Bible Word of the Day
Abomination, Abomination of Desolation
Meaning
The word abomination means detestable thing. Something completely abhorrent in the sight of God. Something completely sinful and in rebellion before God. It’s derived from the Hebrew words “shiqquts” and “toebah.” These words were used to describe something unclean and desecrated before the Lord. The word “shiqquts” was used primarily in reference to idols and idolatry or in demonic ritual practices before false gods. And the word “toebah” was used primarily toward immoral practices, paganism and sacrifices to false gods. However, both Jewish words are sometimes used interchangeably.
Abomination is used to refer to both terms and is used to reference something which is a complete anathema toward God. The phrase “Abomination of Desolation” which means “abomination which causes desolation” is a reference to a specific event which will occur during the Tribulation period. This is the event where the Antichrist will enter the rebuilt Temple of God and proclaim himself to be god. This event many believe will kick off the Great Tribulation. We did see a foreshadowing of this when Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish Temple in 167 B.C. Eventhough, this event is also referred to as an “Abomination of Desolation” it still points to the future greater abomination committed by the Antichrist as he claims himself to be God.
“But the Lord your God will deliver them over to you, and will inflict defeat upon them until they are destroyed. And He will deliver their kings into your hand, and you will destroy their name from under heaven; no one shall be able to stand against you until you have destroyed them. You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing.” (Book of Deuteronomy 7:23-26)
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.” (Gospel of Matthew 24:15-21)