There is a wide diversity of viewpoints regarding the
interpretation of this chapter, but most of this occurs
because men try to symbolize or spiritualize the city, the
temple, and the events portrayed here. When the chapter is
taken in its normal or literal meaning, much of the
diversity immediately vanishes because the literal method
provides a check on the imaginations of men and gives an
intelligent understanding of the chapter.
The Measuring Rod and the Temple of God – Revelation
11:1-2
Verse 1 - “And there was given me a measuring rod like a
staff; and someone said ‘Get up and measure the temple of
God and the altar, and those who worship in it.’”
The measuring of the temple denotes ownership and implies
protection and preservation. The identity of this temple is
important. Many identify this temple as a symbol of the
church based on Paul’s description of the church in his
letter to the church in Ephesus (Ephesians 2:19-21) and
Peter’s description of the church (1 Peter 2:5). Others
claim the instruction to measure the temple is saying in
effect that man and his worship are always judged by the
standards of God. Further, believers, like John who have
that standard, are responsible to judge by that standard in
order to avoid apostasy and are to be instruments to turn
men to Christ and true worship. Regardless of what man
thinks, the only thing that counts is God’s judgment and
standard of both our lives and our worship. Therefore, no
matter how beautiful the temple or church building, or the
ritual and the priestly garb, or the prayers, or no matter
how sincere the worshipper, it must all pass the test of the
Word of God. Necessary to passing the test is our worship
which must be done in faith, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
and the Scriptures, and in the Spirit (John 4:22-24).
However, if this temple is a symbolic representation of the
church, why is it necessary to measure the temple? Why is
there a reference to the courts, the altar and the
worshippers? Too many questions need to be answered if this
temple represents the church. However, if we follow the law
of interpretation, interpret Scripture with Scripture, the
identity of the temple is revealed in Daniel 9:27, 11:31,
12:11, Matthew 24:15-16, 21, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
A second problem in the interpretation of this chapter is
the claim the abomination of desolation refers to the
worship of idols by the people of God. How can we call those
who worship idols and will in the future worship the
Antichrist? What really shoots down the speculation
concerning this temple is the fact there are hundreds, if
not thousands of Jews, determined to rebuild the temple and
resume sacrifice. Orthodox Jews believe that the Messiah
will rebuild the temple, however, as Jesus said in John
5:43, they will initially accept as the Messiah the
Antichrist.
In verse 2 John is told, “Leave out the court which is
outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been
given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the
holy city for forty-two months.”
One of the problems many have with taking this passage
literally is the presence of the temple in Jerusalem. Many
scholars believe John wrote his gospel following the
destruction of the temple, others claim before the
destruction of the temple, but this is far from conclusive.
If the later date is correct, there has been no Jewish
temple in Jerusalem since 70 A.D. To make matters more
difficult, the Dome of the Rock presently sits on the temple
site, or at least a portion of it. This is a very important
place of worship in the Arab world. To tear it down would
cause tremendous international complications, and we see
evidence of this on a daily basis in the news.
This passage shows us that the Jews will again have a temple
in Jerusalem. The temple will be rebuilt, and the Jews will
offer sacrifices there as they did in the time of Christ.
The temple worship of verses 1-2 will occur during the time
of the seven year treaty between Israel and the prince of
the people who is to come (Daniel 9:27). This is the same
temple in which the man of lawlessness, “who opposes and
exalts himself above every so-called god or object of
worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God,
displaying himself as being God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). The
treading under foot of the holy city, Jerusalem, for
forty-two months will begin when the beast breaks his treaty
with Israel and desecrates the temple. This is the
abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet
(Daniel 9:27). From this point on Jerusalem will come under
siege by the Gentile powers (Zechariah 12:2-4; 14:2, 12).
