Revelation 11:1; Rise and Measure the Temple of God
Revelation 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
With the completion of the 6thtrumpet, also called the second woe, there is an interval before the 7thtrumpet and again between the sixth and seventh bowls will come a brief interlude (Rev. 16:15). We saw in the first interlude in chapter 7 between the 6thand 7thseal how God sent 144,000 Jewish evangelists to preach the gospel to the salvation of countless multitudes. Here God sent 2 witnesses to preach the gospel having miraculous powers. Later, God will send an angel to preach the everlasting gospel for a final time.
There are 2 events that took place in this interval before the sending forth of the two witnesses where John was an active participant. The first even we saw eating the little book after he was given the vision of the 7-thunder judgments he was asked not to reveal. The second event in chapter 11 we shall see John being asked to measure the Temple. At the conclusion of the ministry of the 2 witnesses, the 7thtrumpet sounded saw the saints rejoicing in heaven and the scorners in great rage on earth.
John received a measuring rod and a command to measure the temple of God. We are not told who gave him the reed and the command, but we assume that an angel as a heavenly messenger supplied it and gave him instruction concerning its use.
An Old Testament reference lies back of this text, for God gave the prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah a vision of the new temple area. There was a man with a measuring rod that was about 10½ feet (3.2 meters) long, who surveyed the temple buildings and grounds (Ezek. 40–43; see also Zech. 2:1–2). In the New Testament, an angel measures the new Jerusalem (city, gates, and walls) with a rod of gold (Rev. 21:15).
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 324). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
MacArthur rightly observed, “The sounding of the seventh trumpet, which heralds the imminent return and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, will usher in the long-anticipated day.”
Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdomsof our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
The seventh trumpet will release the seven rapid-fire bowl judgments that immediately precede Christ’s return to earth (16:1-21).” [1]
John was an active participant in this vision where he was asked to measure the temple of God. Does it refer to the literal temple? Yes it appears so. And the description of it tells us that it was during the time of the Great Tribulation with a reference to the last 3 ½ years (42 months). And he was asked to excluding measuring the court of the gentiles which will be given to the gentiles. We observe that the temple in Jerusalem by now destroyed since 70 A.D. So this vision speaks of a future temple that will be erected.
Paul Lee Tan commented well, “Measurement implies possession and ownership. Before the Jerusalem temple was to be destroyed by the antichrist, John, as God’s representative is commanded to measure it. This action declares the temple to belong to God, even though it would outwardly be ruined. The measurement was to cover only the Holy Place and the Holy of Holist only.”
As we look at the current site today, stood the Muslim sacred site the Dome of the Rock where Mohammad is said to have ascended to heaven from there. Paul Lee Tan in his research archaeological speaking concluded, “The Jewish Temple could be built without disturbing the Dome of the Rock, which is 330 feet away… It is amazing to realize that on the site of this little cupola, the future Antichrist will proclaim himself God (Cf. 2 Thess. 2:3-4). And this act will trigger the start of the second half of the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:15-22).”
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Matthew 24:15-22 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:)16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
Revelation 22:20-21 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ bewith you all. Amen.
[1] MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Revelation 1-11.