# Overview Revelation Chapter 11 presents a vivid and symbolic vision involving the measuring of the #temple of God, the two #witnesses, and the sounding of the seventh #trumpet. The chapter begins with #John being given a measuring rod to measure the temple, the altar, and the worshippers. However, the outer court is left out, signifying that it has been given to the #Gentiles, who will trample the holy city for forty-two months. This period of time is crucial as it signifies a time of testing and tribulation. The two witnesses, clothed in sackcloth, prophesy for 1,260 days. They are described as the two olive trees and two lampstands standing before the Lord of the earth, symbolizing their anointed and divinely appointed roles. These witnesses have the power to shut the sky, turn waters into blood, and strike the earth with plagues, reminiscent of the prophetic ministries of #Elijah and #Moses. The chapter culminates with the dramatic events following the testimony of the two witnesses. After completing their testimony, the #beast from the abyss wages war against them, ultimately killing them. Their bodies lie in the streets of the great city, figuratively called #Sodom and #Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. However, after three and a half days, they are resurrected by the breath of life from God and ascend into heaven in a cloud, witnessed by their enemies. This leads to a great earthquake, resulting in significant destruction and the conversion of many. The chapter concludes with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, heralding the proclamation of God's kingdom and the reign of Christ. The twenty-four elders worship God, declaring that He has taken His great power and begun to reign. The chapter ends with the opening of God’s temple in heaven, revealing the ark of His covenant, accompanied by flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm, signifying God's powerful presence and impending judgment. ## Theological Insights Revelation 11 presents profound theological insights into the unfolding of God's divine plan and the role of His witnesses in the midst of tribulation. This chapter serves as a pivotal point in the #BookofRevelation, offering a glimpse of the tension between judgment and redemption. ### The Two Witnesses The chapter begins with the introduction of the two witnesses, who are granted authority to prophesy for 1,260 days. Theologically, these witnesses symbolize the faithful proclamation of God's truth amidst persecution. Their role resonates with the ministries of the prophets like [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 7|Moses]] and [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17|Elijah]], who performed signs and called people to repentance. Their ministry is marked by both a formidable display of divine power and a profound vulnerability, culminating in their martyrdom and subsequent resurrection. This illustrates the theme of suffering and vindication for God’s faithful servants. ### The Seventh Trumpet The sounding of the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15 heralds a climactic moment in the apocalyptic vision, announcing the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. This trumpet blast signifies the transition from the kingdom of the world to the kingdom of our Lord and His Messiah, echoing the fulfillment of divine promises found throughout scripture, such as in the prophetic visions of [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2]] and [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7]]. It underscores the ultimate sovereignty of God and the eschatological hope for believers. ### The Temple of God The measuring of the temple in Revelation 11:1-2 conveys God's protective presence over His people. Theologically, the temple represents God's dwelling place, a central theme throughout the #OldTestament and fulfilled in the person of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] as the ultimate temple (see [[John/John Chapter 2|John 2:19-21]]). This act of measuring signifies God's preservation and ownership, assuring believers of their secure place in God's redemptive plan. ### The Nations' Response The nations' rage and subsequent judgment (Revelation 11:18) highlight the ongoing conflict between the kingdom of God and the powers of the world. This conflict is reminiscent of the nations' rebellion against God in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 2]], demonstrating the persistent theme of opposition against God's anointed. However, the final outcome is God's righteous judgment and the vindication of His people, affirming the ultimate triumph of divine justice. ### Worship and Sovereignty The chapter concludes with a heavenly scene of worship, where the twenty-four elders give thanks to God for His reign and the establishment of His kingdom (Revelation 11:16-17). This scene emphasizes the centrality of worship throughout the #Revelation narrative and points to the acknowledgment of God's sovereign rule over all creation, a theme resonant with the doxologies found in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 4]] and [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 5]]. In summary, Revelation 11 offers rich theological insights into the themes of witness, divine sovereignty, eschatological hope, and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, assured of God's protection and the certainty of His redemptive plan unfolding through history. ## Thematic Connections ### The Sovereignty and Judgment of God Revelation 11 underscores the theme of God's sovereign rule and judgment over the earth. The measuring of the temple and the altar in Revelation 11:1-2 symbolizes God's authority and the demarcation of what is holy and set apart for Him, reminiscent of the measuring of the temple in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 40|Ezekiel 40:3-5]]. The trampling by the Gentiles for forty-two months parallels the period of tribulation and underscores the trials faced by God's people, reminiscent of the oppression experienced by #Israel in the #Babylonian exile. ### Prophetic Witness and Martyrdom The two witnesses in Revelation 11:3-12 represent the theme of prophetic witness and martyrdom. They are granted authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, symbolizing repentance and mourning. This theme connects to the ministry of #Elijah, who called for repentance in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 17]], and #Moses, who confronted Pharaoh with God's message in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 7]]. Their eventual martyrdom and resurrection echo the suffering and vindication of Christ and the call for believers to bear witness, even unto death, as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 7|Stephen's martyrdom]]. ### The Triumph of God's Kingdom The sounding of the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15-19 proclaims the triumph of God's kingdom over the kingdoms of the world. This theme of ultimate victory is rooted in the promise of God's eternal kingdom as foretold in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2|Daniel 2:44]] and [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7|Daniel 7:14]], where God's dominion is depicted as everlasting and unshakeable. The declaration that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ" highlights the culmination of God's redemptive plan and the establishment of His reign. ### The Role of the Ark of the Covenant The appearance of the ark of the covenant in God's temple in heaven in Revelation 11:19 signifies God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. The ark, which once resided in the Holy of Holies, symbolizes God's presence and covenant with #Israel, as seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25|Exodus 25:22]] and [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8|1 Kings 8:6-9]]. Its unveiling in the heavenly temple points to the fulfillment of God’s promises and the assurance of His presence with His people. ### Cosmic Signs and Worship Revelation 11 concludes with cosmic signs—lightning, rumblings, thunder, an earthquake, and hailstorm—demonstrating God's power and the response of creation to His judgment. This theme of cosmic disturbance parallels the descriptions in the #OldTestament, such as the plagues in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 9|Exodus 9:23-24]] and the Day of the Lord in [[Joel/Joel Chapter 2|Joel 2:30-31]]. The heavenly worship in response to God's reign echoes the praise and worship scenes in [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 6|Isaiah 6]] and foreshadows the worship of the Lamb in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 5|Revelation 5]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Measurement of the Temple In Revelation 11, the act of measuring the #temple, altar, and the worshippers serves as a prophetic symbol reminiscent of the measuring found in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 40|Ezekiel 40:3-5]] and [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 2|Zechariah 2:1-2]]. This action signifies God's protection and demarcation of His holy space and people, pointing towards His sovereignty over His covenant community and His intention to preserve them through trials. ### The Two Witnesses The two witnesses described in Revelation 11 bear a strong resemblance to figures like #Moses and #Elijah, who performed similar miracles as depicted in the Old Testament. Their ministry reflects the prophetic promises of the return of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, as foretold in [[Malachi/Malachi Chapter 4|Malachi 4:5-6]]. Their role as witnesses is also echoed in the ministry of prophets like [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 5|Jeremiah]], who bore witness to God's truth and judgment. ### The Seventh Trumpet The sounding of the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15 marks the fulfillment of the promised kingdom of God, as prophesied in various scriptures such as [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 2|Daniel 2:44]] and [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7|Daniel 7:13-14]]. This trumpet heralds the consummation of God's plans, the establishment of His eternal reign, and the ultimate triumph of His Messiah, fulfilling the anticipation of a divine kingdom that spans throughout biblical prophecy. ### The Kingdoms of the World The declaration that "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ" (Revelation 11:15) fulfills the prophecy of the everlasting dominion given to the Son of Man in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7|Daniel 7:13-14]]. This prophetic fulfillment emphasizes the comprehensive victory and sovereignty of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] over all earthly powers, affirming the hope of believers in God's ultimate plan of redemption and restoration. ### The Judgment of the Nations Revelation 11:18 speaks of the nations' wrath and God's ensuing judgment, which aligns with prophetic declarations in passages such as [[Psalm/Psalm Chapter 2|Psalm 2:1-12]] and [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 24|Isaiah 24:21-23]]. These prophecies anticipate a time when God will judge the nations, reward His faithful servants, and destroy those who destroy the earth, fulfilling the scriptural theme of divine justice and the vindication of God's people. ## Verses - **Revelation 11:1** - "Then I was given a measuring stick, and I was told, 'Go and measure the Temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers.'" - **Revelation 11:2** - "But do not measure the outer courtyard, for it has been turned over to the nations. They will trample the holy city for 42 months." - Note: See [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 7]], [[Luke/Luke Chapter 21]] for references to time periods and trampling of the holy city. - **Revelation 11:3** - "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will be clothed in burlap and will prophesy during those 1,260 days." - Note: The two witnesses are a significant prophetic element. See [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 4]] for related imagery of witnesses and olive trees. - **Revelation 11:4** - "These two prophets are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of all the earth." - Note: This imagery is also found in [[Zechariah/Zechariah Chapter 4]]. - **Revelation 11:5** - "If anyone tries to harm them, fire flashes from their mouths and consumes their enemies. This is how anyone who tries to harm them must die." - **Revelation 11:6** - "They have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall for as long as they prophesy. And they have the power to turn the rivers and oceans into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish." - Note: Compare with the plagues of Egypt in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 7]] and [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 8]]. - **Revelation 11:7** - "When they complete their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the bottomless pit will declare war against them, and he will conquer them and kill them." - Note: See [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 9]] for references to the beast and the abyss. - **Revelation 11:8** - "And their bodies will lie in the main street of Jerusalem, the city that is figuratively called 'Sodom' and 'Egypt,' the city where their Lord was crucified." - Note: Compare with [[Isaiah/Isaiah Chapter 1]] and [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 16]] where Jerusalem is likened to Sodom. - **Revelation 11:9** - "And for three and a half days, all peoples, tribes, languages, and nations will stare at their bodies. No one will be allowed to bury them." - **Revelation 11:10** - "All the people who belong to this world will gloat over them and give presents to each other to celebrate the death of the two prophets who had tormented them." - **Revelation 11:11** - "But after three and a half days, God breathed life into them, and they stood up! Terror struck all who were staring at them." - **Revelation 11:12** - "Then a loud voice from heaven called to the two prophets, 'Come up here!' And they rose to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watched." - Note: See [[Acts/Acts Chapter 1]] for the ascension of Jesus in a cloud. - **Revelation 11:13** - "At the same time there was a terrible earthquake that destroyed a tenth of the city. Seven thousand people died in that earthquake, and everyone else was terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven." - Note: Earthquakes as a sign of divine intervention are also seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 27]]. - **Revelation 11:14** - "The second terror is past, but look, the third terror is coming quickly." - **Revelation 11:15** - "Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: 'The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.'" - Note: The blowing of trumpets is also depicted in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 8]]. - **Revelation 11:16** - "The twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones before God fell with their faces to the ground and worshiped him." - Note: The twenty-four elders are mentioned earlier in [[Revelation/Revelation Chapter 4]]. - **Revelation 11:17** - "And they said, 'We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who always was, for now you have assumed your great power and have begun to reign.'" - **Revelation 11:18** - "The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people, and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth." - Note: Judgment and reward are central themes also seen in [[Daniel/Daniel Chapter 12]]. - **Revelation 11:19** - "Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened and the Ark of his covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared, and there was an earthquake and a terrible hailstorm." - Note: The Ark of the Covenant is also significant in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] and [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8]].