Revelation 11
Revelation 11 is divided into two parts. The first half (verses 1-14) records visions of the temple and the two witnesses, while the second half (verses 15-19) proclaims the message of God’s kingdom and judgment, as the seventh angel sounds his trumpet. This chapter uses rich symbolic language and imagery to encourage hope and perseverance among Christians who were being persecuted at the time.
1verseA reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, “Rise and measure God’s temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it.
2verseLeave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don’t measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months.
3verseI will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
4verseThese are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands, standing before the Lord of the earth.
5verseIf anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way.
6verseThese have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.
7verseWhen they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.
8verseTheir dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.
9verseFrom among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations, people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.
10verseThose who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11verseAfter the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them.
12verseI heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” They went up into heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.
13verseIn that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14verseThe second woe is past. Behold, the third woe comes quickly.
15verseThe seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
16verseThe twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God’s throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God,
17versesaying: “We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and reigned.
18verseThe nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints and those who fear your name, to the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”
19verseGod’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.
The Temple and the Two Witnesses (Verses 1-14)
In verses 1-2, there is a scene in which the temple is measured. This can be interpreted as a symbolic meaning that God’s people and worship are protected. The two witnesses then appear, showing how they testify to God’s word even in hardship. They experience suffering and death, but after three and a half days they come back to life, confirming God’s victory. This scene emphasizes that even in suffering, God’s plan will be fulfilled.
The Seventh Trumpet and the Kingdom of God (Verses 15-19)
In verse 15, the seventh angel sounds his trumpet and proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah." This signifies God’s ultimate rule and the completion of salvation. In verses 16-18, the 24 elders fall down before the throne and worship, praising God for the coming of judgment and reward. In the final verse, verse 19, the temple in heaven opens, the ark of the covenant appears, and the presence of God and the fulfillment of his promises are emphasized.
Points for Reflection
- The example of the two witnesses, who did not lose their faith in suffering, still challenges us today.
- Remembering that God’s rule and his promises will surely be fulfilled, we need to refresh our eyes for interpreting the reality we face now.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- From the place where I am, I can reflect on whether I am living a life that testifies to God’s word.
- Instead of looking at fear about the future, I should look toward God’s ultimate victory and hope with perseverance.