What Is the Significance of Jesus Mentioning Daniel in Matthew 24:15?

Direct Answer

Jesus' mention of Daniel is decisive confirmation that Daniel was a genuine prophet whose book is trustworthy prophecy.

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus calls Daniel 'the prophet' and points to the abomination of desolation. Les Feldick teaches that because Jesus is the Eternal Creator and author of Scripture, His reference settles the question of Daniel's legitimacy. It also locates Daniel's prophecy at the midpoint of the tribulation, when the Antichrist stands in the holy place of the rebuilt temple.

Key Scriptures

Matthew 24:15 — Jesus explicitly names Daniel the prophet and connects the abomination of desolation to Daniel's prophecy, making this the verse at the center of the question.

What Does the Bible Say in Matthew 24:15?

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:)' The verse is part of Jesus' prophetic discourse about things to come. By saying 'spoken of by Daniel the prophet,' Jesus identifies Daniel by name, gives him the title 'prophet,' and treats Daniel's prophecy as something that will literally be fulfilled. The verse also specifies that the abomination of desolation will be standing in the holy place, which points to the temple.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About Jesus' Reference to Daniel?

Les Feldick emphasizes that Matthew 24:15 is the Lord Jesus putting His stamp of approval on the book of Daniel. He notes that Daniel has probably been under more attack by scoffers and liberals than any other book of the Bible except maybe Genesis, with critics claiming it was written by an impostor after the events rather than by Daniel before them. But because Jesus is who He is — the Eternal Creator, Sovereign, Almighty, and author of this book — His calling Daniel 'the prophet' settles it.

Why Does Jesus Calling Daniel 'the Prophet' Matter?

Les Feldick points out that Matthew 24:15 is a red-letter verse, spoken by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Because Jesus is the Eternal Creator, Sovereign Almighty, and author of this book, His calling Daniel 'the prophet' gives the book of Daniel a credibility that silence could not. Les says, 'If Jesus is what we know He is... and He says that Daniel is a prophet, then that settles it for me.' This answers the skeptics who ridicule Daniel as an imposter writing after the facts.

What Does the Tribulation Context Add to Daniel's Prophecy?

Jesus is not making a mere historical reference. In Matthew 24 He is speaking prophetically about the final seven years, the tribulation period. Les stresses that Jesus is talking to the twelve and primarily to the Jew, and that this seven-year period is primarily 'Jacob's trouble' from Jeremiah 30. Daniel had predicted the abomination of desolation, and Jesus tells His hearers they will see it standing in the holy place. For Les, the setting shows Daniel's prophecy is not ancient history but a future event centering on Israel.

How Does This Confirm the Midpoint of the Tribulation?

Les connects Daniel's prophecy to the middle of the seven-year treaty. In Daniel's writings, the Antichrist turns on Israel midway through the seven-year period and sets himself up as God to be worshipped in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. Jesus' reference in Matthew 24:15 points to that same moment — the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place. Thus the mention of Daniel both authenticates the book and flags a specific prophecy that will be fulfilled in the tribulation.

From the Teaching

Tribulation Setting of Matthew 24

Les reminds readers that Jesus' words in Matthew 24 are prophetic about the final seven years — the tribulation — not about the Church age.

Daniel's Veracity and Israel's Trouble

Les says Matthew 24:15 gives veracity to the book of Daniel, a book more attacked than any other except Genesis, and he identifies the tribulation as primarily Israel's trouble, Jacob's trouble.

Jesus' Stamp of Approval on Daniel

Because Jesus is the Eternal Creator and author of Scripture, His calling Daniel 'the prophet' settles the question of Daniel's legitimacy.

Same Statement From Daniel 2 Lesson

This clip repeats the same teaching: Jesus' red-letter statement in Matthew 24:15 proves Daniel is a legitimate book of prophecy.

No Conjecture Needed

Les says Jesus' stamp of approval means we do not have to guess whether Daniel is real; it is a legitimate book of prophecy written around 607–606 BC.

Answering the Scoffers

When asked for proof that Daniel was not written by an impostor after the events, Les's immediate answer was Matthew 24:15.

Same Point From Daniel's Dream Lesson

Les reiterates that Jesus has put His stamp of approval on Daniel as a book of prophecy, so no conjecture is needed.

Midpoint and the Temple

Les connects Daniel's prophecy to the middle of the seven-year treaty, when the Antichrist sets himself up as God in the rebuilt temple, and shows Jesus endorses Daniel's words.

Bible Verses

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 is the verse Jesus Himself spoke to identify Daniel as a prophet and to point to the future abomination of desolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jesus really call Daniel a prophet in Matthew 24:15?

Yes. In the King James Version, Jesus says 'spoken of by Daniel the prophet.' Les Feldick says this direct statement by Jesus settles the question of Daniel's prophetic legitimacy.

Why is Daniel attacked by skeptics more than other Bible books?

Les says the book of Daniel has probably been under more attack by scoffers and liberals than any other book in the Bible except Genesis. Critics claim it was written by an impostor after the events happened, but Jesus' reference to Daniel answers that attack.

Where does the abomination of desolation take place?

Les teaches it takes place in the holy place of the temple in Jerusalem, at the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation, when the Antichrist sets himself up as God to be worshipped in the rebuilt temple.

Related Questions

Also Answered in This Video

Source Video

Watch the Teaching: What Happens at the Midpoint of the Tribulation?