Daniel 12:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Following the end of the perpetual offering, an abomination of desolation will last for one thousand two hundred and ninety days. This signifies the moment the continual sacrifice was halted through the authority of Antiochus, who transformed the entire nation of Israel into a place of desolation. The one thousand two hundred and ninety days represent a period of suffering for the people and the profanation of the temple, as they had the audacity to construct an altar within the holy sanctuary.

Once the daily sacrificial offering comes to an end and the abomination of desolation is established, a span of one thousand two hundred and ninety days will occur. Porphyry contends that these days were realized during the reign of Antiochus, corresponding to the desecration of the temple, which both Josephus and the book of Maccabees confirm lasted merely three years. Therefore, it is evident that this duration of three and a half years pertains to the reign of Antichrist, who will persecute the saints for three and a half years—equivalent to one thousand two hundred and ninety days—before ultimately facing his downfall on the glorious and holy mountain.

Having stated, "in time, times, and half a time," he recognized that the esteemed Daniel found it perplexing. Thus, by breaking time down into days, he illuminated the obscure elements for him, yet allowed the term to remain ambiguous for others. He designates the Antichrist as "the abomination" of "desolation" and refers to "the alteration of the everlasting sacrifice," which pertains to the structure of church worship that is overthrown and eradicated by the madness and rage of the Antichrist. To this, the heavenly Messenger further adds: