But the court - is given unto the Gentiles - The measuring of the temple probably refers to its approaching destruction, and the termination of the whole Levitical service; and this we find was to be done by the Gentiles, (Romans), who were to tread it down forty-two months; i.e., just three years and a half, or twelve hundred and sixty days. This must be a symbolical period. read more
My two witnesses - This is extremely obscure; the conjectures of interpreters are as unsatisfactory as they are endless on this point. Conjecturas conjecturis superstruunt, parum verosimiles , says Rosenmuller: quorum sententias enarrare, meum non est . I say the same. Those who wish to be amused or bewildered, may have recourse both to ancients and moderns on this subject. read more
These are the two olive trees - Mentioned Zechariah 4:14 , which there represent Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest. The whole account seems taken from Zechariah 4:1-14 . Whether the prophet and the apostle mean the same things by these emblems, we know not. read more
Fire proceedeth out of their mouth - That is, they are commissioned to denounce the judgments of God against all who would attempt to prevent them from proceeding in their ministry. read more
These have power to shut heaven - As Elijah did, 1 Kings 17:1-18:46. To turn them to blood - As Moses did, Exodus 7:19-25 . They shall have power to afflict the land with plagues, similar to those which were inflicted on the Egyptians. read more
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod. We are not told by whom the reed is given, but in Revelation 21:1-27 . the angel has the reed, and so also in Ezekiel 40:1-49 ., upon which the incident seems founded (see Ezekiel 40:1-49 .; and cf. the reference to the outer court in Ezekiel 40:17 ). The reed is "like a rod;" that is, like to a staff. It is for a measuring line, as in Zechariah 2:1 . And the angel stood, saying. Omit all except "saying,'' as in the Revised... read more
The measuring of the temple. Whether this chapter be the history of events that had already taken place when it was written or were then happening; or whether it consists of predictions inspired of God of events then future, though near at hand in the history of Judaism and of the Church; or of events yet future in the experience of the whole Church, as many affirm; or whether, yet again, the whole chapter be an inspired allegory which, under the likeness of actual historical events, or of... read more
"My two witnesses." Following on the reception of the little book from the angel's hand, the seer is directed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and the worshippers. The outer court is not to be measured; for it, with the holy city, is to be trampled underfoot forty-two months. During this period (or a like period) there are to be two witnesses for God, clothed in sackcloth, who, though they have power with God, are slighted by men; against them a great onrush is to be made. They... read more
The cause of right on earth. "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread underfoot forty and two months," etc. What does this chapter mean? Has it any intelligible meaning? Is it to be taken literally or ideally? One of our most... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Revelation 11:1
And there was given me a reed - See Ezekiel 40:3 , etc. Measure the temple of God - This must refer to the temple of Jerusalem; and this is another presumptive evidence that it was yet standing. read more