The abomination of desolation will be an idol or image of the antichrist, which, during the Tribulation, will be placed in the Holy of Holies of the Temple that will be built in Jerusalem.
This was stated by Daniel (Daniel 9:27) as part of his 70 week prophecy and was confirmed by Jesus (Matthew 24:15).
The Bible is full of Patterns and Types, which help us to better understand certain texts or events. The abomination of desolation is one such pattern. In Daniel 11:31 Daniel predicted another instance where an ‘abomination of desolation’ featured. This prophecy already came to pass when Antiochus Epiphanes, a Syrian ruler, sacrificed a pig on the Temple altar and placed an idol of a Greek god in the Holy of Holies. It is therefore clear that the prophecy in Daniel 9, which pertains to the ‘last week’ of Daniel’s 70 week prophecy, i.e. during the Tribulation.
Recommended material:
- Bible: Matthew 24
- Bible: Daniel 9
- Bible Commentary: Matthew 24:15
- Video: Koinonia House, Chuck Missler: The Abomination of Desolation