| In-Depth Study of The Book of Revelation Chapter 11 By Rabbi Esther Boucher |
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Verse 1-2 (2 is Judgement)
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. 2 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.
Here in these verses we have the vision of the measuring of the temple. John was told to measure the
inner court of the temple, the alter and the worshipers there. This is a scene on earth. The
significance of the Act is revealed in Zech. 2:4 when it is explained that Jerusalem shall in the future
yet be inhabited by the people of G-d. 2 Thess. 2:3-4, Matt 24:15 and Dan. 9:27 show that a 3rd
Temple will be constructed and that the Jews will worship there until Antichrist stops their sacrifices
and places an image of himself in the Holy place. This act is known as the Abomination of Desolation.
This act is to occur mid tribulation. Verse 2 shows that the Gentiles, not Israel shall dominate the
temple's outer court and Jerusalem for 3 1/2 years during the tribulation. Antichrist will dis-annul his
agreement with the Israelites and persecute them. During this persecution the Jews will experience a
spiritual cleansing.
Verse 3
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and
sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Here we see the vision of the two witnesses. During the days of the Tribulation G-d will cause two
mighty prophets to arise. These two shall give a world wide testimony to G-d's salvation and they
shall denounce the wickedness of the day. Their dress of sackcloth shows them to be prophets in an
evil age calling not for rejoicing but repentance and judgement. The span of their ministry is 3 1/2
years.
Verse 4
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God[b] of the earth.
Olive trees give olive oil which was the fuel for the temple lights. Thus they symbolize those who are
filled abundantly with G-d's spirit. G-d's two witnesses will be filled with the spirit like John the Baptist.
They will be two bright lamps and shining lights for G-d amid a diabolical age.
Verse 5 (Judgement)
And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if
anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
Here we learn that for the course of their ministry (42 months) they will have their lives supernaturally
protected. They will have miracles to authenticate their message. At their command fire from heaven
will slay their would be assassins just like Elijah in 2Kings 1:9-14.
Verse 6 (Judgement)
These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have
power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they
desire.
Here they have the ability to stop the rain, turn waters to blood and bring plagues. These witnesses
will have the powers of both Elijah and Moses of the O.T. G-d will be the one manifesting the power.
Verse 7
When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war
against them, overcome them, and kill them.
G-d permits his two witnesses to be slain only when their appointed ministry is finished.
Verse 8-10
And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and
Egypt, where also our[c] Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and
nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow[d] their dead bodies to be
put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send
gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
Their bodies will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for 3 1/2 days. People of very nation will look at them
while refusing them burial. This will be a world news event and cameras will by satellite transmit the
pictures of their decaying bodies the world over. Verse 10 has been called the Devil's Christmas.
Sinners the world over rejoice with unbridled joy to see the two who condemned their every desire
now dead. Gifts are given in celebration. In 1969 in Bagdad many who the government termed spies
were executed and their bodies left hanging in the city square for several days. Such an exhibition
drew thousands who rejoiced in the fact that the executions had taken place. So it is not difficult to
understand that during the time of the two witnesses many will harden against the Gospel and
proclaim a holiday at their death.
Verse 11-12
Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on
their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 And they[e] heard a loud voice from heaven
saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw
them.
After 84 hours of death G-d miraculously brings his two witnesses back to life just as he brought Christ
from death to life. Think of the television, radio and news coverage that this receives. Two witnesses,
upheld by many as the reason for all the world's troubles, finally dead. Not even buried, but allowed to
lie on the street exposed to the ridicule of men, the hunger of ravaging birds and beasts. The whole
world is in jubilation. But G-d intervenes. Imagine the disbelief in the voices of the reporters as they
report that the two dead witnesses suddenly are standing on their feet. Over the television screen, on
the radio, people will hear as the voice of the L-rd says come up hither. And the two witnesses will
ascend. G-d allows those living in the Tribulation Period to see the resurrection and ascension of the
two witnesses. There can be no doubt now as to exactly what happened. It cannot be explained
away.
Verse 13 (Judgment)
In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven
thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Within an hour of the time of the ascension of G-d's two witnesses a catastrophic earthquake occurs.
A tenth of the city of Jerusalem falls and 7,000 people are killed. At this calamity the survivors fear
and at least for the time recognize that G-d is behind the earthquake.
Verse 14 (Judgment)
The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
Now it is announced that the 3rd woe is coming quickly.
Verse 15-17
Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this
world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped
God, 17 saying:
“ We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
The seventh angel blows the seventh trumpet and mighty shouts of acclamation and praise to G-d are
lifted. At the blowing of this seventh trump G-d is clearly now the conqueror.
Verse 18 (Judgement)
The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great,
And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
This verse continues with the proclamations that view G-d as having judged sinners now that the 7th
trump has sounded.
Verse 19 (Judgement)
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant[h] was seen in His
temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
Suddenly the Heavenly Temple is seen. This temple comes from the seventh trump and out of it will
come the final bowl judgements described in chapter 16. The earthquake and thundering show that
the time for the judgement of sin is near. G-d comes forth in holy and righteous anger. The ark is now
seen in the temple. The time of Jacob's troubles described in Jer. 30:7 and Dan. 12:1 has arrived.
And just as we are about to see Israel, Jacob, plunged into its hour of trouble the blowing of the
seventh trump and the appearance of the ark assures us of G-d's ultimate triumph and of His not
forgetting His covenant promises. He will save His remnant (Jew and Gentile) and the Ark testifies to
us of this.
Chapter 10-11 Interlude between the 6th & 7th trumpets.
1.) The strong angel with the little book 10:1-7.
2.) John eats the little book 10:8-11.
3.) Date for ending of "the times of the Gentiles" 11:1-2.
4.) Duration of the prophesying of the two witnesses 11:3-12.
5.) Doom of the 2nd woe - great earthquake 11:13-14.
Seveth trumpet - end of Great Tribulation and opening of the Temple in heaven 11:15-19.
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. 2 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.
Here in these verses we have the vision of the measuring of the temple. John was told to measure the
inner court of the temple, the alter and the worshipers there. This is a scene on earth. The
significance of the Act is revealed in Zech. 2:4 when it is explained that Jerusalem shall in the future
yet be inhabited by the people of G-d. 2 Thess. 2:3-4, Matt 24:15 and Dan. 9:27 show that a 3rd
Temple will be constructed and that the Jews will worship there until Antichrist stops their sacrifices
and places an image of himself in the Holy place. This act is known as the Abomination of Desolation.
This act is to occur mid tribulation. Verse 2 shows that the Gentiles, not Israel shall dominate the
temple's outer court and Jerusalem for 3 1/2 years during the tribulation. Antichrist will dis-annul his
agreement with the Israelites and persecute them. During this persecution the Jews will experience a
spiritual cleansing.
Verse 3
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and
sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Here we see the vision of the two witnesses. During the days of the Tribulation G-d will cause two
mighty prophets to arise. These two shall give a world wide testimony to G-d's salvation and they
shall denounce the wickedness of the day. Their dress of sackcloth shows them to be prophets in an
evil age calling not for rejoicing but repentance and judgement. The span of their ministry is 3 1/2
years.
Verse 4
These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God[b] of the earth.
Olive trees give olive oil which was the fuel for the temple lights. Thus they symbolize those who are
filled abundantly with G-d's spirit. G-d's two witnesses will be filled with the spirit like John the Baptist.
They will be two bright lamps and shining lights for G-d amid a diabolical age.
Verse 5 (Judgement)
And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if
anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
Here we learn that for the course of their ministry (42 months) they will have their lives supernaturally
protected. They will have miracles to authenticate their message. At their command fire from heaven
will slay their would be assassins just like Elijah in 2Kings 1:9-14.
Verse 6 (Judgement)
These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have
power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they
desire.
Here they have the ability to stop the rain, turn waters to blood and bring plagues. These witnesses
will have the powers of both Elijah and Moses of the O.T. G-d will be the one manifesting the power.
Verse 7
When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war
against them, overcome them, and kill them.
G-d permits his two witnesses to be slain only when their appointed ministry is finished.
Verse 8-10
And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and
Egypt, where also our[c] Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and
nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow[d] their dead bodies to be
put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send
gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
Their bodies will lay in the streets of Jerusalem for 3 1/2 days. People of very nation will look at them
while refusing them burial. This will be a world news event and cameras will by satellite transmit the
pictures of their decaying bodies the world over. Verse 10 has been called the Devil's Christmas.
Sinners the world over rejoice with unbridled joy to see the two who condemned their every desire
now dead. Gifts are given in celebration. In 1969 in Bagdad many who the government termed spies
were executed and their bodies left hanging in the city square for several days. Such an exhibition
drew thousands who rejoiced in the fact that the executions had taken place. So it is not difficult to
understand that during the time of the two witnesses many will harden against the Gospel and
proclaim a holiday at their death.
Verse 11-12
Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on
their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 And they[e] heard a loud voice from heaven
saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw
them.
After 84 hours of death G-d miraculously brings his two witnesses back to life just as he brought Christ
from death to life. Think of the television, radio and news coverage that this receives. Two witnesses,
upheld by many as the reason for all the world's troubles, finally dead. Not even buried, but allowed to
lie on the street exposed to the ridicule of men, the hunger of ravaging birds and beasts. The whole
world is in jubilation. But G-d intervenes. Imagine the disbelief in the voices of the reporters as they
report that the two dead witnesses suddenly are standing on their feet. Over the television screen, on
the radio, people will hear as the voice of the L-rd says come up hither. And the two witnesses will
ascend. G-d allows those living in the Tribulation Period to see the resurrection and ascension of the
two witnesses. There can be no doubt now as to exactly what happened. It cannot be explained
away.
Verse 13 (Judgment)
In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven
thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Within an hour of the time of the ascension of G-d's two witnesses a catastrophic earthquake occurs.
A tenth of the city of Jerusalem falls and 7,000 people are killed. At this calamity the survivors fear
and at least for the time recognize that G-d is behind the earthquake.
Verse 14 (Judgment)
The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
Now it is announced that the 3rd woe is coming quickly.
Verse 15-17
Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this
world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped
God, 17 saying:
“ We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
The seventh angel blows the seventh trumpet and mighty shouts of acclamation and praise to G-d are
lifted. At the blowing of this seventh trump G-d is clearly now the conqueror.
Verse 18 (Judgement)
The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great,
And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
This verse continues with the proclamations that view G-d as having judged sinners now that the 7th
trump has sounded.
Verse 19 (Judgement)
Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant[h] was seen in His
temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
Suddenly the Heavenly Temple is seen. This temple comes from the seventh trump and out of it will
come the final bowl judgements described in chapter 16. The earthquake and thundering show that
the time for the judgement of sin is near. G-d comes forth in holy and righteous anger. The ark is now
seen in the temple. The time of Jacob's troubles described in Jer. 30:7 and Dan. 12:1 has arrived.
And just as we are about to see Israel, Jacob, plunged into its hour of trouble the blowing of the
seventh trump and the appearance of the ark assures us of G-d's ultimate triumph and of His not
forgetting His covenant promises. He will save His remnant (Jew and Gentile) and the Ark testifies to
us of this.
Chapter 10-11 Interlude between the 6th & 7th trumpets.
1.) The strong angel with the little book 10:1-7.
2.) John eats the little book 10:8-11.
3.) Date for ending of "the times of the Gentiles" 11:1-2.
4.) Duration of the prophesying of the two witnesses 11:3-12.
5.) Doom of the 2nd woe - great earthquake 11:13-14.
Seveth trumpet - end of Great Tribulation and opening of the Temple in heaven 11:15-19.
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