Definition: When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Matthew 24:15. It’s a really important and often-discussed verse about the end times. Here's an explanation in simple terms: What it means: This verse is telling us that something significant will happen very soon – around the year 70 AD (when Jesus was crucified). It’s referencing a prophecy given by Daniel, and it’s essentially saying that we’ll see a sign that points to a time of great upheaval and change. Let's unpack it: "When ye therefore shall see..." : This means “when you” – we are talking about people who are paying attention. "...the abomination of desolation": This is the key part. The Bible uses this term to describe a very significant event, often translated as "the end times" or "the great tribulation." It’s not just a big problem; it's something that will be truly awful and devastating for many people. "...spoken of by Daniel the prophet": Daniel was a Jewish man who lived around 260 BC. He wrote a prophecy about the end times, and this verse is saying that he predicted this specific event. "Stand in the holy place": This means to be physically present – to be in a certain location where something important is happening. The “holy place” part refers to a sacred space, often associated with God's presence or divine order. What it’s telling us to understand: It's not just about a single event: It’s a period of time – a significant period that will last for a while. It’s a warning: The verse isn't saying, "This is going to be terrible." Instead, it's telling us to be prepared . Daniel’s prophecy suggests this event will involve great suffering and chaos. It’s about understanding the signs: The verse encourages us to read and understand these signs – to be aware of what's happening – because they could point to a time when things are going to change dramatically. Important Note: The exact meaning and significance of "the abomination of desolation" has been debated throughout history, but it’s generally understood as a symbolic representation of a period of immense hardship and destruction that will be unleashed upon the world. In short, this verse is a call to vigilance and encourages us to pay attention to signs that might indicate a time of great change and suffering. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give examples of what "the abomination of desolation" could look like (without going into too much speculation)? Talk about the historical context of Daniel’s prophecy and how it relates to this verse?