The abomination of desolation is the Antichrist entering and defiling the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem at the midpoint of the Tribulation.
Jesus references this event in Matthew 24:15 as that 'spoken of by Daniel the prophet.' Les Feldick teaches that this occurs in the middle of the seven-year Tribulation when the Antichrist stops temple worship and desecrates the altar, likely by offering a hog. This act triggers the instruction for those in Judea to flee to the mountains.
Matthew 24:15 — This is the verse where Jesus directly mentions the 'abomination of desolation' and connects it to Daniel's prophecy.
In Matthew 24:15, Jesus says, "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)." This is a direct reference to the prophecy in Daniel 9:27, which speaks of a prince who will confirm a covenant for one week (seven years) and then in the middle of the week cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate. The phrase "holy place" indicates this is in the temple in Jerusalem. Following this warning, Jesus instructs those in Judea to flee to the mountains (Matthew 24:16).
Les Feldick teaches that the abomination of desolation is the event where the Antichrist, at the midpoint of the seven-year Tribulation, enters a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and defiles it. He connects this to Daniel 9:27, noting that the Antichrist will cause the sacrificial worship to stop. Les speculates that the defilement will involve the Antichrist offering a hog on the altar, an act that would be especially abhorrent to Jewish people. This event is the signal for the believing remnant in Judea to flee to the mountains for safety. Les emphasizes that Jesus is speaking to the nation of Israel, not the Church, in this passage.
Les teaches that this occurs in the middle of the seven-year Tribulation. He explains that in the middle of that seven-year treaty, the Antichrist will turn on Israel, stop the temple sacrifices, and defile the temple (Clips 1, 4).
Les teaches that the Antichrist will come into the temple in Jerusalem and defile it. He states that the Antichrist will likely offer a hog on the rebuilt temple's altar, an act which would be deeply offensive to Jews. He also stops all sacrificial worship and sets himself up as God to be worshipped (Clips 1, 2, 3, 4).
After the abomination of desolation occurs, the Antichrist immediately turns on the Jewish people. Jesus instructs those in Judea to flee to the mountains without going back to get their belongings, signifying the urgency of the situation. This warning is for the remnant that will survive the horrors of the tribulation (Clips 0, 2, 5, 6).
The Remnant and the Warning
Les sets the context for Matthew 24, explaining that Jesus is speaking about the remnant of Israel that will survive the tribulation.
Defiling the Temple
Les explains that the Antichrist will perform the abomination of desolation by sacrificing a hog on the rebuilt temple's altar at the midpoint of the Tribulation.
The Antichrist's Actions and Israel's Flight
Les connects the temple's rebuilding to end-times events, describing how the Antichrist will defile it and how this signals Israel to flee to the mountains.
Daniel's Prophecy and Jesus's Approval
Les shows how Jesus confirms Daniel's prophecy, stating that the Antichrist will stand in the holy place of the rebuilt temple.
Midpoint of the Seven Years
Les explains that the Antichrist will stop temple sacrifices at the midpoint of the seven-year period, making the temple desolate.
The Urgent Flight
Les breaks down Matthew 24:16-17, emphasizing the urgency of fleeing to the mountains without retrieving possessions.
Invasion and Defilement
Les teaches that the Antichrist will come to Jerusalem, defile the temple, turn on the Jews, and take away their freedom of worship, prompting a remnant to flee.
Setting and Audience
Les clarifies that Jesus is speaking strictly to the nation of Israel in Matthew 24, not to the Church, when He references the abomination of desolation.
Matthew 24:15: 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:)
This verse is the central prophecy Jesus gives regarding the event that signals the start of the great tribulation.
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.
This is the Old Testament prophecy that Jesus references, describing the Antichrist's actions in the middle of the seven-year period.
Matthew 24:16: Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
This is the direct instruction Jesus gives to the people of Judea after the abomination of desolation takes place.
Les Feldick teaches it is the event where the Antichrist enters a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and defiles it. He may offer a hog on the altar. This happens at the midpoint of the seven-year Tribulation.
It happens in the middle of the seven-year Tribulation. Les says the Antichrist will cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease at that time, as described in Daniel 9:27.
After the Antichrist defiles the temple, he turns against the Jewish people. Jesus instructs those in Judea to flee to the mountains to escape the persecution that follows.
Watch the Teaching: The Great Tribulation: Israel's Flight & God's Protection Explained