Abomination
Summary
A term expressing strong moral revulsion, used in Scripture to describe things utterly detestable to God, particularly idolatry, sexual sins, and ethical violations.
☩Categories of Abomination
Scripture designates various sins as abominations, revealing what God finds particularly offensive. These include: idolatry and the worship of false gods; unjust weights and measures in commerce; sexual sins including homosexual acts, incest, and adultery; lying and deceit; pride; shedding innocent blood; plotting evil; and offering blemished sacrifices. The Proverbs list seven things that are an abomination to the Lord: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet swift to run to evil, a false witness, and one who sows discord among brethren.
☩The Abomination of Desolation
A particularly significant prophetic use of this term appears in Daniel's prophecy of 'the abomination that makes desolate,' which Jesus cited when warning of the destruction of Jerusalem. This abomination likely has multiple fulfillments: the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes in 167 BC; the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70; and possibly a future end-time event. Jesus told His disciples that when they saw this abomination standing in the holy place, those in Judea should flee to the mountains.
☩Gentile Practices as Abomination
Israel was repeatedly warned against adopting the abominable practices of the Canaanite nations, including child sacrifice, witchcraft, divination, and the sexual practices associated with pagan worship. The land itself was said to 'vomit out' its inhabitants because of these abominations. In Egyptian culture, shepherds and the Hebrew customs of eating were considered abominations, explaining Joseph's separate dining arrangements.
Related Verses149 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Abomination," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Abomination," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).