The New Temple

"Then I was given a stick like a measuring stick. I was told, 'Stand up and measure the temple of God and the altar. Count those who worship there. But do not measure the temple courtyard. Leave that out, because it is given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for 42 months.' " (Revelation 11:1,2 - God's Word)

John is given a measuring rod in order to measure the temple. The last Jewish temple was destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. The site of the temple is now occupied by a Muslim mosque and the Dome of the Rock; the third most important structure in the Islamic faith. Some believe that the temple can be rebuilt on its original site without removing the Dome of the Rock.

Sometime early in the Tribulation period or before, the temple will be rebuilt. Ezekiel chapters forty to forty two are believed to describe this temple. Ever since Israel became a nation in 1948, there have been Jewish groups seeking to have the temple rebuilt. There is said to be a school in Israel that is training priests to work in the new temple.

John is told to measure the temple and the inner court where people worship the Lord. However, he is not to measure the Court of the Gentiles. If the Dome of the Rock is left in place, it will be in the Court of the Gentiles. This may be why John was not to measure this area. It will be used by the Muslims.

For the first half of the Tribulation, the Jews will peacefully worship at their new temple. Then the Anti-Christ will break the peace treaty with Israel and for forty two months the holy city will be again under Gentile control.