John must measure three things: the temple of God, the altar, and the people who worship in the temple. These three are not separate, unconnected entities, but are instead distinguishable elements of the same entity. That only these three items are to be measured contrasts with what Solomon measured (1 Kings 6:1 – 7:51; 2 Chronicles 3:1 – 4:22) and Ezekiel’s account (Ezekiel 40:1 – 42:20).
1 Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, “Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there,