The term "desolations" in the Bible often refers to a state of devastation, ruin, or emptiness, typically as a result of divine judgment or human sin. It is used to describe both physical and spiritual conditions and is frequently associated with the consequences of turning away from God.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "desolations" is often used in the context of God's judgment upon nations and cities due to their wickedness and idolatry. One of the most notable references is found in the book of Daniel, where the prophet speaks of the "abomination of desolation" (Daniel 9:27). This term is linked to the desecration of the temple and is a key element in prophetic literature concerning the end times.

The Psalms also speak of desolations in the context of God's mighty works. Psalm 46:8 states, "Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth." Here, desolations are portrayed as acts of divine intervention, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty over creation.

In the prophetic books, desolations are often a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness. For example, Jeremiah 25:11 declares, "And this whole land will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon for seventy years." This passage highlights the Babylonian exile as a period of desolation due to the people's disobedience.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the "abomination of desolation" in the Olivet Discourse, as recorded in Matthew 24:15 : "So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ described by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand)." This reference is often interpreted as a prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, as well as a foreshadowing of future tribulations.

The concept of desolation in the New Testament extends beyond physical destruction to include spiritual desolation. In Revelation, the desolation of Babylon the Great symbolizes the ultimate downfall of worldly systems opposed to God (Revelation 18:19).

Theological Significance

Desolations serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the seriousness of God's judgment. They underscore the holiness of God and His intolerance of idolatry and rebellion. At the same time, the theme of desolation is often accompanied by promises of restoration and hope. For instance, Isaiah 61:4 speaks of rebuilding the ancient ruins and restoring the places long devastated, pointing to God's redemptive plan for His people.

In a broader theological context, desolations highlight the tension between God's justice and mercy. While desolation is a result of judgment, it also paves the way for repentance and renewal, demonstrating God's desire for reconciliation with His creation.8047. shammah -- waste, horror
... Word Origin from shamem Definition waste, horror NASB Word Usage appalling (1),
desolate (2), desolation (10), desolations (1), destroyed (1), destruction (1 ...
/hebrew/8047.htm - 6k

2723. chorbah -- waste, desolation, ruin
... Word Origin from chareb Definition waste, desolation, ruin NASB Word Usage deserts
(1), desolation (4), desolations (1), ruin (6), ruined homes (1), ruins (11 ...
/hebrew/2723.htm - 6k

8074. shamem -- to be desolated or appalled
... 1), become desolate (1), causes horror (1), causing consternation (1), desolate
(22), desolated (4), desolating (1), desolation (5), desolations (3), destitute ...
/hebrew/8074.htm - 6k

The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of his Saints
... The Desolations of the Lord, the Consolation of His Saints. A Sermon (No.190). ... "Come,
behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the desolations of the lord.htm

June the Twenty-Fifth Desolations Wrought by Sin
... JUNE The Twenty-fifth DESOLATIONS WROUGHT BY SIN. "The Lord hath spoken
this word." "Isaiah 24:1-12. "The Lord hath spoken this ...
/.../june the twenty-fifth desolations wrought.htm

Psalm 46 Part 1 the Church's Safety and Triumph among National ...
... THE PSALMS OF DAVID PSALM 46 PART 1 The church's safety and triumph among national
desolations. LM The church's safety and triumph among national desolations. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 46 part 1 the.htm

Psalm 46:1. First Part. The Church's Safety and Triumph among ...
... THE Psalms of David, In Metre. Psalm 46:1. First Part. The church's safety
and triumph among national desolations. 1 God is the ...
/.../watts/the psalms of david/psalm 46 1 0 first part the.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the
land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations." Jeremiah 25:12 ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

A Prince's Bride
... Said he not that the city and the sanctuary should be destroyed, that there should
be a flood and that unto the end of the war desolations shall be determined? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter i a princes bride.htm

Is this He that was Transfigured Upon Mount Tabor? Pale
... What is here but a heap of desolations, a deformed carcase, a disfigured countenance!
A mass of miseries and silence, footsteps of innumerable sufferings! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/traherne/centuries of meditations/89 is this he that.htm

Fast-Day Service
... books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the
prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/fast-day service.htm

An Index to Find a Psalm Suited to Particular Subjects or ...
... restored by prayer, [176]85, [177]102, [178]107; its safety in national desolations,
[179]46; ... Desolations, the church's safety in them, [325]46. Despair. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/an index to find a.htm

A Strong Resolution Necessary in the Beginning. ...
... persevere in the prosecution of so glorious a design, in despite of all opposition,
through light and darkness, through consolations and desolations, &c., as ...
/.../chapter iv a strong resolution.htm

Desolations (18 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Desolations (18 Occurrences). ... Keep back my soul
from their desolations, From young lions my only one. (YLT). ...
/d/desolations.htm - 12k

Wastes (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 61:4 They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations,
and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many ...
/w/wastes.htm - 16k

Renewed (17 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 61:4 And they have built the wastes of old, The desolations of the ancients
they raise up, And they have renewed waste cities, The desolations of ...
/r/renewed.htm - 11k

Renew (16 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 61:4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former
desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many ...
/r/renew.htm - 13k

Ancients (17 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 61:4 And they have built the wastes of old, The desolations of the ancients
they raise up, And they have renewed waste cities, The desolations of ...
/a/ancients.htm - 13k

Perpetual (57 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 25:15), "perpetual enmity"; for "perpetual desolation" (Jeremiah 25:12)
"desolate forever," margin "Hebrew `everlasting desolations.' " WL Walker. ...
/p/perpetual.htm - 28k

Repair (26 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 61:4 They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations,
and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many ...
/r/repair.htm - 17k

Desolation (131 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 15:6 For, the waters of Nimrim are desolations, For, withered hath been the
hay, Finished hath been the tender grass, A green thing there hath not been. ...
/d/desolation.htm - 46k

Former (107 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 61:4 They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations,
and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many ...
/f/former.htm - 41k

Homelessness (1 Occurrence)
... were from the days of old: when her people fell into the hand of the adversary,
and none did help her, The adversaries saw her, they did mock at her desolations...
/h/homelessness.htm - 6k

Summary of the Book of Daniel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be still and know that I am God? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus