Question: In Revelation 11:1, what does the reed “like a measuring tool” represent?
V.1 And there was given me a (a)reed like to a (b)sceptre: the (c)angel said, "Rise, and measure the Temple (naos) of God, and the Alter, (d)and them that worship therein".
(a) "Reed"; the measuring "reed", = 6 cubits. The "full reed", = six "great" cubits. The great cubit is "one cubit + one hand breath". 6 hand breadths = one standard cubit, the great cubit = 7 handbreadths. The full reed on the basis of 6 x 7 x 3.575" = thereabouts 12.5' (or 12'6" approx.).
(b) "Sceptre"; the AV says rod, which is diminishing. Str. No. 4464 gives rod, staff etc., but also royal Sceptre etc. The giver denotes the difference. Here, the giver is Divine, so the meaning must be a measuring rod which has Divine Power and Authority, as a Divinely Ordained Sceptre! The area to be measured is also unassailable and protected, and cannot be contested by Satan, or his people.
Dr. Bullinger states that “Sceptre” (translated “rod”), in this case, has a meaning of “measuring for preservation of the Sacred area”; and “for destruction of the profane area”. This can only refer to “Antichrist’s” profanity; when he sets himself up as “god” in the Temple during the 3½ years of “Jacob’s Trouble”, (2Thess 2:4; Matt. 24:15; Dan. 9:27; 11:31 & 12:11).
(c) The order is to measure the "naos", (Grk.) which means the Holy Place, or Holy Dwelling Place, or simply "to dwell" (Str. No. 3485). The AV's use of the single word "Temple" also diminishes, as the whole complete building and area will be the "Sanctuary", (App. 88), of which only a small part is being marked out, claimed, and protected by Jehovah Zebaoth, at this stage. Also measured for protection will be the Alter, "and them that worship therein".
(d) The “worshippers”, to be recorded!
See: Dr. E. W. Bullinger (Hebrew and Greek Scholar, author Companion Bible)