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Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 71

"I was given a reed like a measuring rod"

Text: Revelation 11:1

A MEASURING ROD

John was given a special task. He was given a measuring rod. He was instructed to measure the temple of God.

“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.'”
Revelation 11:1

1. The significance of a measuring imagery.

a) We are reminded of a vision given to Zechariah the prophet.

b) He saw “a man with a measuring line”.

c) He was instructed to measure Jerusalem (Zechariah 2:1-2).

d) God was marking Jerusalem out for its protection and preservation.

2. John’s special task.

a) He was to measure the temple of God that stood there.

b) He was to measure the altar and also those who worshipped there.

3. Which Temple is this?

a) It was not the Temple Rome destroyed in 70 AD.

b) It is not the Millennial Temple described in Ezekiel 40-47.

c) The Messiah’s personal presence would guarantee its preservation.

d) This would have to be a Temple that would predate the Millennial Temple.

e) This Temple has not been built yet.

4. The Temples of Israel.

a) The Tabernacle of Moses was the first physical temple erected to worship God.

b) Then came the famous Temple built by Solomon.

i) Actual date cannot be fully determined.

ii) Some date it at 996 BC.

iii) Others date it at 967 BC.

c) The Second Temple was built after the Babylonian Captivity (Ezra, Zechariah, Malachi) at 538 BC.

i) It was expanded by Herod the Great.

ii) This was destroyed by Rome in AD 70.

d) A Third Temple will be built.

i) This may not be directly sanctioned by the Lord.

ii) It would be destroyed according to prophecy.

e) A Fourth Temple would be built.

i) This would be the Millennial Temple.

ii) Ezekiel 40-47 describes many details of this Temple.