Revelation 11
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Revelation 11:7-10, Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them. Their bodies will lie in the public square of the great city—which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified. For three and a half days some from every people, tribe, language and nation will gaze on their bodies and refuse them burial. The inhabitants of the earth will gloat over them and will celebrate by sending each other gifts, because these two prophets had tormented those who live on the earth.
This chapter includes a number of unusual events and their meaning is much disputed by scholars. First, John was told to measure the Temple but to leave the outer court alone, as that portion would be given to the Gentiles to trample on and destroy. What this suggests is that the inner court is being protected. The people of God are being protected. Just like the sealing of the 144,000, this is one more sign of divine protection for those who are faithful to Jesus.
Also interesting is that the outer court would be trampled on by Gentiles for 42 months. The three and a half year period mentioned here corresponds to the amount of time the Syrian emperor, Antiochus Epiphanes, took to torture the Jews and desecrate the Temple (what was considered the second Temple, as the first was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar when the Babylonians conquered Judah). The emperor sacrificed a pig on the sacred altar to the pagan god Zeus. This time period made such a huge impression on the Jewish people that it is often referred to when discussing any highly violent and sadistic actions perpetrated against God’s people.
We then are introduced to the two prophets who have come to testify to Jesus’ return. It is possible that these prophets represented Elijah and Moses, two Old Testament prophets that the Jews expected to return eventually and who both made their earthly exit in unconventional ways. Now, they have come back to testify that Jesus Christ is returning. But, like so many prophets before them, they are killed after testifying; the king of the Abyss comes and overpowers them. Then, their dead bodies are left for all to see in the streets. In that culture, burial was a sign of respect so having your dead body simply laying for all to see was shameful.
But after three days, God breathes life into the bodies, resurrecting them, and validating their testimony. Notice the similarities in the lives of these prophets to Jesus. That was not an accident. This whole vision, while strange to us, is pointing to the life and ministry of Jesus. He testified to the work of God in the world, he died a horrible death, was left in a tomb for three days, was resurrected by God, and all he said was validated by this new life.
The chapter closes with one last look into the throne room of God. The elders are worshiping God and praising his name. Remember, the chapter opened with John being asked to measure the earthly Temple. Now, it’s obvious the new Temple will be in heaven, where all believers will have access to the presence of God. He sees the ark of the covenant, a sign of God’s presence. For just a moment, we get a break from the difficult images of violence and evil and see what will be. It’s beautiful.
Let’s pray….Lord Jesus, We give thanks to you, Lord Almighty. You are the one who was, and is, and is to come. Your reign is great and powerful, your wrath is just. We trust you with our lives. We ask for wisdom in understanding these Scriptures. Give us ears to hear what you want us to know and give us courage to be the people you called us to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.