Rise and measure the temple of God

The phrase “Rise and measure the temple of God” from Revelation 11:1-2 carries significant symbolic meaning within the apocalyptic context of the Book of Revelation. Let’s explore the verse and its interpretation.

The Passage: Revelation 11:1-2 (NIV)

“I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, ‘Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers. 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.’”

1. Context in Revelation

  • This passage occurs during the interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments.
  • John, the author, is given a prophetic vision and is asked to symbolically measure the temple of God. The act of measuring conveys ownership, preservation, and evaluation.
  • It is part of a larger vision concerning God’s people and the events leading up to the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.

2. Key Symbols in the Passage

a. The Temple of God

  • The temple is often understood in one of three ways:
    1. The Physical Temple: Referring to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem (either the historical one or a future rebuilt temple).
    2. The Church (God’s People): Symbolizing the body of believers as the spiritual temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:21).
    3. The Heavenly Temple: Representing God’s presence in heaven, as Revelation frequently references a heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 7:15, Revelation 21:22).

b. Measuring the Temple

  • Measuring symbolizes protection, preservation, or evaluation:
    • Protection: God is marking what belongs to Him, assuring preservation during a time of tribulation.
    • Evaluation: It could signify judgment or assessment of faithfulness within His people.

c. The Altar and Worshipers

  • The altar likely refers to the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints (Revelation 8:3-4).
  • Measuring the worshipers suggests God’s concern for their spiritual condition and faithfulness.

d. The Outer Court

  • The outer court was part of the temple accessible to Gentiles and not considered sacred in the same way as the inner courts.
  • Excluding the outer court from measurement indicates that it will be desecrated or overrun during the 42 months (3½ years), often interpreted as a time of tribulation or oppression.

3. The 42 Months

  • The 42 months (equivalent to 1,260 days or 3½ years) is a recurring period in apocalyptic literature, symbolizing a time of testing, tribulation, or judgment.
  • This time frame appears elsewhere in Revelation (e.g., Revelation 12:6, Revelation 13:5) and is associated with periods of conflict and persecution.

4. Interpretations of the Passage

a. Historical Interpretation

  • Some interpret the temple as the literal Jewish temple in Jerusalem, and the 42 months as a reference to historical events, such as the Roman destruction of the temple in AD 70 or later tribulations faced by the Jewish people.

b. Spiritual Interpretation

  • Many view the temple as symbolic of the Church (the spiritual dwelling place of God). Measuring represents God’s care for His people, ensuring their protection and spiritual growth despite external persecution.

c. Futuristic Interpretation

  • In a futurist view, the passage is seen as a prophecy about events in the end times, possibly involving the rebuilding of a physical temple in Jerusalem and its desecration by hostile forces during the tribulation.

5. Themes and Applications

a. God’s Sovereignty and Protection

  • Measuring the temple demonstrates God’s sovereignty over His people, ensuring that they are preserved even during trials.

b. Faithfulness Amid Persecution

  • The exclusion of the outer court and the trampling by Gentiles reflect the reality of persecution, yet God’s true worshipers remain secure in His care.

c. The Church as God’s Temple

  • The passage reminds believers that they are the spiritual temple of God, called to maintain faithfulness and purity.

d. Hope in Tribulation

  • The 42 months, though a time of suffering, is limited. It reflects God’s ultimate control and the promise of deliverance.

Conclusion

Revelation 11:1-2, with its call to “measure the temple of God,” symbolizes God’s ownership, care, and evaluation of His people in the midst of tribulation. Whether interpreted historically, spiritually, or futuristically, the passage emphasizes God’s faithfulness, the protection of His true worshipers, and the ultimate triumph of His purposes. For believers, it is a reminder to trust in God’s sovereignty and remain steadfast in faith, even during challenging times.