The image that Nebuchadnezzar set up in Daniel 3 was not called the abomination of desolation in the text, like the one that Antiochus IV and his troops had placed in Daniel 11:45. Antiochus IV's historic abomination of desolation prefigured what the end times abomination of desolation of Daniel 12:11-12 will be...... a statue image.
In Matthew 24:15, Jesus spoke about the abomination of desolation standing in the holy place.
Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand: )
The holy place is the temple mount. The abomination of desolation of desolation standing statue image of the beast will be placed on the temple mount by the false prophet -out in the open where everyone can see it. Them living in Judaea will therefore know to flee to the mountains - because they will be able to see it..
Also the standing statue image not long after being set up will be indwelled by Satan, which will be a lying wonder that the false prophet will claim that he (the false prophet) gave life to the statue image. But it will actually be a deception by Satan.
When Jesus returns, the statue image will be brought to flames, turned to ashes and there will be Satan exposed on the temple mount.
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Dougg I like your graphs although I hardly ever agree with what they portray.
I don't agree that the transgression of desolation and abomination of desolation were not referring to the same thing.
And the biblical type of the image of the beast of Revelation 13 is the image of the beast set up by Nebuchadnezzer (Daniel 3). There was no temple to place it in - the Babylonians had destroyed the temple.
Revelation 13:14-18 says nothing about a temple.
2 Thessalonians 2:4 is talking about a temple.
It's possible that the above can converge into one and the same thing at the end of days. But IMO to assert that it does, is also based on speculation.
Straight after having said that I asked ChaptGPT:
Is the image of Daniel 3 a type of the image of the beast in Revelation 13? Does either have anything to do with an abomination in the temple of God?
ChatGPT said:
Excellent question again. You're exploring typology between Daniel 3 and Revelation 13, particularly focusing on:
The image erected by Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3.
The image of the beast in Revelation 13:14–15.
Whether either is connected to an abomination in the temple of God — possibly tying to the abomination of desolation in Daniel or the man of sin in 2 Thessalonians 2:4.
Let’s explore this carefully.
1. Is the Image of Daniel 3 a Type of the Image of the Beast in Revelation 13?
Yes — typologically, there is a strong parallel.
Daniel 3:
Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden image and demands worship.
Refusal to worship it results in death (fiery furnace).
It's a state-enforced idolatry, punishing dissenters.
Revelation 13:
The false prophet orders people to make an image to the beast (Rev. 13:14).
The image is given breath and can speak, demanding worship.
Those who refuse to worship the image are killed (Rev. 13:15).
This is globalized state-sanctioned idolatry, powered by deception and spiritual manipulation.
Typological Connection:
In both cases, an image is erected by a tyrannical power, and universal worship is enforced by threat of death.
Daniel’s faithful remnant (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) foreshadow the faithful in Revelation who refuse to worship the beast or receive his mark.
So yes, Daniel 3's image functions as a type or shadow of the image of the beast — showing how political and religious power can converge into false worship enforced by persecution.
2. Do These Images Involve the Temple of God or an Abomination of Desolation?
This is where the typological connection becomes less direct — but there are still thematic links.
Daniel 3:
The image is not set up in the temple in Jerusalem; it’s in the plain of Dura in Babylon.
It is not an “abomination of desolation” in the strict sense — there is no desecration of the temple involved here.
It’s more of a civil-religious idolatrous test.
Revelation 13:
The image of the beast is also not explicitly placed in a temple, but it is associated with false worship, global deception, and blasphemy.
Revelation does, however, link the beast with blaspheming the temple of God and those who dwell in heaven (Rev. 13:6).
This anticipates the abomination of desolation imagery in Revelation 11:1–2 and Revelation 13, where the outer court of the temple is trampled for 42 months — echoing Daniel 8 and Daniel 11.
Abomination of Desolation:
In Daniel (9:27, 11:31, 12:11), this refers to a desecration of the temple, notably fulfilled in part by Antiochus IV, and expected to have a final fulfillment.
In the New Testament, Jesus in Matthew 24:15 speaks of a future abomination of desolation “in the holy place”, again tying it to Antichrist activity.
2 Thessalonians 2:4:
The man of sin sits in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.
That’s a direct violation of sacred space, far more akin to Daniel’s abomination texts than Daniel 3.
Conclusion
The image in Daniel 3 is a type of the image of the beast — both portray idolatrous state power demanding worship, with persecution for the faithful.
Neither image is placed in the temple of God directly, but both reflect the spirit of abomination — false worship and blasphemy against the true God.
The actual abomination in the temple, especially as described in Daniel, Matthew 24, and 2 Thessalonians 2, is more directly fulfilled by Antiochus IV, and ultimately the Antichrist/man of sin, who desecrates sacred space and exalts himself as divine.
In essence, Daniel 3 sets the pattern, but Daniel 11, 2 Thessalonians 2, and Revelation 13 fill in the final eschatological fulfillment — all connected by a theme of false worship, persecution, and divine judgment.