The phrase "on the wing of abominations" is a striking image that isn't just about idols, but the very method or vehicle of destruction. It suggests that the desolator comes riding in on a wave of godlessness, using deeply offensive practices as his tools and covering.
And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse concludes Daniel's vision about the seventy weeks, directly following the announcement of the destruction of the city and sanctuary. It pivots to describe the actions of a significant figure, detailing a pact made with many, a disruption of religious practices, and the ultimate desolation of a sacred place. This prophecy is set within the context of the time leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem, offering a specific timeline for divine judgment and fulfillment.
Daniel 9:27 speaks of a covenant being 'confirmed.' What does this mean for God's promises and for us today?
Confirming the Covenant
The verse states, 'And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.' This 'confirming' is not about making a new agreement, but about bringing an existing one to its fullest, intended reality.
The confirmation isn't a one-time event but the ongoing reality that Christ’s work secures God’s promises for believers.
What happens when the ultimate sacrifice is offered, and how does that relate to the 'abomination of desolation'?
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The Turning Point
The middle of the 'week' (often interpreted as a specific period of years) marks a dramatic shift. 'In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.'
The prophecy concludes with a 'decreed end' poured out on the 'desolator.' What does this tell us about God's ultimate sovereignty?
God's Sovereign Decree
The final part of the verse reads, 'until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.' This statement brings a powerful assurance of God's ultimate control.
This ensures that no matter how bleak the circumstances, God's word and His purposes will ultimately prevail.
Understand the original words
beriyth · Hebrew Noun
A solemn agreement or treaty, often signifying a binding relationship between God and His people, or between parties involving conditions, promises, and consequences.
zebach · Hebrew Noun
Ritual offerings made to God, typically involving animals or grain, serving as a means of atonement, thanksgiving, or fellowship under the Mosaic Law.
shiqquts · Hebrew Noun
Refers to anything detestable or loathsome to God, particularly practices related to idolatry or the profanation of sacred space that invite divine judgment.
This prophecy foretells a future leader who would establish a covenant for seven years, with a pivotal event occurring in the middle of that period—the cessation of sacrifices. This is widely interpreted as pointing to Jesus Christ's ministry, culminating in his death (mid-week), which fulfilled and effectively ended the Old Testament sacrificial system, paving the way for the new covenant. The latter part of the prophecy speaks of desolation, a historical reality that came to pass with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.
c. 167 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrates the Temple
King Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Empire installed an altar to Zeus in the Jerusalem Temple and sacrificed pigs on it, an act known as the 'abomination of desolation.' This event deeply angered the Jewish people and led to the Maccabean Revolt.
c. 63 BC - AD 70
Roman Rule and Growing Tensions
The Roman Republic, and later Empire, exerted increasing influence over Judea. While initial Roman rule was indirect, tensions grew due to religious and cultural differences, culminating in major revolts.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry, preaching about the Kingdom of God and fulfilling prophecies. His teachings and actions initiated a new covenant with God.
c. AD 33— this verse
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, an event seen by Christians as the pivotal moment that 'confirms the covenant' and puts an end to the efficacy of the Old Testament sacrifices.
c. AD 33 - AD 40
Early Apostolic Ministry
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles initially focus their ministry on the Jewish people, spreading the Gospel and confirming the new covenant within the Jewish community.
c. AD 66 - AD 73
First Jewish-Roman War
Jewish rebellion against Roman rule escalates into full-scale war. The Romans lay siege to Jerusalem, leading to widespread destruction and the eventual fall of the city and Temple.
AD 70
Destruction of the Second Temple
Roman forces under Titus destroy Jerusalem and its Second Temple, marking a catastrophic end to Jewish sacrificial worship and a fulfillment of prophecy regarding desolation.
Jesus directly quotes Daniel's prophecy about the 'abomination of desolation' standing in the holy place, confirming its future fulfillment.
Luke 1:72-73This passage speaks of God remembering His covenant and His holy oath, echoing Daniel's mention of a covenant being confirmed, highlighting the divine faithfulness behind these prophecies.
Jeremiah 31:31-34This prophecy of a new covenant written on hearts parallels the confirmation of a covenant in Daniel, pointing to a deeper, internal reality beyond outward ritual.
Acts 1:6-7The disciples' question about restoring Israel's kingdom reflects a longing for God's promised times, which Daniel's prophecy addresses by outlining specific timelines and outcomes.
Hebrews 10:5-10This New Testament passage explains how Christ's one sacrifice renders all other sacrifices obsolete, directly connecting to Daniel's prophecy of sacrifices ceasing.
ellicottDaniel 9:27: "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."
(27) And he shall confirm.— The subject of the sentence is ambiguous. Theod. makes it to be “one week.” LXX. “the covenant;” others take it to be the Antichristian prince spoken of in the…
bensonDaniel 9:27: "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate."
Daniel 9:27 . And he shall confirm the covenant with many — “The covenant to be confirmed by the Messiah is not a civil, but a religious compact, as such, styled by Daniel himself, the hol…
The phrase "on the wing of abominations" is a striking image that isn't just about idols, but the very method or vehicle of destruction. It suggests that the desolator comes riding in on a wave of godlessness, using deeply offensive practices as his tools and covering.
This verse concludes Daniel's vision about the seventy weeks, directly following the announcement of the destruction of the city and sanctuary. It pivots to describe the actions of a significant figure, detailing a pact made with many, a disruption of religious practices, and the ultimate desolation of a sacred place. This prophecy is set within the context of the time leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem, offering a specific timeline for divine judgment and fulfillment.
This verse concludes Daniel's vision about the seventy weeks, directly following the announcement of the destruction of the city and sanctuary. It pivots to describe the actions of a significant figure, detailing a pact made with many, a disruption of religious practices, and the ultimate desolation of a sacred place. This prophecy is set within the context of the time leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem, offering a specific timeline for divine judgment and fulfillment.
"And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on t…" — The phrase "on the wing of abominations" is a striking image that isn't just about idols, but the very method or vehicle of destruction. It suggests that the desolator comes riding in on a wave of…
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Last reviewed October 2026
