“Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, ‘Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there'” (Revelation 11:1 ESV).
Although the temple of Jesus’ day has long since disappeared, our author was told to conduct a survey of the temple structure along with those who worshipped there in Revelation 11:1. This has led some to predict the eventual construction of a future temple. That, along with details to be revealed later in the Book of Revelation, will culminate in the appearance of an individual known as the antichrist, according to this view.
The Biblical book of 2 Thessalonians speaks of such a person, a man “…who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). Thus, he will attempt to substitute himself in place of God, claiming the title and worship that is reserved for God alone. We’ll discuss this subject at greater length when we reach Revelation chapter thirteen.
“But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months” (Revelation 11:2 NIV).
The “holy city” is associated with the city of Jerusalem. This passage tells us that those who are hostile to God will trample the city for forty-two months, or 3 1/2 years. This word “trample” from Revelation 11:2 means to ‘crush with the feet” and, ”to treat with insult and contempt.” (1) This indicates that the destruction associated with this period will be quite severe.
We are then introduced to two new characters in verse three…
“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire” (Revelation 11:3-6).
So God will dispatch two representatives during this period. These individuals will…
- Be empowered by God.
- Prophesy.
- Be clothed in sackcloth.
We’ll discuss these witnesses further in our next study.
(1) G3961 – pateo – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3961/kjv/tr/0-1/