The Abomination that makes Desolation

Daniel 11:29–39
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Once again, Antiochus IV tried and failed to conquer Egypt (v. 29). Egypt had a powerful ally in this fight. A Roman Navy came and defeated the navy of Antiochus IV off the coast of Egypt (v. 30). After the battle was lost, the Romans gave Antiochus an ultimatum, Surrender or be destroyed. From that day on, Antiochus IV was loyal to Rome.

It was after this humiliating defeat that Antiochus IV committed his most heinous act. He came back to Jerusalem and acted out all his anger on them (v. 30). He commanded NO MORE Jewish sacrifices at the temple. NO MORE Jewish festivals or holidays. He rewarded those who denied their faith and persecuted those who held firm to their faith. His army appeared and profaned the temple and fortress, taking away the regular burnt offering, and setting up “the abomination that makes desolation” (v. 31). He took an image of ZEUS and set it up in the temple in Jerusalem. And even worse than that, he sacrificed a pig on the holy altar that stood outside the temple. Antiochus IV with his army killed 80,000 Jews, took another 40,000 as prisoners, and sold 40,000 more into slavery (v. 33). 

But in the middle of this holocaust, verse 32 stands out. “… but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.” This verse reminds us that no matter how dark it gets, if you know your God and trust in Him, you will be able to be strong and serve Him effectively. Verse 35 says that the persecution (refining, purging, and purifying) of the Jewish people will continue until “the time of the end”, until God’s “appointed time”. We are to remember that all these predicted events are the outworking of divine control and purpose. 

Starting in verse 36, these prophecies no longer referring to Antiochus IV; rather, it is the anti-christ being described. He will prosper until “the indignation is accomplished.” The anti-christ will seem to be winning until the tribulation ends, and the real Christ Jesus returns. 

Application

One of Satan’s strategies is to bring God’s people into such confusion and compromise that when persecution comes, many fall away. NOW is the time to draw near to God before the persecution comes. NOW is the time to resist the distractions and temptations. NOW is the time to be the people who know their God, who stand firm and take action.