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, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.”
Revelation 11:1-2 (ESV)
The book of Revelation is Jewish apocalyptic literature. It is filled with strange symbolism that people have understood in various ways over the past 1900+ years. We often read it as related to events occurring at the end of the age, centered around Jesus’ return. And it does indeed deal with that in part.
However, it is important to realize that the message of this book was to churches of the first century, encouraging them to remain faithful. It was a pulling back of the curtain, so to speak, allowing them to see what was happening in the spiritual realm around them. This revelation from Jesus to his churches tells them that, although it may seem like evil is winning, God is in control. And if they remain faithful, it will ultimately turn out well for them.
My understanding of this letter to the churches has changed over the years. And I make no claim to having it all figured out. In fact, much of it remains a mystery to me. And much of what I think I understand, I hold loosely to. But I enjoy reading it and seeking understanding.
Measuring the Temple
In this passage, John was given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple of God, the altar, and its worshippers. This would seem to point back to Ezekiel 40-42, where a man with a measuring rod measured out a new temple.
What is this temple that John measured? The early Christian communities saw themselves as God’s temple (Eph. 2:19-22), his dwelling place. Could it be that this is what John is told to measure? The church of God?
The outer court was not measured and had been given over to nations who would trample on the holy city for 42 months. The holy city is mentioned again in the last two chapters of Revelation. In those two chapters, it refers to the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ.
The message here would seem to be that the church will face persecution and opposition from the world for a finite period of time. But God knows those who are his—he has measured us. Even though we will face trials (trampling of the outer courts and holy city), he will keep us safe. And the church (the temple and the holy city) will, in the end, emerge victorious.
