Commentaries:
Daniel 11:31 was once fulfilled in ancient history. Most Bible scholars concede that most of Daniel 11 was fulfilled in history by the struggles of the Seleucidae of Syria and the Ptolemies of Egypt—called the kings of the North and the South by Daniel. Verse 31 was fulfilled when Jerusalem was conquered and the Temple of God was desecrated by Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, in 168 BC. (See Rawlinson's A Manual of Ancient History.)
But Jesus said the "abomination" was still future (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20-24). Then at least a part of Daniel 11 must also be dual! And no wonder, for we find the chapter concludes with the "time of the end" (verse 40)—leading up to the resurrection of the saints (Daniel 12:2). (In the original text, there is no chapter break between Daniel 11 and 12.) But what is the "abomination of desolation" prophesied for the "time of the end"?
Putting Bible prophecy and historical fulfillment together, we can get an idea of what this abomination of desolation will be. Historically, the abomination of desolation occurred when Antiochus Epiphanes moved against Jerusalem with his armies. The latter-day fulfillment occurs when invading armies are again set up against Jerusalem (Luke 21:20). These armed forces will then crush and spoil the city (verse 24), stopping whatever daily sacrifice may be instituted by the Israelis. These actions by the brutal occupying armies will be a great abomination for the entire city and cause the desolation thereof.
The modern "abomination of desolation" (Matthew 24:15), or "that makes desolate" (Daniel 12:11), therefore will be vicious and catastrophic troubles caused by invading armies in Jerusalem.
World Peace? Or World in Pieces?
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Daniel 11:31
Matthew 24:15
Mark 13:14
Luke 21:20
Library resources that contain this verse:
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