Ship of the West

Does the Abomination of Desolation officially commence after the Jews build the third temple in Jerusalem? A few things to consider regarding the "third' temple concept. Nowhere in the prophecies does YHWH mention a "third" temple. By this I mean that YHWH has never prophecied a number of buildings that would be constructed at the place He reserved for worship in Jerusalem. Since the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, there have been three pagan temples constructed. One by the Romans under Hadrian, another by the Christians under Constantine and one that still stands today and operated by the Muslims. Although the Muslim Mosque is the present place of worship that stands today, the prophecies indicate that just prior to the end of days; a temple will also be operated by rebellious representatives of the House of Israel and the House of Judah. These are interesting prophecies to consider, but will a Jewish temple (although abominations will be committed there) fulfill Daniel's prophecy in regards to the Abomination that causes desolation? I do not think so.

What is the abomination exactly? If we include the writings of Moses we find that it occurs when the physical descendants of Israel turn away from the Covenant that was made with them to obey. Instead the "stand" with the man of sin. In the prophecy of Daniel 11;31 we find that this is exactly the case. Note that “arms” meaning many strong people “stand on his (meaning the man of sin) part. And “they (a collaborative effort) pollute the sanctuary of strength” Consider in this prophecy that he (as in the man of sin) finds agreement with the “holy people” and it is this action that causes YHWH to withdraw his protection from them. This cycle has repeated itself over and over again throughout sacred history, but the final act of desolation will involve all of mankind.

Going back to the words of the Messiah, he says this: When ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, “standing where it ought not” (Mark 13:14) We must consider that these are men who are standing with the Man of Sin. 

 

The greatest insight about the upcoming event was revealed to Moses: "These people will soon prostitute themselves to the foreign gods of the land they are entering. They will forsake me and break the covenant I made with them. On that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and difficulties will come upon them, and on that day they will ask, 'Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is not with us?' And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods. (Deuteronomy 31:16-18)