We students of Bible prophecy quote many times from Matthew Chapter 24. After all, this is where our Lord Himself does a little teaching on this fascinating subject. And, as always, there is a key verse to which we should pay particular attention. In fact, at the end of this key verse, in my version of the Bible, someone added, "Let the reader understand."

Why is this verse so special to students of prophecy? Well, a clue as to why this passage may be important is provided in another passage of prophecy found in Revelation Chapter 13. At the end of the Chapter, we read:

"Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six" (Revelation 13: 18 New American Standard Bible).

Once again, unlike our popular view teaches today, in actual Scripture we find a special importance being placed on our understanding the prophecies concerning the appearing of the Antichrist. As you know, we are often taught today that we are not to be watching for the signs of the Antichrist, we are to be watching instead only for the return of Jesus. I must admit, this does sound spiritual. Unfortunately, Jesus, the Apostle John and the Apostle Paul, all taught something different. They taught we were to be watching for the signs associated with the rise of the Antichrist (Matthew 24:15, 1 John 2: 18, 1 Thessalonians 5: 2-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). 

That being said, let's go back and look again at that key passage in Matthew Chapter 24. Jesus said:

"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)" (Matthew 24:15). 

Students of prophecy know which passage from the Old Testament Jesus was referring to. Jesus was referring to where the prophet Daniel wrote:

"And he [The coming Antichrist] will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [seven years], but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate" (Daniel 9:27).

The ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION Jesus was warning about is when, as in the above passage of prophecy predicts, he -- the coming Antichrist -- will go to Jerusalem, in the middle of the week, and put a stop to the restored sacrifice and grain offering.

What does this have to do with today's news about the Jewish settlements? Well, after this key verse in Matthew Chapter 24 about the appearing of the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION, we find Jesus saying:

"then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains" (Matthew 24:16).

You see, the Jewish settlements in the West Bank that the Bush Administration is saying should be allowed to stay are in the biblical land of Judea Read about it here. Furthermore, the person from out of the revived Roman Empire who appears to be in the process of attempting to confirm a previous covenant with many for seven years, in order to bring peace to the region, is insisting that these settlements are against international law and must be removed Read about it here.

In other words, if a seven-year time of peace comes where the Jewish people can restore their sacrifices, and should that agreement be broken 3 1/2 years later, we see a situation before us where "those who are in Judea" would have to flee for their lives -- just like Jesus said.

Friends, as I've been reporting, the end-time stage is being set before our eyes. The remaining question is, how many modern students of Bible prophecy will be able, or willing, to recognize it all for what it is -- the fulfillment of Bible prophecy?

In other word, who will understand?