Revelation 11

Measuring the temple (vs. 1-2)—The “temple” represents the people of God, i.e., Christians (I Cor. 3: 16). John is given a measuring rod to measure the temple (v. 1). The “Gentiles” (non-believers) are allowed to “tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months” (v. 2), an indefinite, but limited, period of time. These two verses are a warning to John’s readers. Because of what God will do to His enemies, Christians had better measure up and not be found among the unbelievers or they, too, will feel His wrath. Don’t give up, is the message here. We must not succumb to hardship and persecution. We will be “measured,” to make sure we “measure” up. Let us not be found wanting.

The two witnesses (vs. 3-14)—God has many weapons in His arsenal, of course. Here we are introduced to “my two witnesses,” who will prophesy 1,260 days—another reference to the indefinite 3½ symbolic number. The witnesses are clothed in sackcloth (v. 3), representing the mourning and humility needed to honor God. Their message brings comfort (the olive trees) and light (the two lampstands); more than one of each means greater comfort and strength (v. 5). These two witnesses are powerful, given authority from God to do whatever is necessary to finish their course (v. 6).

Yet when they complete their work, “the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit” (v. 7—more on him later) will “make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.” Satan wins some battles; we must realize that this is a war that we are in and, in wars, good people as well as evil ones, are sometimes defeated and die. The bodies of the two witnesses are left to “lie in the street of the great city” (v. 8)—where they can be seen as an encouragement to God’s enemies and a discouragement to His people. Clarke’s comment on the “great city…where also our Lord was crucified” is good: “Some say Rome, which may be spiritually called Sodom for its abominations, Egypt for its tyrannous cruelty, and the place where our Lord was crucified, because of its persecution of the members of Christ; but Jerusalem itself may be intended. All these things I must leave to others.” (Adam Clarke's Commentary) As usual in Revelation, we must be careful not to be too dogmatic about particulars. It is the main message that is important. The wicked rejoice over the death of the two witnesses, “make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth” (v. 10). Yes, indeed, the Word of God torments sinners!

But, the truth will triumph. “After the three-and-a-half days,” the witnesses are resurrected (v.11--God’s purposes cannot be defeated forever), His enemies are frightened, and the witnesses ascend to heaven (v. 12—victory). The Lord then takes vengeance. This is still just a partial judgment, however (only a tenth of the city was destroyed, v. 13). This is the second woe upon the wicked (see 9:12), and there is one more to come (v. 14).

The seventh trumpet (vs. 15-19)—Finally we get to the sounding of the seventh trumpet. It is a trumpet of victory and rejoicing. The kingdoms of the world belong to the Lord and His Christ, “and He shall reign forever and ever” (v. 15). The 24 elders before the throne worship Him with words of thanksgiving and praise. His wrath comes upon the nations and His servants are rewarded (v. 18). Dark days are still ahead (v. 19), but we have been assured that God’s cause will triumph and His people will be protected. Again, this is the message John’s readers needed to hear. Why does he keep repeating it? Because that’s the nature of apocalyptic literature.