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Book of Matthew - Chapter 24 - Verse 15

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:)

Meaning

When Jesus spoke of the abomination of desolation, he was referencing a prophecy from the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. The phrase "abomination of desolation" refers to a sacrilegious object or act that profanes the holy place, which in this case, is likely the temple in Jerusalem. This warning serves as a forewarning of the destruction that would come upon the city and the temple in the future. Jesus urged his followers to be watchful and vigilant, seeking to understand the signs of the times and preparing themselves for the tribulations that were to come. The inclusion of the directive "whoso readeth, let him understand" reinforces the importance of comprehending the gravity of the situation and the need for spiritual discernment. Christians today can learn from this verse the significance of discerning and interpreting the signs of the times in order to be spiritually prepared for the challenges that may come.

Theological Overview

Matthew 24:15 is a pivotal verse in eschatological discussions as it refers to the 'abomination of desolation' spoken of by the prophet Daniel. This phrase holds significant theological importance as it signals a time of great tribulation and desolation in the future. The Book of Daniel, particularly in chapters 9 and 12, mentions the abomination of desolation as a key event marking the end times. In this verse, Jesus instructs His disciples to be vigilant and understand the gravity of the situation when they see this sign in the holy place. This warning serves as a call to readiness and discernment for believers, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually prepared for the challenging times ahead. The phrase 'whoso readeth, let him understand' underscores the necessity for believers to delve into Scripture and gain insight into the prophetic teachings regarding the end times so that they may interpret and respond to events accordingly.

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