Sacred Desecration: Dual Meanings of the Abomination of Desolation
The expression “abomination of desolation” in a biblical context carries several layers of meaning. On one hand, it denotes a historical and prophetic event in which sacrifices and offerings in the sanctuary cease, and the conqueror’s idol is installed in the temple. In other words, it literally refers to the moment when a holy place becomes defiled—the idol set up by the conqueror disrupts the established rituals of worship, heralding the final desolation and destruction of the temple.
As one source states: "When you hear about the end, what else do you expect?After everything described by the prophet—after the cessation of sacrifice and offerings—there will be something else, a greater evil. The abomination of desolation in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is the temple; the abomination of desolation is the idol set up by the conqueror of the city inside the temple. After this, as the prophet said, there will be complete desolation." (source: link txt)On the other hand, in its spiritual sense, the “abomination of desolation” is seen as a symbol of internal decay—the loss of sanctity, where true worship of God is replaced by idolatry and alien values. This expression points to a deep spiritual crisis, in which a sacred space, whether a temple or the hearts of believers, becomes contaminated with foreign elements that lead to spiritual desolation. This is described in the following passage: "In this context, the abomination of desolation is often regarded as a symbol of spiritual devastation, the loss of sanctity, and the worship of God. It can symbolize the invasion of paganism, idolatry, and sinfulness into sacred places and the hearts of people." (source: link txt)In conclusion, the expression “abomination of desolation” refers not only to a specific prophetic event associated with a change in the temple’s ritual life but also carries a profound spiritual meaning: it symbolizes the moment of spiritual decline when true worship of God gives way to inviolable, foreign, and idolatrous practices, ultimately leading to the desolation and destruction of both the material and spiritual foundations of faith.