord or Charles Ryrie, tend to interpret the verse as a future sign that will occur during a seven-year tribulation period before Christ's return.