And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Ver. 1. A reed] That is, the word of God, that little book that he had newly eaten. This is the only rule of faith and discipline whereby all in the Church must be made and meted.
Like unto a rod] Or, sceptre. The word is that rod of Christ's strength, whereby he rules in the midst of his enemies, Psalms 110:2. It is that right sceptre, Psalms 45:6, which he sways and whereby he sovereigns. The Proverbs of Solomon are called in Hebrew Mishle, or mastersentences,Proverbs 1:1; (from Mashal, dominari to be mastered). And the Scriptures bear the title of Chieftains, Proverbs 8:6, and of lords of collections, as some render it,Ecclesiastes 12:11 .
Measure the temple of God] The Church, that had been so woefully wasted and oppressed by Antichrist, that it stood in need of new measuring and repairing.
That worship therein] In the temple, as being all spiritual priests; and in the altar, as placing all their confidence in Christ's death alone.