Revelation of John 21:15-21
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.
21:18 f The wall is built of jasper (see study note on 21:11; cp. 4:3 g). The city is fashioned in gold, which is not opaque like earthly gold; rather, like God’s transformed people, the heavenly gold is clear and pure.
21:19 h The twelve precious stones adorning the foundation stones of the city’s wall are a reminder of the twelve stones on the high priests’ breastplate that represented the people of God (see Exod 28:17-20 i).
21:21 j Things that are precious and luxurious on earth are common building materials in heaven.
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