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The
vision starts with John being told to measure the temple of God. The Greek word
for temple is VAOS. It refers to the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies in the
temple. The temple that existed during Jesus’ life is now called Herod’s
Temple. The Holy Place, the Holy of Holies, the Brazen Altar, the Inner Court,
and Outer Courts were enclosed or surrounded by a stone wall. The Outer Court
was the area where devout Jews would worship God. The apostle was told to measure
this area - the enclosed courtyard. Only Jews were allowed to enter this area.
Gentiles were not allowed. Therefore, the Court of the Gentiles was not to be
measured (see the blue area below).
The
temple represented the nation of Israel and the Court of the Gentiles represented
the rest of the world. The “measuring” and “not measuring” symbolizes
God’s control - upper body strength - over the world and its forces. God
will give the world limited control over the city of Jerusalem and the nation
of Israel during the last half of the tribulation which is 42 months or 3.5 years.
During this period God will allow the Antichrist to rule the world (Dan. 7),
and he will believe that he has complete control. This period of time was predicted
by Jesus in Luke 21:24,
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. . and they will fall by the edge of the sword, and will
be led captive into all the nations; and Jerusalem will be
trampled under foot by the Gentiles until the times of the
Gentiles be fulfilled. (NASB) Luke 21:24 |
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