What connections exist between Daniel 9:27 and Jesus' teachings in Matthew 24? Setting the Stage—Daniel 9:27 “And he will confirm a covenant with many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations will come the desolator, until the decreed destruction is poured out upon him.” Jesus Picks Up the Thread—Matthew 24:15-22 “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), then let those in Judea flee to the mountains… For at that time there will be great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now, and never to be seen again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened.” Key Parallels at a Glance • Seven-year framework – Daniel: “one week” (ḥeptads—seven years) – Jesus: speaks of a finite period ending with His return (vv. 29-31) • The midpoint crisis – Daniel: “in the middle of the week” sacrifices stop – Jesus: “when you see… the abomination… then flee” (v. 15) • The abomination itself – Daniel: “on the wing of abominations will come the desolator” – Jesus: cites Daniel verbatim, anchoring His warning (v. 15) • Great Tribulation/Desolation – Daniel: desolation continues “until the decreed destruction” – Jesus: “great tribulation, unmatched” (v. 21) • Final judgment of the desolator – Daniel: “destruction… poured out on him” – Jesus: “immediately after the tribulation… the Son of Man will appear” (vv. 29-30) A Straight-Line Timeline 1. Covenant confirmed—start of the 70th week (Daniel 9:27a) 2. First 3½ years—temple worship resumes (implied) 3. Midpoint—abomination set up, sacrifices end (Daniel 9:27b; Matthew 24:15) 4. Last 3½ years—“great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21; cf. Revelation 13:5) 5. Desolator destroyed—culminates at Christ’s return (Daniel 9:27c; Matthew 24:30-31) Supporting Passages that Lock the Pieces Together • Daniel 11:31; 12:11—additional “abomination” references • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4—“man of lawlessness” in the temple • Revelation 11:1-2; 13:5-7—42 months/1,260 days of trampling • Zechariah 14:2-4—Messiah’s feet on the Mount of Olives, matching Matthew 24:30 Why the Connection Matters • Jesus authenticates Daniel’s prophecy, treating it as future and literal. • Both texts chart the same seven-year countdown, anchoring end-time chronology. • The shared “abomination of desolation” identifies a real, future defilement of a rebuilt temple. • The harmony of Old and New Testament prophecy underscores God’s sovereign plan and the certainty of Christ’s visible return. |
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