Revelation 11:1-13 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1-2

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1-14

"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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1-19

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:2

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles; it hath been given (Revised Version). Not merely "leave out," but "cast out." The "court which is without the temple" was entered only by Jews. It seems, therefore, here to signify part of the Church, but that part which is separated from the inner circle of true believers, and given over to the world, which is here symbolized by "the Gentiles." The Gentiles, the nations, ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:3

And I will give power unto my two witnesses. Omit "power." What is given follows, viz. "they shall prophesy," etc. The voice, speaking in the name of Christ, says, "My: The two witnesses of me;" τοῖς , "the," as though they were well known. There is much diversity of interpretation in regard to "the two witnesses." It seems reasonable to understand the two witnesses as representative of the elect Church of God (embracing both Jewish and Christian) and of the witness which she bears... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:3-13

The two witnesses. In the absolute impossibility of certainly ascertaining what definite historical events were in the mind of St. John when he penned these mysterious chapters of his Apocalypse, we are driven, as perhaps it was designed we should be driven, to take them as an inspired parable or allegory, and so gather from them lessons for our own times. We have done so in regard to the "little book" told of in Revelation 10:1-11 .; and in regard to the measuring of temple, altar, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:3-13

The continuous witness. The Lord calls forth his faithful witnesses, and makes promise that their voice and testimony shall not be silenced, even though the holy city be trodden underfoot. Mark— I. THE UNFAILING TESTIMONY . Throughout the entire period during which the usurping worldly power shall oppress and tread down the adherents to the truth, the voice of testimony is heard. It cannot be silenced. Forty and two months is the holy city trodden underfoot; a thousand two... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:4

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks. The "two olive trees" and the "two candlesticks" are here identical. Thus, while St. John uses the figure of Zechariah, he does not apply it in every detail. In the prophet, but one candlestick is mentioned. "The two olive trees," which supply the material for the candlesticks, are fit emblems of the Old and New Testaments; the candlesticks typify the Jewish and Christian Churches. These are identical so far as being God's witnesses;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:5

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies; if any one willeth to hurt them, etc. Most probably a reference to the act of Elijah ( 2 Kings 1:10 ). Perhaps there is a double reference in the fire proceeding out of their mouth; it is the fire of their witness, which refines and purifies and convinces some; it is also the fire of condemnation, which follows those who reject the testimony. The figure is found in Jeremiah 5:14 , "I... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1-14

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:1-19

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:3-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:3-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Revelation 11:5

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