Between the Testaments
Teacher
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a review of Daniel 8, focusing on the rise of the "little horn"—identified as Antiochus Epiphanes—and his profanation of the Jerusalem temple. The teacher described the geopolitical turmoil between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties, the creation of the Septuagint, and the resulting spread of the Hebrew Scriptures in Greek, noting that 90 of the 283 Old Testament quotations in the New Testament came directly from this translation. By examining Daniel 11, the class highlighted the "abomination of desolation" and its fulfillment when Antiochus halted the daily burnt offering, erected an altar to Zeus, and forced pagan worship upon the Jews. The discussion then shifted to the New Testament, where Jesus references the same "abomination of desolation" in Matthew 24 and Mark 13, warning those in Judea to flee to the mountains. The teacher connected this ancient persecution to a modern hypothetical scenario, urging listeners to consider how they would respond if a hostile power attempted to suppress Christian worship. The central message reaffirmed that God’s prophetic word endures through history, calling believers to steadfast faith amid challenges.
Key Scriptures
It became great, even as great as a prince of the host; and the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was thrown down.
And forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.
When you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those in Judea flee to the mountains.