Revelation Part 44
The measuring of the temple reminds us that God examines His people and that those entrusted with responsibility have an especially serious obligation to remain faithful.
Revelation 11 is considered by some to be one of the most difficult chapters in Revelation to interpret because it raises many significant questions. Some of the questions that we will explore are: Who is the angel speaking to John? What is the meaning of the measuring reed? Why are those outside the court not measured? Who are the Gentiles who tread the holy city?
Revelation 11 begins with John being given a measuring reed and being told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. The angel speaking to John appears to be connected with the strong angel described in Revelation 10:9–11, although the exact identity is not stated explicitly. The temple should be understood in a spiritual context. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 3:16 that God's people are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in them. Romans 8:14–17 likewise identifies those who are led by God's Spirit as His children. Therefore, the measuring of the temple may represent God's evaluation and protection of His spiritual people.
The measuring itself appears to have a positive significance. God is identifying, evaluating, and distinguishing those who belong to Him. The altar can likewise be understood symbolically as representing the ministry and its service to God. There is a higher level of accountability placed upon those who teach and serve God's people. James 3:1 warns,
"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment."
The measuring therefore reminds us that God examines His people and that those entrusted with responsibility have an especially serious obligation to remain faithful.
John is specifically told not to measure the court outside the temple because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will tread the holy city for forty-two months. This period corresponds to the time associated with the Antichrist and the final oppression of Jerusalem. Luke 21:24 describes Jerusalem being trampled by Gentiles, and Revelation presents this as the culmination of a long history in which Gentile powers have occupied and controlled Jerusalem.
Throughout history, Jerusalem has repeatedly fallen under the authority of foreign powers. The Babylonian conquest occurred from approximately 586 to 539 BC, followed by Persian rule from 539 to 332 BC. The Hellenistic period followed under Macedonian and Seleucid powers, and Rome occupied Jerusalem beginning in 63 BC. Byzantine rule followed, then the Islamic conquest beginning in the seventh century. Jerusalem was also controlled during the Crusader period, the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate, and ultimately the modern State of Israel beginning in 1948. Revelation 11 looks toward a final period when the holy city will again be under the control of Gentile powers.
In this context, the Gentiles can also be understood in connection with religious systems that oppose God's truth. Revelation repeatedly presents a counterfeit system that stands in opposition to God's government. The final world system will be dominated by the beast and will represent a worldly, anti-theocratic order that has rejected God's authority.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
