Marko Jauhiainen, «The Measuring of the Sanctuary Reconsidered (Rev 11,1-2)», Vol. 83 (2002) 507-526
The act of measuring in Rev 11,1-2 does not portray the Church as spiritually protected but physically vulnerable, as normally thought. Not only are there lexical and interpretive difficulties with the traditional view, it is also not supported by the OT and extra-biblical evidence commonly adduced. Reading two kai/j differently and recognizing an allusion to Ezek 8:16 LXX addresses both the lexical and interpretive issues. The act of measuring is used to communicate the fact that contrary to Ezek 8–9, this time God will not abandon his earthly sanctuary, though idolatry among his people will still be judged.
other passages sometimes adduced, namely Hen(aeth) 61,1-5 and 1QHa XIV (VI), 25-27.
1. Examination of Key Passages
With respect to Hen(aeth) 61, it is easy to agree with Charles that "the exact meaning of measuring in this passage is difficult to determine"24. More uncertain, however, is his contention that the general sense of measuring is nevertheless clear, signifying "spiritual preservation... or restoration of those who had been physically destroyed, to the spiritual community of the Messianic Kingdom"25. Rather, the measuring of the "lots of the righteous" seems to refer to "the allocation of the promised land in paradise", possibly as a reward for faithfulness, as Black suggests26. Furthermore, Black maintains that the reading according to which measuring or measures will "strengthen righteousness"27 is a "most improbable original"28. Thus, while vv. 1-5 as a whole appear to refer to the final gathering and resurrection of the righteous to the presence of the Lord of spirits, it cannot be established that angels’ measuring actually signifies the protection of the righteous.
The passage from Hodayot is somewhat more relevant to our text. The author is praising God, whose righteous standards and way of building guarantee the inviolability of the city or fortress that symbolizes the community of the righteous. The phrases "tested stones", "line of justice" and "level of truth" suggest that the prophecy of Isa 28,16-17 may well have influenced this passage29. Yet, neither