The Abomination of Desolation in Matthew 24.15

This title offers a new understanding of the term 'Abomination of Desolation' in "Matthew's" gospel is given, shedding light on the term 'Son of Man' as well. Michael Theophilos investigates the term 'Abomination of desolation' in "Matthew" 24:15 proposing a revised model for understanding this enigmatic phrase. He adopts a contextual exegetical approach focusing strongly upon scriptural intertextual prophetic echoes. Because of the primary association of the phrase with Antiochus Epiphanes in the Daniel narrative, many commentators have argued for a contra-Jewish background to "Mt" 24:15. However, analysis of relevant prophetic literature reveals that similar vocabulary was often used to describe Israel's covenantal infidelity, and its consequences. Given the influence of prophetic literature on Daniel, Theophilos argues that Matthew was theologically motivated to ironically employ the Danielic material in describing Jerusalem's Mt destruction. Matthew envisions the cause for this destruction as rooted in Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah.
In this sense, the coming 'Son of Man' in "Matthew" 24 may be seen as a metaphorical representation of the Roman Army destroying Jerusalem in 70 AD. This understanding of 'Son of Man' is consistent with the Danielic depiction where the appearance of the 'Son of Man' signified the destruction of Israel's enemies. Formerly "The Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement", a book series that explores the many aspects of New Testament study including historical perspectives, social-scientific and literary theory, and theological, cultural and contextual approaches. "The Early Christianity in Context" series, a part of "JSNTS", examines the birth and development of early Christianity up to the end of the third century CE. The series places Christianity in its social, cultural, political and economic context. European Seminar on Christian Origins and "Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus Supplement" are also part of "JSNTS".