October 23, 2022
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. Revelation 11:2
We saw yesterday that the backdrop for 11:1 is the Old Testament Day of Atonement. To measure the worshipers is figurative for evaluating or judging. The measuring of the temple itself emphasizes its reality (see Hebrews 8:2). Throughout the medieval period of forty-two months (a literal 1260 years), the institutional church sought to obliterate that reality from the minds of people (tread the holy city underfoot) and replace it with Rome’s earthly place of worship, the pope’s seat of power: the cathedral.
The outer court which is outside the temple is contrasted to the temple of God in the holy, heavenly city and the worshipers there (see devotional for October 19). Elsewhere in Revelation, the opposing forces to the people of God are referred to as those who dwell on the earth (3:10; 6:10; 11:10; 13:14; 14:6; 17:8). Their exclusion from the measuring further emphasizes that the measuring which is taking place is for the purpose of dividing the genuine Christians from those who profess Christianity but are apostate.
There is a parallel exclusion following the millennium at the end of the book, after the holy city has descended to earth. It involves the unsaved just before they experience the second death: But outside are the dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolators, and whoever loves and practices a lie (22:15).
To trample the holy city underfoot for forty-two months is one of the identifying characteristics of the Antichrist power. Jesus helps us to understand the imagery: “And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” (Luke 21:24b) Jesus is leading our thoughts to the heavenly Jerusalem, where He would serve—is now serving!—as our High Priest in the heavenly temple.
Daniel’s multiple identifications of the Antichrist power tie directly in to the time period that he is allowed to thrive (see Daniel 7:25, 12:7). Daniel saw that he even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host (Jesus!) . . . and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. (8:11).
The clear identification of the Antichrist power is for the purpose of recognition by true worshipers, that they may exit his false system of worship. Immediately John’s vision goes to identifying our reliable source of truth, the written word of God. Inspired by His Holy Spirit, this written word, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), has divine power: the power to save souls!
“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” Revelation 11:3