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Kalamos (measuring rod) refers to a reedlike plant that grew in the Jordan Valley to a height of fifteen to twenty feet. It had a stalk that was hollow and lightweight, yet rigid enough to be used as a walking staff (cf. Eze. [[29:6|bible.26.29.6]]) or to be shaved down into a pen (3Jn. [[1:13|bible.85.1.13]]). The stalks, because they were long and lightweight, were ideal for use as measuring rods.1
Later, one of the seven angels (having one of the seven bowls of the seven last plagues) talks with John and uses a golden reed to measure the heavenly Jerusalem (Rev. [[21:15|bible.87.21.15]]+). Measuring rod is ῥάβδῳ [hrabdō] which is translated elsewhere by "rod," "staff," or "scepter."2 This is the word used for the rod of iron by which the rule of Jesus is asserted (Rev. [[2:27|bible.87.2.27]]+; [[12:5|bible.87.12.5]]+; [[19:15|bible.87.19.15]]+).And the angel stood, sayingVerses 1 and 2 indicate there will be a distinction between Jew and Gentile in this period. The two earlier Jewish temples were divided into four areas: first, the sanctuary itself, which only priests (not even Levites) could enter (this is called the temple of God); second, the area the men of Israel could enter (this included the altar); third, the court of the women in which Israelite women worshiped God; and finally, the court of the Gentiles. John's instruction was to measure the first three, thus symbolizing God's interest in, and protection of, the Jewish nation. Chapter 12 confirms this interpretation, for it describes the divine protection symbolized here.5
temple of GodFive distinct temples are alluded to by the Scriptures. Solomon's temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 B.C. Antiochus Epiphanes pillaged and consecrated to Jupiter the temple of Zerubbabel in 168 B.C. Herod's magnificent temple was reduced to ashes by Titus in A.D. 70. The fourth temple, the edifice described in this chapter, is to be the focus of attention during the Great Tribulation. Finally, the fifth temple will be the Millennial Temple described in Eze. [[40|bible.26.40.1]]-[[47|bible.26.47.1]]. 7
Much confusion has been needlessly brought to bear upon this passage by interpreters who insist on ignoring the literal details of the description and spiritualizing nearly everything as pertaining to "the church." Barnhouse summarizes:One commentator has brought together on one page the interpretations of his fellows in a way that will explain much of the confusion that has arisen out of this passage. He points out that almost universally the commentators have tried to force the church into the picture that is painted here when, of course, the church is not in view at all. "The temple is here figuratively used of the faithful portion of the church of Christ." The command is given to John "to measure the temple of God" in order to call his attention to "the size of the church of God." The "altar" is again, in the mind of one commentator, "the church." The "outer court" signifies "a part of the church of Christ." The "Holy City," according to these expositors is "always in the Apocalypse the title of the church." The "two witnesses" represent "the elect church of God," says one (embracing both Jew and Christian), "and the witness which she bears concerning God, especially in the Old and New Testaments." "The twelve hundred and sixty days" constitutes the period "during which the church although trodden under foot, will not cease to prophesy." Concerning the war of the beast against them we are told, "The whole vision is symbolical, and the intention is to convey the idea that the church, in her witness for God, will experience opposition from the power of Satan" and so on and on and on. . . . "What wonder, when such diverse expressions are forced to mean the same thing, if there be endless confusion. Literalism may not solve every perplexity, but it does not lead into any such inexplicable obscurity as this."8
We can avoid much of this mischief by following the Golden Rule of Interpretation.See Temple of God and Tribulation Temple. This Temple is to be contrasted with the "temple of God . . . in heaven" (Rev. [[11:19|bible.87.11.19]]+).the altarNotes
1 John MacArthur, Revelation 1-11 : The MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1999), Rev. 11:1.
2 James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship, 1996), G4464.
3 NASB.
4 A figure of speech: "Zeugma. The verb measure is by this figure 'yoked' to a second object which does not fit it as equally as the first, for worshippers would not be measured but taken account of." -- Jerome Smith, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1992), Rev. 11:1.
5 Monty S. Mills, Revelations: An Exegetical Study of the Revelation to John (Dallas, TX: 3E Ministries, 1987), Rev. 11:1.
6 Timothy Friberg, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller, Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 269.
7 W. A. Criswell, and Paige Patterson, eds., The Holy Bible: Baptist Study Edition (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1991), Rev. 11:1.
8 Donald Grey Barnhouse, Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1971), Rev. 11:1.
9 E. W. Bullinger, Commentary On Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1984, 1935), Rev. 11:1.
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