Revelation 11:1-2 BSB (Berean Standard Bible)

“1Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there. 2But exclude the courtyard outside the temple. Do not measure it, because it has been given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.”

The Messianic Age

When we read the book of Revelation, we need to read it in light of the time period in which it was written, and the time period in which it was referencing, both of which are of the Messianic age. If we do that, we must arrive at the conclusion that “the temple of God” mentioned here is the church, the body of Christ, the body of people of faith in Jesus Christ under the headship of Christ. And the altar is in reference to our worship of God, and true worship of God has to do with us surrendering our lives to God.

A Measurement

And a measurement is an evaluation, an appraisal, and a judgment with regard to the moral and spiritual condition of the temple (the church), such as what we read about in Revelation 2:1-29 and Revelation 3:1-22. There were 7 churches specifically addressed in Revelation 2-3. And these were not buildings called “churches,” and they were not affiliated with any particular church denomination, and they were not incorporated (merged, partnered) with the state (the government) and with the world, as many are today.

They were the collective body of Christ in 7 specific cities which covered the entire city in those cities. So, since they primarily met in people’s small homes, there were probably multiple gatherings of the church collectively within each city. And so, in some of the evaluations, there was a mixture within one city of both those who were following the Lord in obedience and those who were not, or those who were following the Lord in some areas but were neglecting him and his commands in other critical areas of faith.

The Worshipers

And who are the worshipers? They are not just those going through the motions of religious practice. They are not those who are just singing a group of “worship” songs, some of which today have nothing to do with biblical worship of God, or else they teach what is contrary to the teachings of the Scriptures. Those who worship God, in truth, are those who, by faith in Christ, have died to sin and are obeying God in practice, in the power of God, and who are following the Lord daily wherever he leads them.

So, this is about what we read about in Revelation 2-3 where the churches were being evaluated to see which ones were true worshippers of God, who were living for the Lord, in service to him, in obedience to his commands, and who were no longer living in sin, addicted to sinful practices, but who were now living holy lives, pleasing to God. And it was about seeing who needed correction and instruction on what they needed to do to repent, to change, and to be in alignment with God’s will and purpose for their lives.

The Church

For, collectively, we comprise “the church of God,” the only true church, and this is NOT in reference to a church denomination by that title, but this is speaking of the only church which is the universal body of believers in Jesus Christ throughout the entire world. And “the courtyard outside the temple” is in reference to the world, for it is outside of Christ, outside of his biblical body of believers in Christ. And this includes many people who make professions of faith in Christ but who are living outside of his commands.

And “the holy city” is no longer in Jerusalem. The holy city is now the city of God, the church, the body of believers in Christ (see Galatians 3:26-29; Galatians 4:22-31). And “the nations” who are and will “trample the holy city” include the physical and political nation called “Israel,” which does not accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah. And all who deny that Jesus is the Christ are “the antichrist” according to 1 John 2:22. So this is speaking of the world coming against those of genuine biblical faith in Jesus Christ.

Bible verses on biblical Israel:[Genesis 17:7-9; Genesis 18:19; Matthew 21:43; John 8:18-19,38-47; John 10:16; Romans 2:28-29; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; Romans 9:4-8,25-28; Romans 11:1-36; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Galatians 3:16,26-29; Galatians 4:22-31; Ephesians 2:11-22; Ephesians 3:1-6; Colossians 3:12-15; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-16; Hebrews 8:6-13; 1 Peter 2:9-10,24; 1 John 2:22; Jude 1:5; Revelation 2:9; Revelation 3:9]

They Will Trample the Holy City
An Original Work / July 22, 2026
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

Jerusalem

An Original Work / May 2, 2011
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

…you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God… Hebrews 12:22

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, hear now your King of kings.
He speaks to you, Jerusalem, in all His majesty.
Oh, listen now, Jerusalem, He’s calling out to you.
Hear Him call you, Jerusalem; He’s waiting now for you.
Won’t you bow down, Jerusalem? Let Christ make you anew!

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, hear God’s call to obey
Your Lord and Savior, Christ the King; trust Him without delay.
Turn from your sin, Jerusalem; let Christ rule in your hearts.
Invite Him now, Jerusalem, to save you; grace impart,
And purify, Jerusalem, your hearts of all your sin!

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, hear your God’s final plea
To come to Him, Jerusalem, right now on bended knee.
Make Him your Lord, Jerusalem; He’s your Messiah, King.
Honor Him as the Holy One, your off’rings to Him bring.
And serve Him now, Jerusalem, for He is Christ your King!