Morning Bible Study: Revelation 11:1-2

The Two Witnesses
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. 

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.  NLT

Commentary

(the following commentary is from www.easyenglish.bible)

"Verse 1 An angel gave John a stick that he could use to measure. It was like the ruler that an architect uses to measure land. The angel told John to measure the temple and the altar. John had to count those who worship in the temple. God would protect the area that John was measuring.

There is now no temple in Jerusalem. The Roman army destroyed it in the year AD 70 (that is, about 70 years after Jesus’ birth). But maybe there will be a new temple in Jerusalem. John must measure that temple.

Verse 2 The outer area of the temple was for the nations. The nations were those who did not worship God. They will have control of the outer area. And they will control Jerusalem (called the ‘holy city’) for 42 months. For that time, God would allow them to do this. He would not protect the city or the outer area.

The rule of the nations over Jerusalem lasts for 42 months. At the end of that period, they will not rule Jerusalem. Daniel speaks about a 7-year period (Daniel 9:27). These 42 months are the second half of that 7-year period. After the end of this time the Lord Jesus will come. He will rescue the city and he will rule over it."