CHRIS' COMMENTARY NOTES FOR REVELATION CHAPTER 11
Revelation 11: Intro.
Revelation 10:1-11:13. This is parenthetical. This means that it is like within parenthesis, like it is important but it explains something more than furthers the narrative. If you read the last part of chapter 9 and move right into chapter 11, verse 14, the story continues on. Of course a parenthetical chapter or verse is equally important as anything else, having been inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 10:1-11:13. This is parenthetical. This means that it is like within parenthesis, like it is important but it explains something more than furthers the narrative. If you read the last part of chapter 9 and move right into chapter 11, verse 14, the story continues on. Of course a parenthetical chapter or verse is equally important as anything else, having been inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Notes on Revelation 11:1-19
Revelation 11:1-13. See note titled, “Revelation 10:1-11:13” about this being combined with chapter 10 as parenthetical. Also this MIGHT BE part of the second “woe” that started in Rev. 9:13.
Revelation 11:1. John is given instructions to measure (or show what is the Lord’s) “the temple of God, the alter, and those who worship there.”
11:1. A reed like a measuring rod. In my OPINION John is given this measuring rod to show what the Lord owns and protects. Guzik notes that sometimes in the Old Testament “the idea of measuring communicates ownership, protection, and preservation” (Source 1). McGee thinks the purpose here is a measurement of time (p. 127). Matthew Henry makes a good point in likening this to a comparison of the Church. Although I don’t agree that the temple represents the Church, Henry makes good points that God often shows people what is required of them so that they can see how they compare and make appropriate changes (Source 2).
Regarding “rod”, McGee says any time in the Old or New Testament that God has measurements taken He is dealing with Israel. McGee says that “a rod is used by a shepherd” referencing Psalm 2:9 which talks about “chastisement and judgment” coming from His “rod of iron.” But McGee points out that a “rod is also for comfort” and references Psalm 23:4 (p. 127). So we have both judgment and comfort in this chapter, balanced perfectly, as God always is.
Temple of God. In my OPINION this is a very real, re-built temple. MacArthur agrees saying “a rebuilt temple will exist during the time of the Tribulation (Dan. 9:27;12:11; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4)” (p. 2005). Guzik also agrees with this theory saying, “it is more likely that this is the temple that must be on the earth for the fulfillment of what Daniel, Jesus, and Paul said about the abomination of desolation.” As noted below, there is a theory that the temple is symbolic of the Church, Guzik asks if this is the case then what is the meaning behind the alter and the numbering of the people? (Source 1).
Although Guzik has a different view (see directly above) he says many view this temple as symbolic of the church, giving these reasons: 1. The Church is referred to as a temple in Ephesians 2:19-21 (Note that McGee uses this scripture as proof of the opposite theory!), 2. In 1 Peter 2:5, Peter calls the Church a temple, (Source 1). McGee disagrees with the idea that the Church is this temple, saying that this should be translated as limited to “the Holy of Holies” and it only references back to the Old Testament because “there is no temple given to the church. The church is a temple of the Holy Spirit today; that is, believers (not a building) are the temple of the Holy Spirit” then quotes Ephesians 2:21-22 (pp. 127-128). Note that Guzik above says some use this same passage as proof for the opposite theory! Also note that MacArthur concurs that this should be translated “Holy of Holies” and isn’t referring to the entire temple (p. 2005).
The altar. In my OPINION this is a literal altar for burnt offerings. McGee disagrees, saying this is the “golden alter of prayer since the alter for burnt offerings was not in the temple proper but in the outer court” (p. 128). MacArthur thinks that coupled with the reference to worshippers (i.e. “Those who worship there”) this alter is “the bronze altar in the courtyard, not the incense altar in the Holy Place, since only the priests were permitted inside the Holy Place (cf. Luke 1:8-10)” (p. 2005).
Those who worship there. In my OPINION this is the true Israel nation of believers. Guzik says, “In point of fact, today there are Jews very interested in rebuilding the temple and resuming sacrifice, and are making preparations to do that exact thing even now.” Guzik goes on to give proof (Source 1).
11: 2. Leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. In my OPINION this is saying: God doesn’t call the Gentiles in the outer court His children. Since God communicates His ownership by measuring, He doesn’t own the outer court or the Gentiles inhabiting it. When we look at the literal ancient site of the Temple it seems that the outer court mentioned here is the Islamic Dome of the Rock shrine. So if Islam’s followers don’t follow God then they are not to be owned or protected by God (see note in Rev. 11:1 titled, “Those who worship there” for more on who god does protect and call His children.
Guzik says, “When the city of Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans, they destroyed the city so completely that the foundations of the old temple are not easily found. Most have long assumed that the Dome of the Rock shrine stands on the place of the old temple. But new research gives some evidence that the temple may have stood to the north where the Dome of the Rock shrine is today, and that if the temple were to be rebuilt at its old place, the Dome of the Rock shrine would be in its outer courts” (Source 1).
Tread the holy city underfoot. This means that Gentiles will blaspheme the outer court of Jerusalem. Guzik quotes “Greek scholar A.T. Robertson [who] says that to tread underfoot means ‘to trample with contempt’” (Source 1).
By mentioning “holy city” it is another proof that this isn’t symbolic of the Church but referring to a literal, re-built Temple.
For forty-two months. 42 months of course translates into 3 ½ years which is commonly referred to as “The Great Tribulation”. See note on “Keys to Understanding Revelation 4-22” under “The Tribulation” specifically, “The 7 Years, 3 ½ Years, the Beast”, for more.
11:3. I will give power. The angel will give the two witnesses “power” because he has received authority from Jesus. The power they have to preach the word, breath fire, to resurrect, etc. can only be given by God.
To my two witnesses. These Two Witnesses take center stage for the rest of the first half of chapter 11. Although there is no way to know who these two are (Godet says if we were meant to know we would have some indication, according to McGee, p. 129) many people think they know. I don’t know who they are but I know they are men*, whether they have lived in the past or not. There are many, many different theories** but note that in Zechariah 4:1-14, God tells the prophet Zechariah that the “two olive trees – at the right of the lampstand and at its left” are “the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth”.
The word “my” is interesting here because we think of these witnesses being Jesus’ (and they are!) but they have been given into the hand of this mighty angel. He is to protect them and make sure they are doing God’s will.
*Two Men: Initially I had wondered if these might be angels but all information I could find disputes that. Guzik clearly states, “In the ancient Greek grammar, all the nouns used to speak of the two witnesses in this passage are in the masculine gender. The two witnesses are definitely two men” (Source 1).
**Two Witnesses, Different Theories: 1. The main theory I have heard is that these are two men, most likely Enoch and Elijah because they are the two recorded as not “dying” but being taken up into heaven and since every man must die, then their death (in Rev. 11:7) would take care of that problem. 2. According to McGee some think they could be John Huss, Pope Sylvester, Waldenson, and also the Two Testaments (like Old and New), Moses and Elijah and McGee himself thinks its Elijah and John the Baptist (pp. 130-131), 3. Henry says, “Some think these two witnesses are Enoch and Elias [i.e. Elijah], who are to return to the earth for a time: others, the church of the believing Jews and that of the Gentiles: it should rather seem that they are God's eminent faithful ministers, who shall not only continue to profess the Christian religion, but to preach it, in the worst of times” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Rev/Rev_011.cfm?a=1178001). 4. Guzik doesn’t even venture a guess at who they are but he does compare: “The two witnesses have the power to bring both drought and plague, similar to the power Elijah (James 5:17-18) and Moses (Exodus 7-12) had” (Source 1).
11:4. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. All that we know is that these Two Witnesses are men, see note on Rev. 11:3 titled, “To my two witnesses.” Interestingly in Zechariah 4:1-14, God tells the prophet Zechariah that the “two olive trees – at the right of the lampstand and at its left” are “the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth”.
11:5. Wants to harm them. In the Hebrew “wants” has the connotation of “thinks” so whoever even seriously thinks about trying to hurt the witnesses are blasted with fire from their mouths.
11:7. finish their testimony. Note that “the beast” isn’t more powerful than the power of God keeping the Witnesses alive and they aren’t stopped before God’s timing says they are done.
The beast. Many consider this to be the Anti-Christ. The reference is made to the demon (from hell – the “bottomless pit”) that has possessed the man called “Anti-Christ.” Matthew Henry says this is, “Antichrist, the great instrument of the devil, should make war against them, not only with the arms of subtle and sophistical learning, but chiefly with open force and violence; and God would permit his enemies to prevail against his witnesses for a time” (Source 2). Guzik says, “(first introduced in Revelation 9:11, most likely Satan himself)” (Source 1).
11:8. Great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where our Lord was crucified. This is Jerusalem because “the great city” usually refers to Jerusalem and because that is where Jesus (“our Lord”) was crucified. Equally as important as identifying the city is what it is compared to:
“Sodom” is known for it’s sinfulness and disobedience towards God, the two angels pronouncing judgment and Lot’s wife being turned to salt. Isaiah also makes this comparison (Is. 1:10). Guzik says Sodom is, “speaking of immorality” (Source 1).
When referenced like this “Egypt” refers to bondage. McGee says, “it is called Egypt because the world has entered into every fiber of its life – social and political” (p. 135). Guzik says Egypt is, “speaking of oppression and slavery” (Source 1).
11:9. Dead bodies. The word for “dead bodies” is ptoma (G#4430) meaning “fall, downfall” metaphorically a defeat but literally “a corpse, a carcass” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4430&t=KJV).
Three-and-a-half days. This confirms that the Witnesses are truly dead. They didn’t faint, they aren’t playing opossum. Everyone will be watching and they don’t get up for water or food - they are 100% dead. God always makes sure His miracles (here, their resurrection in Rev. 11:11) are without question, just as Jesus was three days in the grave.
Not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. This shows the hatred the non-believers have for the Witnesses. They deny them proper burial, leaving them to rot in the street.
Revelation 11:10. The un-believers are so relieved that they end up overjoyed when the Witnesses die. Its shocking that they throw a party but one word stands out to show their mindset: “tormented.” The non-believers felt “tormented” by what the Witnesses said and did (killing those who plotted against them). Remember this has lasted 3.5 years, it has felt like an eternity to anyone who has stayed alive. In reality the Witnesses have been preaching salvation, but the world views that as “torment.”
11:11. After the three-and-a-half days. See note on Rev. 11:9 titled, “Three-and-a-half days” for more.
The breath of life from God. “the breath” is literally “the Spirit” which is pneuma (G4151) meaning “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit” and “the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4151&t=KJV). And “of life” is zoe (G2222) meaning “life: the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate; every living soul (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2222&t=KJV).
Great fear fell on those who saw them. The non-believers realize that all of their joy, partying and relief prior to this was in vain. God shows Himself to be more powerful over and over and, although they seem sorry (see Rev. 11:13 note titled, “The rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven”) it doesn’t appear to be true repentance.
11:12. “Come up here.” See Rev. 4:1.
Revelation 11:13. See note titled, “Revelation 10:1-11:13” about this ending the parenthetical section that began in chapter 10. Also this MIGHT BE the end of the second “woe” that started in Rev. 9:13.
11:13. A great earthquake. This is caused by God, in His righteous judgment, which ultimately drives people to glorify Him.
The rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. In my OPINION this is not true repentance on their part. It reminds me of Rev. 6:16-17, when the non-believers can’t take any more judgment and recognize God, but they don’t repent from their sin and follow God. Henry actually thinks this is true repentance; he says, “Thus, when God's work and witnesses revive, the devil's work and witnesses fall before him” (Source 2). Guzik says, “An earthquake brings judgment, and moves many to give glory to God. But it remains to be seen if this will become true repentance unto salvation” (Source 1). John Brown also questions true repentance: “Unfortunately Rev. 16:11 tell us that they "blaspheme the God of heaven" once again as they begin to experience His Judgments again…There is a lot of difference in being "sorry" and truly repentant!” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/brown_john/Rev/Chap_11.cfm?a=1178001).
Revelation 11:14- 20:3. The “Third Woe”. “The third woe is revealed after the seventh trumpet judgment. This woe is parallel to the trumpet that sounds in Joel 2 and signals the consummation of God’s plan for the entire world. This third woe marks the finishing of God’s judgment on sin; it occupies the book of Revelation through the 19th chapter [I say 20:3 because Satan is bound for 1,000 years when earth is officially at peace], when Christ’s Kingdom is established on earth. Incorporated within this third and final woe are the seven “bowls” of God’s wrath, described in Revelation 16:1-21” (http://www.gotquestions.org/three-woes.html). See notes on “Revelation 9:3-20:3” for more.
11:18. Those who destroy the earth. This could be the rebellious people who tried to kill the two Witnesses and then partied when the beast killed them. Their rebellion against God caused “a great earthquake” (Rev. 11:13) among other things which destroyed the earth. See note “Revelation 11:14- 20:3” for more on the “third woe” time frame.
11:17. The One who is and who was and who is to come. This is Jesus. See notes on Rev. 1:8 titled, “‘I am the Alpha and Omega’” and “The Almighty” for more.
11:18. The time of the dead. All will die, it just depends one where people have decided where they will go. If you have decided to be angry (“the nations were angry”) with God then you have said you will be your own lawyer and think you can take care of yourself when God’s judgment comes. The problem is that God’s economy only accepts a perfect substitution – so you will go to hell. But if you have believed in Jesus and decided that you will be His “servant” then you will go to the Great White Throne Judgment to receive your rewards.
Reward Your servants the prophets and the saints. It is so fitting to call all believers God’s “servants.” Regardless of what God gave you to do, “prophesy” or be “saintly”, we are all “servants.” This makes me think of Jesus’ parable of the talents. If God gave you the ability to do one thing and you did it (with His help) to the best of your ability then you will be rewarded. The same with if you were given 10 talents (we think of the Billy Graham’s and Spurgeon’s). But if you weren’t faithful with what He called you to do, you will not receive that reward. See note on Rev. 2:11 titled, “Second death” for more.
11:19. Temple of God. This is the very real temple mentioned at the beginning of this chapter (see note on Rev. 11:1 titled, “Temple of God”). See note titled “The Temple” under “Keys to Understanding Revelation 4-22” at the beginning of Revelation chapter 4 for more).
The ark of the covenant. In my OPINION this is the literal “ark of the covenant” made at the command of God in Exodus 25:10-16. Guzik disagrees saying here it refers to “God’s throne, the place where the previously mentioned resolution will come from” (Source 1). The reason I think this is the literal ark of the covenant is because God shows that He is faithful to complete what He has promised. The ark is also called “the ark of the Testimony”, testimony is “evidence” or “proof”, God’s witness that He has never broken a promise – regardless of how His people have broken theirs. Guzik quotes Alford and is correct in saying, “The ark of the covenant is "The symbol of God's faithfulness in bestowing grace on His people, and inflicting vengeance on His people's enemies" (Source 1).
References:
Source 1: David Guzik, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Rev/Rev_11.cfm?a=1178001
Source 2: Matthew Henry, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Rev/Rev_011.cfm?a=1178002
J. Vernon McGee, Revelation: Chapter 6-13.
John MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible, 2007.
Revelation 11:1-13. See note titled, “Revelation 10:1-11:13” about this being combined with chapter 10 as parenthetical. Also this MIGHT BE part of the second “woe” that started in Rev. 9:13.
Revelation 11:1. John is given instructions to measure (or show what is the Lord’s) “the temple of God, the alter, and those who worship there.”
11:1. A reed like a measuring rod. In my OPINION John is given this measuring rod to show what the Lord owns and protects. Guzik notes that sometimes in the Old Testament “the idea of measuring communicates ownership, protection, and preservation” (Source 1). McGee thinks the purpose here is a measurement of time (p. 127). Matthew Henry makes a good point in likening this to a comparison of the Church. Although I don’t agree that the temple represents the Church, Henry makes good points that God often shows people what is required of them so that they can see how they compare and make appropriate changes (Source 2).
Regarding “rod”, McGee says any time in the Old or New Testament that God has measurements taken He is dealing with Israel. McGee says that “a rod is used by a shepherd” referencing Psalm 2:9 which talks about “chastisement and judgment” coming from His “rod of iron.” But McGee points out that a “rod is also for comfort” and references Psalm 23:4 (p. 127). So we have both judgment and comfort in this chapter, balanced perfectly, as God always is.
Temple of God. In my OPINION this is a very real, re-built temple. MacArthur agrees saying “a rebuilt temple will exist during the time of the Tribulation (Dan. 9:27;12:11; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4)” (p. 2005). Guzik also agrees with this theory saying, “it is more likely that this is the temple that must be on the earth for the fulfillment of what Daniel, Jesus, and Paul said about the abomination of desolation.” As noted below, there is a theory that the temple is symbolic of the Church, Guzik asks if this is the case then what is the meaning behind the alter and the numbering of the people? (Source 1).
Although Guzik has a different view (see directly above) he says many view this temple as symbolic of the church, giving these reasons: 1. The Church is referred to as a temple in Ephesians 2:19-21 (Note that McGee uses this scripture as proof of the opposite theory!), 2. In 1 Peter 2:5, Peter calls the Church a temple, (Source 1). McGee disagrees with the idea that the Church is this temple, saying that this should be translated as limited to “the Holy of Holies” and it only references back to the Old Testament because “there is no temple given to the church. The church is a temple of the Holy Spirit today; that is, believers (not a building) are the temple of the Holy Spirit” then quotes Ephesians 2:21-22 (pp. 127-128). Note that Guzik above says some use this same passage as proof for the opposite theory! Also note that MacArthur concurs that this should be translated “Holy of Holies” and isn’t referring to the entire temple (p. 2005).
The altar. In my OPINION this is a literal altar for burnt offerings. McGee disagrees, saying this is the “golden alter of prayer since the alter for burnt offerings was not in the temple proper but in the outer court” (p. 128). MacArthur thinks that coupled with the reference to worshippers (i.e. “Those who worship there”) this alter is “the bronze altar in the courtyard, not the incense altar in the Holy Place, since only the priests were permitted inside the Holy Place (cf. Luke 1:8-10)” (p. 2005).
Those who worship there. In my OPINION this is the true Israel nation of believers. Guzik says, “In point of fact, today there are Jews very interested in rebuilding the temple and resuming sacrifice, and are making preparations to do that exact thing even now.” Guzik goes on to give proof (Source 1).
11: 2. Leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. In my OPINION this is saying: God doesn’t call the Gentiles in the outer court His children. Since God communicates His ownership by measuring, He doesn’t own the outer court or the Gentiles inhabiting it. When we look at the literal ancient site of the Temple it seems that the outer court mentioned here is the Islamic Dome of the Rock shrine. So if Islam’s followers don’t follow God then they are not to be owned or protected by God (see note in Rev. 11:1 titled, “Those who worship there” for more on who god does protect and call His children.
Guzik says, “When the city of Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans, they destroyed the city so completely that the foundations of the old temple are not easily found. Most have long assumed that the Dome of the Rock shrine stands on the place of the old temple. But new research gives some evidence that the temple may have stood to the north where the Dome of the Rock shrine is today, and that if the temple were to be rebuilt at its old place, the Dome of the Rock shrine would be in its outer courts” (Source 1).
Tread the holy city underfoot. This means that Gentiles will blaspheme the outer court of Jerusalem. Guzik quotes “Greek scholar A.T. Robertson [who] says that to tread underfoot means ‘to trample with contempt’” (Source 1).
By mentioning “holy city” it is another proof that this isn’t symbolic of the Church but referring to a literal, re-built Temple.
For forty-two months. 42 months of course translates into 3 ½ years which is commonly referred to as “The Great Tribulation”. See note on “Keys to Understanding Revelation 4-22” under “The Tribulation” specifically, “The 7 Years, 3 ½ Years, the Beast”, for more.
11:3. I will give power. The angel will give the two witnesses “power” because he has received authority from Jesus. The power they have to preach the word, breath fire, to resurrect, etc. can only be given by God.
To my two witnesses. These Two Witnesses take center stage for the rest of the first half of chapter 11. Although there is no way to know who these two are (Godet says if we were meant to know we would have some indication, according to McGee, p. 129) many people think they know. I don’t know who they are but I know they are men*, whether they have lived in the past or not. There are many, many different theories** but note that in Zechariah 4:1-14, God tells the prophet Zechariah that the “two olive trees – at the right of the lampstand and at its left” are “the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth”.
The word “my” is interesting here because we think of these witnesses being Jesus’ (and they are!) but they have been given into the hand of this mighty angel. He is to protect them and make sure they are doing God’s will.
*Two Men: Initially I had wondered if these might be angels but all information I could find disputes that. Guzik clearly states, “In the ancient Greek grammar, all the nouns used to speak of the two witnesses in this passage are in the masculine gender. The two witnesses are definitely two men” (Source 1).
**Two Witnesses, Different Theories: 1. The main theory I have heard is that these are two men, most likely Enoch and Elijah because they are the two recorded as not “dying” but being taken up into heaven and since every man must die, then their death (in Rev. 11:7) would take care of that problem. 2. According to McGee some think they could be John Huss, Pope Sylvester, Waldenson, and also the Two Testaments (like Old and New), Moses and Elijah and McGee himself thinks its Elijah and John the Baptist (pp. 130-131), 3. Henry says, “Some think these two witnesses are Enoch and Elias [i.e. Elijah], who are to return to the earth for a time: others, the church of the believing Jews and that of the Gentiles: it should rather seem that they are God's eminent faithful ministers, who shall not only continue to profess the Christian religion, but to preach it, in the worst of times” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Rev/Rev_011.cfm?a=1178001). 4. Guzik doesn’t even venture a guess at who they are but he does compare: “The two witnesses have the power to bring both drought and plague, similar to the power Elijah (James 5:17-18) and Moses (Exodus 7-12) had” (Source 1).
11:4. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. All that we know is that these Two Witnesses are men, see note on Rev. 11:3 titled, “To my two witnesses.” Interestingly in Zechariah 4:1-14, God tells the prophet Zechariah that the “two olive trees – at the right of the lampstand and at its left” are “the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth”.
11:5. Wants to harm them. In the Hebrew “wants” has the connotation of “thinks” so whoever even seriously thinks about trying to hurt the witnesses are blasted with fire from their mouths.
11:7. finish their testimony. Note that “the beast” isn’t more powerful than the power of God keeping the Witnesses alive and they aren’t stopped before God’s timing says they are done.
The beast. Many consider this to be the Anti-Christ. The reference is made to the demon (from hell – the “bottomless pit”) that has possessed the man called “Anti-Christ.” Matthew Henry says this is, “Antichrist, the great instrument of the devil, should make war against them, not only with the arms of subtle and sophistical learning, but chiefly with open force and violence; and God would permit his enemies to prevail against his witnesses for a time” (Source 2). Guzik says, “(first introduced in Revelation 9:11, most likely Satan himself)” (Source 1).
11:8. Great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where our Lord was crucified. This is Jerusalem because “the great city” usually refers to Jerusalem and because that is where Jesus (“our Lord”) was crucified. Equally as important as identifying the city is what it is compared to:
“Sodom” is known for it’s sinfulness and disobedience towards God, the two angels pronouncing judgment and Lot’s wife being turned to salt. Isaiah also makes this comparison (Is. 1:10). Guzik says Sodom is, “speaking of immorality” (Source 1).
When referenced like this “Egypt” refers to bondage. McGee says, “it is called Egypt because the world has entered into every fiber of its life – social and political” (p. 135). Guzik says Egypt is, “speaking of oppression and slavery” (Source 1).
11:9. Dead bodies. The word for “dead bodies” is ptoma (G#4430) meaning “fall, downfall” metaphorically a defeat but literally “a corpse, a carcass” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4430&t=KJV).
Three-and-a-half days. This confirms that the Witnesses are truly dead. They didn’t faint, they aren’t playing opossum. Everyone will be watching and they don’t get up for water or food - they are 100% dead. God always makes sure His miracles (here, their resurrection in Rev. 11:11) are without question, just as Jesus was three days in the grave.
Not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. This shows the hatred the non-believers have for the Witnesses. They deny them proper burial, leaving them to rot in the street.
Revelation 11:10. The un-believers are so relieved that they end up overjoyed when the Witnesses die. Its shocking that they throw a party but one word stands out to show their mindset: “tormented.” The non-believers felt “tormented” by what the Witnesses said and did (killing those who plotted against them). Remember this has lasted 3.5 years, it has felt like an eternity to anyone who has stayed alive. In reality the Witnesses have been preaching salvation, but the world views that as “torment.”
11:11. After the three-and-a-half days. See note on Rev. 11:9 titled, “Three-and-a-half days” for more.
The breath of life from God. “the breath” is literally “the Spirit” which is pneuma (G4151) meaning “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit” and “the spirit, i.e. the vital principal by which the body is animated” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4151&t=KJV). And “of life” is zoe (G2222) meaning “life: the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate; every living soul (http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G2222&t=KJV).
Great fear fell on those who saw them. The non-believers realize that all of their joy, partying and relief prior to this was in vain. God shows Himself to be more powerful over and over and, although they seem sorry (see Rev. 11:13 note titled, “The rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven”) it doesn’t appear to be true repentance.
11:12. “Come up here.” See Rev. 4:1.
Revelation 11:13. See note titled, “Revelation 10:1-11:13” about this ending the parenthetical section that began in chapter 10. Also this MIGHT BE the end of the second “woe” that started in Rev. 9:13.
11:13. A great earthquake. This is caused by God, in His righteous judgment, which ultimately drives people to glorify Him.
The rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. In my OPINION this is not true repentance on their part. It reminds me of Rev. 6:16-17, when the non-believers can’t take any more judgment and recognize God, but they don’t repent from their sin and follow God. Henry actually thinks this is true repentance; he says, “Thus, when God's work and witnesses revive, the devil's work and witnesses fall before him” (Source 2). Guzik says, “An earthquake brings judgment, and moves many to give glory to God. But it remains to be seen if this will become true repentance unto salvation” (Source 1). John Brown also questions true repentance: “Unfortunately Rev. 16:11 tell us that they "blaspheme the God of heaven" once again as they begin to experience His Judgments again…There is a lot of difference in being "sorry" and truly repentant!” (http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/brown_john/Rev/Chap_11.cfm?a=1178001).
Revelation 11:14- 20:3. The “Third Woe”. “The third woe is revealed after the seventh trumpet judgment. This woe is parallel to the trumpet that sounds in Joel 2 and signals the consummation of God’s plan for the entire world. This third woe marks the finishing of God’s judgment on sin; it occupies the book of Revelation through the 19th chapter [I say 20:3 because Satan is bound for 1,000 years when earth is officially at peace], when Christ’s Kingdom is established on earth. Incorporated within this third and final woe are the seven “bowls” of God’s wrath, described in Revelation 16:1-21” (http://www.gotquestions.org/three-woes.html). See notes on “Revelation 9:3-20:3” for more.
11:18. Those who destroy the earth. This could be the rebellious people who tried to kill the two Witnesses and then partied when the beast killed them. Their rebellion against God caused “a great earthquake” (Rev. 11:13) among other things which destroyed the earth. See note “Revelation 11:14- 20:3” for more on the “third woe” time frame.
11:17. The One who is and who was and who is to come. This is Jesus. See notes on Rev. 1:8 titled, “‘I am the Alpha and Omega’” and “The Almighty” for more.
11:18. The time of the dead. All will die, it just depends one where people have decided where they will go. If you have decided to be angry (“the nations were angry”) with God then you have said you will be your own lawyer and think you can take care of yourself when God’s judgment comes. The problem is that God’s economy only accepts a perfect substitution – so you will go to hell. But if you have believed in Jesus and decided that you will be His “servant” then you will go to the Great White Throne Judgment to receive your rewards.
Reward Your servants the prophets and the saints. It is so fitting to call all believers God’s “servants.” Regardless of what God gave you to do, “prophesy” or be “saintly”, we are all “servants.” This makes me think of Jesus’ parable of the talents. If God gave you the ability to do one thing and you did it (with His help) to the best of your ability then you will be rewarded. The same with if you were given 10 talents (we think of the Billy Graham’s and Spurgeon’s). But if you weren’t faithful with what He called you to do, you will not receive that reward. See note on Rev. 2:11 titled, “Second death” for more.
11:19. Temple of God. This is the very real temple mentioned at the beginning of this chapter (see note on Rev. 11:1 titled, “Temple of God”). See note titled “The Temple” under “Keys to Understanding Revelation 4-22” at the beginning of Revelation chapter 4 for more).
The ark of the covenant. In my OPINION this is the literal “ark of the covenant” made at the command of God in Exodus 25:10-16. Guzik disagrees saying here it refers to “God’s throne, the place where the previously mentioned resolution will come from” (Source 1). The reason I think this is the literal ark of the covenant is because God shows that He is faithful to complete what He has promised. The ark is also called “the ark of the Testimony”, testimony is “evidence” or “proof”, God’s witness that He has never broken a promise – regardless of how His people have broken theirs. Guzik quotes Alford and is correct in saying, “The ark of the covenant is "The symbol of God's faithfulness in bestowing grace on His people, and inflicting vengeance on His people's enemies" (Source 1).
References:
Source 1: David Guzik, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Rev/Rev_11.cfm?a=1178001
Source 2: Matthew Henry, http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Rev/Rev_011.cfm?a=1178002
J. Vernon McGee, Revelation: Chapter 6-13.
John MacArthur, The MacArthur Study Bible, 2007.