CHAPTER XI. _The command to measure the temple_, 1, 2. _The two witnesses which should prophesy_ twelve hundred and sixty _days_, 3. _The description, power, and influence of these witnesses_, 4-6. _They shall be slain by the beast which shall arise out of the_ _bottomless pit, and shall arise... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:2. _BUT THE COURT-IS GIVEN UNTO THE GENTILES_] The measuring of the temple probably refers to its approaching _destruction_, and the _termination_ of the whole _Levitical service_; and this we find was to be done by the Gentiles, (Romans,) who were to tread it down forty-two mont... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:3. _MY TWO WITNESSES_] This is extremely obscure; the conjectures of interpreters are as unsatisfactory as they are endless on this point. _Conjecturas conjecturis superstruunt, parum_ _verosimiles_, says Rosenmuller: _quorum sententias enarrare, meum_ _non est_. I say the same.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:4. _THESE ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES_] Mentioned Zechariah 4:14, which there represent _Zerubbabel_ and _Joshua_ the high priest. The whole account seems taken from Zechariah 4:1. Whether the prophet and the apostle mean the same things by these emblems, we know not.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:5. _FIRE PROCEEDETH OUT OF THEIR MOUTH_] That is, they are commissioned to denounce the judgments of God against all who would attempt to prevent them from proceeding in their ministry.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:6. _THESE HAVE POWER TO SHUT HEAVEN_] As _Elijah_ did, 1 Kings 17:1. _TO TURN THEM TO BLOOD_] As Moses did, Exodus 7:19-2. They shall have power to afflict the land with plagues, similar to those which were inflicted on the Egyptians.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:7. _THE BEAST THAT ASCENDED OUT OF THE BOTTOMLESS PIT_] This may be what is called _antichrist_; some power that is opposed to genuine Christianity. But _what_ or _whence_, except _from the_ _bottomless pit_, i.e., under the influence and appointment of the devil, we cannot tell... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:8. _THE GREAT CITY_] Some say _Rome_, which may be spiritually called _Sodom_ for its _abominations, Egypt_ for its _tyrannous_ _cruelty_, and the _place where our Lord was crucified_, because of its persecution of the members of Christ; but _Jerusalem_ itself may be intended. Al... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:9. _SHALL NOT SUFFER THEIR DEAD BODIES TO BE PUT IN_ _GRAVES__._] They shall be treated with the greatest _barbarity_. Refusal of burial to the dead was allowed to be the sum of brutality and cruelty. In popish lands they will not suffer a Protestant to have _Christian burial_, o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:10. _SHALL SEND GIFTS_] This was a custom in days of public rejoicing. They sent gifts to each other, and gave portions to the poor. See Esther 9:19; Esther 9:22.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:11. _THEY STOOD UPON THEIR FEET_] Were restored to their primitive state.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:12. _THEY ASCENDED UP TO HEAVEN_] Enjoyed a state of great peace and happiness.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:13. _A GREAT EARTHQUAKE_] Violent commotions among the persecutors, and revolutions of states. _SLAIN OF MEN SEVEN THOUSAND_] Many perished in these popular commotions. _THE REMNANT WERE AFFRIGHTED_] Seeing the hand of God's judgments so remarkably stretched out. _GAVE GLORY_]... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:14. _THE SECONDS WO IS PAST_] That which took place under the _sixth trumpet_, and has been already described. _THE THIRD WO COMETH_] Is about to be described under the _seventh_ _trumpet_, which the angel is now prepared to sound. Of the _three woes_ which were denounced, Rev... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:15. _THERE WERE GREAT VOICES IN HEAVEN_] All the heavenly host-angels and redeemed human spirits, joined together to magnify God; that he had utterly discomfited his enemies and rendered his friends glorious. This will be truly the case when the kingdoms of this world become the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:16. _THE FOUR AND TWENTY ELDERS_] The representatives of the universal Church of Christ. See on Revelation 5:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:17. _O LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, WHICH ART_] This gives a proper view of God in his eternity; all _times_ are here comprehended, the _present_, the _past_, and the _future_. This is the infinitude of God. _HAST TAKEN TO THEE_] Thou hast _exercised_ that power which thou ever hast; and... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:18. _THE NATIONS WERE ANGRY_] Were enraged against thy Gospel, and determined to destroy it. _THY WRATH IS COME_] The time to avenge thy servants and to destroy all thy enemies. _THE TIME OF THE DEAD, THAT THEY SHOULD BE JUDGED_] The word κρινειν, _to judge_, is often used in t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Revelation 11:19. _THE TEMPLE OF GOD WAS OPENED IN HEAVEN_] The true worship of God was established and performed in the Christian Church; this is the true temple, that at Jerusalem being destroyed. _AND THERE WERE LIGHTNINGS, AND VOICES, AND THUNDERINGS, AND AN_ _EARTHQUAKE, AND GREAT HAIL__... [ Continue Reading ]