11:1-2 What temple is referred to here and what purpose was served in measuring it?
11:1-2 What temple is referred to here and what purpose was served in measuring it?
The temple of God here does not exist yet. It will be rebuilt by the Jews before the commencement of the seven years reign of Antichrist, who desecrates it in the middle of his reign by placing an image of himself as God, in it, and forcing people to worship the image or be killed.
It will be made desolate for the last three and a half years of the tribulation after Antichrist breaks his peace treaty with Israel (cp Dan 7:25; 8:9-14; 9:27; 12:7-12; Mt 24:15-21; 2Th 2:3-4; Rev 13:11-15). The phrase a time, times, and half a time, or the dividing of time in scripture refers to the last three and a half years - or forty-two months, as in Rev 11:2 - of the tribulation (cp Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 12:14). Rev 11:3 and 12:6 refers to this period as a thousand two hundred and three score days (cp Rev 11:3; 12:6).
During this time Antichrist makes war on Israel until God purges Israel of every rebel (cp Eze 20:33-38; Zech 13:8-9; Mal 3:1-6). We learn in Zech 13:8-9 here that altogether two thirds of the nation of Israel will perish in the tribulation.
Measuring the Jewish part of the temple - the altar and those who worship there - and not the court of the Gentiles, symbolizes measuring the spiritual condition of the Jews preparatory to their being trodden underfoot by the gentiles, under Antichrist. They will trample down both the temple, and Jerusalem (cp Lk 21:22-28; Ro 11:25).
We also learn from these scriptures that the times of the Gentiles will not end until the second three and a half years of the tribulation are finished, and Christ comes back to earth. He will deliver the Jews from the Gentiles under Antichrist, and set up an earthly kingdom over them forever (cp Dan 2:44; 7:13-14, 18, 27; Lk 1:32-33; Rev 11:15; 19:11-21).