Let The Reader Understand: Mark’s Use Of Jeremiah 7 In Mark 13:14 -- By: Robert S. Snow

Journal: Bulletin for Biblical Research
Volume: BBR 21:4 (NA 2011)
Article: Let The Reader Understand: Mark’s Use Of Jeremiah 7 In Mark 13:14
Author: Robert S. Snow


Let The Reader Understand:
Mark’s Use Of Jeremiah 7 In Mark 13:14

Robert S. Snow

Ambrose University College

Scholars have offered a variety of interpretations of “the abomination that causes desolation” in Mark 13:14. However, none of the proposals, which usually focus on an instance of the profaning activity of the Romans at some point before the temple’s destruction, seem to cohere with Mark’s emphasis on the corruption of the temple leaders and the consequent demise of their institution. This study argues that Jer 7 plays a crucial role in not only introducing this theme in Mark 11:17 but also developing it in several texts following this one: the parable of the wicked tenants in 12:1–12, the exchange between Jesus and the scribe in 12:28–34, and Jesus’ prediction of the temple’s destruction in 13:1–2. On the basis of these intra- textual and inter-textual uses of Jer 7, Mark continues his evocation of Jer 7 in 13:14 so that “the abomination that causes desolation” is none other than the corrupt and fraudulent activity of the temple leaders.1

Key Words: abomination of desolation, Jeremiah, temple

Introduction

The phrase τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως in Mark 13:14 has given rise to a full debate concerning the historical referent of “the abomination.” Options include the Roman army, which conquered Jerusalem, an image of a pagan god, or a statue of the Emperor Caligula.2 Many scholars base

interpretations such as these on the notion that Dan 9:27 LXX and/or Dan 12:11 LXX is the background text of v. 14. The terminology of the passage corresponds most closely with Dan 12:11, τὸ βδέλυγμα τῆς ἐρημώσεως, which, in light of 1 Macc 1:54, 59, refers to the construction of a pagan...

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