Note from Sharon: This chapter is again a double prophecy expounding on the work of God (how the Gospel dispensated or how the Mystery of God is made known to the world) during Revelation 8– Revelation 10 .
1.And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God (1 Peter 2:4-10 church of God through the ages), and the altar, and them that worship therein. (Rev. 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar (alter of burnt offering = Temple of God - 1 Chronicles 22:1 -3, under it is the foundation Isaiah 28:16 Cornerstone - the souls 1 Peter 2:5 we also living stones / Rev. 21:14,19-20) of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held (Rev. 1:9; Rev 14:12-13 - Martyrs); HEBREWS 10:19-22
2But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles (Romans 11:25, Luke 21:24, Daniel 8:13,10): and the holy city (Hebrews 12:22-24) shall they tread under foot forty and two months (Luke 21:24; Rev. 13:2-7; Dan. 7:25 time when power given to the beast or papacy)
3And I will give power unto my two witnesses (Luke 24:44; Rev. 1:9; Romans 16:26; Isaiah 8:20- The law and the prophets; Rev. 11:10 two prophets), and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. (compare to 3 ½ year ministry of Christ or Elijah or the apostles after the cross and corresponds with the “times of the Gentiles”)
4These are the two olive trees (1 Kings 6:23/Zechariah 4:3,14) Cherubim covering the ark / throne of God) , and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
5And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. (Revelation 9:17-18; Rev. 14:10)
6These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: (Elijah or Prophets – James 5:17/1 Kings 17) and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. (Moses or Law – Exodus 7-12,20)
7And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. (Rev. 17:8, Rev. 9:2 – French Revolution)
8And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. (EGW Bible Commentary Luke 21:20; GC p. 271 yr. 1793-1796)
9And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half (compare to Death of Christ), and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented (test metals by the touchstone) them that dwelt on the earth.
11And after three days and an half (resurrection of Jesus – John 2:19-raising the temple of His body; Matthew 27:) the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet (Ezekiel 37:10 – Gods great army; Ezekiel 10:17); and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
12And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud (typical of Elijah/Moses and Christ/Ezekiel 1:4,19-21;10:15-19 and ourselves as we follow them there) there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand ( Romans 11:4 those who have not bowed the knee to Baal/remnant according to the election of grace?): and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. (Points us back to Revelation 9:13-21)
15And the seventh angel sounded (Revelation 10:7 – Mystery of God is finished/Revelation 16:17/Ezekiel 9:11 we are perfected, sealed); and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.(1 Cor. 15:24-28/EGW Bible commentary 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 Light was to be given to the Gentiles/Rev.10:1-7/Book of Daniel and 7 seals)
16And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power (1 Cor. 1:18; Matthew 28:18; Acts 1:8; Daniel 12:7), and hast reigned.
18And the nations were angry (16:14-16;19:19; Isaiah 13:4), and thy wrath (indignation of God=John 2:15;Luke 19: 45-48;Mark 11:15-19;Matthew 21:12-16; Revelation 14:10,19-20; 19:15; Isaiah 13/2 Peter 3:7,10,12; Jeremiah 51:11) is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged,(John 5:25-29; Daniel 12:1,2) and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great;(Revelation 22:12; Matthew 16:27; Prov. 24:20; Ps. 19:10,11) and shouldest destroy them (Isaiah 34; Isaiah 28:21; Ezekiel 18:23) which destroy the earth. (Genesis 6:13; Rev. 9:11; Isaiah 6:11; Isaiah 14:17,4-7; Jeremiah 51:25).
19And the temple of God was opened in heaven (Hebrews 9:23,24), and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament (Exodus 25:10-22; Hebrews 10:19,20; Joshua 6:4,6,8,9; Matthew 27:51 Bible Commentary EGW John 19:30 3rd section): and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.