Revelation of John 21:15-17
Summary for Rev 21:15-17: 21:15-17 a measure the city: Measuring defines accepted boundaries (contrast the unmeasured section of the Temple, 11:2 b; see also Ezek 40:3–42:20 c).21:16 d The city is described as a perfect cube. Each dimension is 1,400 miles (Greek 12,000 stadia); the number 12,000 symbolically represents the people of God (see thematic note for Symbolic Numbers at end of chapter).
21:17 e In the ancient world, walls were important not only to the defense and boundary of a city, but also to its status. That these walls are 216 feet thick (Greek 144 cubits) indicates the strength of God’s redeemed people. The measurement of 144 cubits again uses a multiple of 12 to represent God’s people. A cubit was the length of a man’s forearm, with a standard length of about 18 inches.
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