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.
This is not the Temple of Herod, for that had been destroyed over 25 years before by Titus, in A. D. 70. This then must be a future temple that is to be built at Jerusalem . It is clear that there will be a Temple at Jerusalem during the reign of Antichrist, for he shall sit in it, and proclaim himself GOD. This will not be the Millennial Temple described by Ezekiel (Ezr 4:1; 10:44), for that will be built at Shiloh, in the midst of the Holy Oblation (Ezr 10:44,44), and not until after the physical changes that will take place at the return of Christ (Zec 14:4) shall have changed the surface of the Land of Palestine. The Temple that the Jews will build on their return to Jerusalem will probably be destroyed by the Earthquake that destroys the tenth part of the City. These are 3 of the 5 temples in Jerusalem; the two not covered so far are Solomon’s temple which was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C., and the temple of Zerubbabel was pillaged in 168 B.C. by Antiochus Epiphanes and consecrated to Jupiter.
Reed: This reed was typically 6 cubits long. By measuring them that worship therin, it may refer to how many there are, i.e. 144,000.
If this follows in a basic chronological format, this is prior to the last 3.5 years (42 months) (vs. 2). Why measure it? Maybe symbolizing the architectural details that will be needed for the Jews someday to rebuild it.
[The following is excerpted from an article by Thomas Ice]:
“One of the more interesting developments has been the reestablishment of the Sanhedrin after 1600 years of absence.
The Sanhedrin was a council of 71 rabbis that governed Israel under Roman rule during the time of Christ near the Temple and continued to function outside of Jerusalem (primarily in Tiberias) until around a.d. 400. The reinstitution of the Sanhedrin is seen as a harbinger for the rebuilding of the Temple and the coming of Messiah. Orthodox Jews believe that a body like the Sanhedrin is needed today to oversee the rebuilding of the Temple and to identify Messiah should he appear on the scene.
The body met for the first time in October 2004 in Tiberias (the place where they last gathered) but now meet monthly in Jerusalem in order to issue rulings on matters related to Israeli Judaism. Their goal is to eventually become the governing body for the modern nation of Israel, which would replace their current social democracy.
The Israeli rabbinical council involved with re-establishing the Sanhedrin, is calling upon all groups involved in Temple Mount research to prepare detailed architectural plans for the reconstruction of the Jewish Holy Temple.”
The main problem facing those who would rebuild the Temple is political in nature. Israel recaptured the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount in the Six-Day War (1967) and then Moshe Diane returned day-to-day control of the Temple Mount to the Muslims. Until Israel comes to the point where they are willing to exercise political control over the Temple Mount, they will not be able to restore the Temple.
The 35-acre Temple Mount platform is the most volatile real estate upon planet earth.”
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
The temple of old had a court without it. It was specifically for non-Jews (Gentiles). The Jews would not apparently have control of this portion of the temple area.
In the Peace Treaty (false peace) it might be that the Gentiles are given this outer court (probably the non-Jew Arabs). These Gentiles could be those controlled by the AntiChrist as he begins to set himself up in the temple as God.
Lk 21:24 explains that the Gentiles will take control until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled…
It is obvious that the Gentiles will control Jerusalem (to some extent) for exactly 42 months (3.5 years); thus either the first half or the second half of the 7 year Tribulation. It could easily be the first half, for the Temple could be built just prior to the beginning of the Tribulation. This seems to follow the chronologicity so far in Revelation. However, the last half might be correct because the termination of the 42 months would correspond to the ‘fullness of the times of the Gentiles’ and the arrival of Messiah, the 2nd Coming. Also, the first 3.5 years should be relatively peaceful for they will be proclaiming ‘peace and safety’ (1 Th 5:3), and then the 2nd half would coincide better with the treading the city under foot.
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Many believe that these two are Israel and the church; this can only be derived from a non-literal approach to hermeneutics and a universal church viewpoint. Later we see that they are described as two literal men. One of the most common thoughts is that they are Elijah and Enoch; they both never died (it is appointed unto man ‘once’ to die…).
However, some say that Elijah did die in the whirlwind, for nothing is spoken of at the Transfiguration of a glorified body of Elijah’s. Others say it is Moses and Elijah, the two who were with Christ on the mount of Transfiguration, and they both performed some mighty miracles: plagues, stopping the rain, etc. The 2 will then bring more judgements, plagues, on the earth. They will preach future judgement and the need for God’s salvation. In support of Elijah, Malachi 4:5 states: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord”. It is also recorded in Matthew 17:11: “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things”.
In support of Enoch, The Gospel of Nicodemus contains the following statement: “I am Enoch who pleased God, and was translated by him. And this is Elijah the Tishbite. We are also to live to the end of the age: but then we are about to be sent by God to resist Antichrist, and be slain by him, and to rise after three days, and to be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord.” However, it seems unlikely that Enoch would be one of the witnesses since he was a Gentile. J. Vernon McGee makes the suggestion that the 2 are Elijah and John the Baptist: “He was the forerunner of Christ at His first coming. He was similar to Elijah in manner and message. I am sure that those two fellows would get along with each other. Both knew what it was to oppose the forces of darkness and to stand alone for God against impossible odds. They surely have had good training in the past. John the Baptist would be the witness of the New Testament, as Elijah would be the witness of the Old Testament.” These 2 are ‘special’ witnesses who become quite famous and listened to over apparently the first 3.5 years of the Tribulation. Other choices for the two are: Peter and James, Peter and John, Peter and Paul, and the 2 High Priests, and the Old and New Testaments. Two is the required number of witnesses according to the Law: “At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death” (Deut. 17:6). 30 x 42 = 1260.
They are most likely ministering during the first half of the Tribulation. Here are some reasons: with their powers, why would they allow the AntiChrist to continue desecrating the holy temple for 3.5 years?; they would diminish the AntiChrist’s global dominion during that period, which seems against what the Bible portrays for the AntiChrist; why would they be preaching in Jerusalem during the 2nd half when most of Jewry has fled Jerusalem?; it would be probable that the overthrow (killing) of these 2 by AntiChrist’s armies would greatly contribute to the rise of this leader; i.e. right at the end of the first half; if Christ returns to Earth at the end of the last half with all His armies, why would these 2 Witnesses ascend to Heaven then?; it would be odd to have these 2 witnesses come alive just after the battle of Armageddon, which would be the case 1260 days from the abomination of desolation. “How could the beast overcome the witnesses at the end of the 70th week and the world throw a big celebration at the very time Antichrist is heavily involved with the Campaign of Armageddon and Christ arrives?” (Garland’s Commentary on Revelation)
Their main function will be preaching, as witnesses of the truth of Messiah.
Immediately following the Rapture, there will be essentially no believers…no witnesses. These 2 Witnesses would be the light; from their witness there will be 144,000 witnesses, which may very well be the witnesses during the last half of the Tribulation.
4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
The two witnesses are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks, no doubt about it. Joshua and Zerubbabel are mentioned as these in Zech 4:11-14: “What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” Olive trees may point to the Jewishness of the two; Jewish Christians. Candlesticks may point to their relationship to being the light to a dark world (in the Temple of Israel and churches). They replaced the churches as the light of the world. Thus, this is another reason to believe in a Pre-tribulational rapture, for the other candlesticks are all gone. Are the 144,000 witnesses still present in the Earth? An Old Testament and a New Testament identity to the two witnesses could fit this model, i.e. Elijah and John the Baptist.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
Literally. If anyone was going to try and hurt them, the two would devour them with fire before they could hurt them. They either had literal fire coming out of their mouths, or the fire came from Heaven and was pronounced out of their mouths, much like Elijah did. What about guns and explosives? Apparently their enemies were unable to kill them, or even hurt them. They must have been able to issue a large quantity of fire for their enemies might have been a ways away and in groups. Amazing that they don’t apparently get hurt by mankind; mankind’s warfare is hightly advanced and it doesn’t seem to phase these two. These two are going to have to have supernatural bodies, however, they are going to be able to be hurt by devils, but apparently not by mere mortals.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
These wonders that they perform sound very much like what Moses and Elijah did. A 3 ½ year drought across the Earth will be quite dramatic indeed. They can perform abominable plagues as desired for these 3 ½ years! This second woe is quite the woe.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
They finish after 3 ½ years (1260 days; 42 x 30). Assumedly, just prior to the AntiChrist setting himself up as god, this beast, probably Apollyon, or one like him, arises out of the famed bottomless pit and kills these 2 Witnesses. However, most commentators say this refers to the AntiChrist (or Satan, I guess). The term ‘the beast’ usually refers to the AntiChrist. But, why would Satan be in the bottomless pit at this time? The literal references of the beasts of Revelation are very difficult to identify. Revelation 11:7 – the beast that comes up out of the abyss; 12:3 – the red dragon (seven heads and ten horns); 12:9 – the dragon (Satan); 13:1 – a beast that comes up out of the sea (seven heads and ten horns); 13:11 – Another beast (the false prophet); 17:3 – a red beast (seven heads and ten horns) comes up out of the abyss.
Surely the people of the Earth will be aware who killed the 2 ‘evil’ Witnesses and will greatly rejoice and they probably will render allegiance to this beast and The Beast.
Their ministry ends much like their predecessor, John the Baptist.
8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
They left them there out of disrespect, and in order to celebrate by viewing their corpses. The whole world rejoices at this. Jerusalem is where this occurs. Probably broadcasted live over the whole world. CNN live coverage, 24-7. Probably a day for each year of judgement. But, could it be referring to years here? If so, they would then be resurrected at the end of the Tribulation. But, their bodies would be quite decayed by this time, one would think.
It will become an instant world holiday. Every business will close for these days of celebration. It will be just like Christmas time; or maybe literally during Christmas time. If so, then that could put the Rapture to be in the June timeframe. Interesting that no saints of God are alluded to in this passage; thus, they may all be dead, or they are all banished out into the wilderness.
11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
These 2 Witnesses, humans, did truly physically die and their souls left the body. Was it Enoch and Elijah? They hadn’t died prior (were taken up without dying). But, what about Lazarus and the others in the NT who died and were miraculously brought back to life? Did they die after this? Were they translated and taken up without having to die again? Well, these 2 surely did die, and then had life come back into them again. How could their bodies die if they were supernatural bodies? God must have allowed it to occur.
This event surely put unspeakable dread and fear in the hearts of all those watching…the whole world. Now what was going to happen?! Well, they will leave, but judgement is still going to be pouring out!
God shows great grace here by sending witnesses to the earth to proclaim the truth and then showing the world that there is indeed life after death, the resurrection.
12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
This is very similar to what we read about the Rapture; some say it is this rapture (i.e. a mid-trib rapture, or a pre-wrath rapture). Some say this is a second worldwide rapture of the saints.
Specifically, the text is speaking of the 2 Witnesses ascending, not all the saints. So, at least this is true, and maybe at most. This is all under the classification of the ‘first resurrection’.
Interesting that their enemies behold their ascension, rapture. People beheld Jesus’ ascension. Will it be that people behold the rapture of the saints?!
They leave a powerful testimony, just like Jesus Christ left upon His resurrection! But, this resurrection is not in doubt; the whole world sees it with their own eyes.
13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
When Jesus Christ had risen from the dead, there was a great earthquake (Mt 28:2). This earthquake might have been epicentered in Jerusalem. This destroys a lot of the city, with 10% of it collapsing, and 7000 dying in it.
Those living in Jerusalem might be predominately Jewish; and thus, the remnant here are Israeli’s who may or may not have been believers prior, but became believers through these events. At least someone is giving glory to God…the rest of the world ‘wouldn’t repent’!
This is so true for the world today…there is just a small remnant giving glory to God and the rest won’t repent.
14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
This second woe involved the 200 million devilish horsemen killing 1/3 of mankind; the 7 thunders; the judgements of the 2 Witnesses over 3.5 years. There isn’t much of a repreive between these 2 woes.
This is an exciting time; a switch in the control of the kingdoms of this world; for Jesus Christ’s control begins to take affect on Earth. Most say that this refers to His 2nd Coming, but I believe that it is speaking of the beginning of the last 3.5 years where Christ begins preparing for His return. Some believe this to be the “Last Trump” spoken of in 1 Cor 15:52, but I believe that that trump was in reference to the end of the Feast of Trumpets for the Jews.
16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Jesus Christ is still in Heaven at this time; the 2nd Coming surely has not yet occurred. He can reign from Heaven or Earth. Reigning is controlling. His reigning was a reality then, but there were still the 7 bowl judgements and His return to Earth and His battle with the armies lined up against Jerusalem.
18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
By this time, after these woes, they are definitely angry (the 2 Witnesses aided in this greatly). This wrath is come…these woes…and definitely the following judgements during the last half of the Tribulation. In these 7 last judgements, the wrath of God is filled up, complete (15:1). This ‘time of the dead’ is referring to the Great White Throne Judgement which was over 1000 years away; thus, again, this period of the Lord’s wrath and reigning is spread out over time and doesn’t necessarily refer to the 2nd Coming to begin all this. The Judgement Seat of Christ occurs probably right at the beginning of the first half of the Tribulation, in Heaven; though, this may specifically refer to the Tribulational saints. The last half of the Tribulation deals with God’s total destruction of those following the AntiChrist.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
This seems to go well with the next chapter’s content. This temple in Heaven could very well be the NJ. Maybe all could see this wonder from the Earth! The Ark of His Testament might be the original in the O.T.; it disappeared with the carrying away to Babylon by Nebechednezzar. Some say the ark was hidden by Jeremiah in a cave, hidden under the temple mount, the son of the Queen of Sheba took it to Ethiopia, or the ark was taken by God up to heaven. But, remember, the earthly tabernacle and all its holy items were just a shadow of what was already in Heaven (Heb 8).
“Numerous locations have been suggested for the earthly Ark of the Covenant:
- Shishak took the ark to Egypt (1K. 14:25-26; 2Chr. 12:2-4, 9).
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Nebuchadnezzar took the ark to Babylon (2K. 25:13-15; 2Chr. 36:17-19; Jer. 52:17-22)
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Jeremiah hid the ark in a cave (2 Maccabees 2:4-6; Ezra 1:9-11).129
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Antiochus IV (Epiphanes) took the ark to Syria (1 Maccabees 1:21-24, 57).
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Titus took the ark to Rome.
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The ark is hidden below the Temple Mount.
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The son of the Queen of Sheba took the ark to Ethiopia.
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The ark no longer exists and will never appear again (Jer. 3:16).
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The ark was taken to heaven by God (see below).
Some suggest that this passage proves that the ark has been relocated to heaven, but Scripture informs us that the earthly Temple was patterned after a greater heavenly reality (Heb. 8:4-5; Heb. 9:1-11). Thus, within the heavenly Temple we find many of the same implements as is the earthly Temple. Leaving aside the question of the location of the earthly ark, as interesting as it might be, what is the significance of the ark revealed in heaven? There is a unique relationship between the word of God and judgment. It is God’s word which establishes the righteous requirements for obedience and underwrites the definition of righteous judgment. The appearance of the Ark of His covenant emphasizes that which will be used as the standard for judgment. It is because of man’s willful disobedience and rebellion in the light of the standard of the law that God’s righteous judgment is required. His wrath is measured by the distance between the contents of the written requirements in the ark versus the actions of sinful men.” (Tony Garland)