Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. v1-2
What is John measuring here? Could this be the prophecy of the 3rd Temple to be built in Jerusalem? Or could this be “New Jerusalem” that will be coming down from Heaven? The same vision is also confirmed by prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah
This is most likely the 3rd Temple being built during the Tribulation period. As later in Revelation, its revealed Jesus is The Temple (Revelation 21:22)
Also 42 months is 3.5 years , which would be half of the 7 year Tribulation period
So He brought me there; and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze, with a line of flax and a measuring rod in his hand; and he was standing in the gateway. Ezekiel 40:3
Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. Zechariah 2:1
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire v3-6
Who are the 2 Witnesses? Many have speculated who they are, I believe it will be Moses and Elijah. Why? Because Moses represents The Law and Elijah represents the prophets. This is why Jesus met them at the transfiguration
Elijah had the power to shut Heaven (James 5:17-18) Moses had the power to turn water into blood (Exodus 7:20)
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Matthew 5:17
Notice the symbolism of the 2 Lampstands or 2 Olive Trees, they are filled with Oil, Oil is always symbolic for the Holy Spirit. These men will preach the Word of God to the entire world before the final Woe or 7th Trumpet is sounded
And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Matthew 17:3
When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. v7-10
The Beast (Anti-Christ) ascends from the bottomless pit to make war
The Anti-Christ will eventually kill the 2 witnesses and the wicked who are left in the world will celebrate. There dead bodies will lay in the streets for 3 and half days. But how does the entire world view their dead bodies? Today this is simple, with smart phones and social media, just more proof we are living in the last days. There dead bodies will be streamed live to everyone’s phone while the wicked rejoice and celebrate
Spiritual Sodom and Egypt- where The Lord was crucified = Jerusalem
As Daniel prophesied , during the End Times Knowledge will Increase, we are seeing this today with technology and social media
“But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.” Daniel 12:4
Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. v11-12
Breathe of Life enters the 2 Witnesses – The Spirit of God
And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Genesis 2:7
The 2 Witnesses are then “resurrected” and “raptured” after 3 and half days of death. Imagine watching this live on your smart phone. Breaking News 2 prophets killed have now come back to life! And then there were ascended back to the Father! What a powerful scene, surely everyone left on Earth will be terrified and should be!
When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43
In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly. v13-14
2nd Woe is past- 3rd Woe is coming!
Notice after this massive earthquake that killed 7 thousands of people, the wicked on the Earth have now given Glory to God! Again people would ask, why would God do these judgements? Because its saving souls! Many people have hardened their hearts so much, that it will take a natural disaster for them to repent
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” v15
7th Angel proclaims the Kingdom of God, Satan has been completely defeated
The Kingdom of the world now belongs to God again, evil will be completely purged and eliminated. The setting up for the New Heavens and Earth is coming!
Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations. Psalm 82:8
And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned. v16-17
24 elders = 12 Tribes of Israel + 12 Apostles
And the worship service continues, notice it says “You (God) have begun to reign” Meaning evil is finally being abolished from the Earth. Anyone who wants to continue to live in Sin will not be doing so in Gods Kingdom
If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, Colossians 2:20
The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.” v18
Jesus is setting up his “Great White Throne of Judgement” which will be talked about in a later chapter. Stay tuned! Also its mentioned how its time to reward all those who served God throughout the years! (Judgment Seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:10)
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. v19
The Temple of God in Heaven has been revealed, what does this mean? We are drawing closer to the time when Heaven and Earth come together to form the new Paradise or Kingdom. The Ark of Covenant is his Law. Gods Law still rules in the minds and hearts of all those who will be in Gods Kingdom! The Awesomeness of God and his Kingdom cant even be fully described, the power and majesty!
THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD: I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART, AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,” He then says, Hebrews 10:16
Unashamed of Jesus 