Enough Room

The New Jerusalem is one of the most awe-inspiring images in Scripture, a city prepared by God for those who love Him. 

Revelation 21:16 tells us, “And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” KJV

At first glance, that seems to indicate each side is 12,000 furlongs, which converts to roughly 1,500 miles per side. Some calculations suggest that if each saved person were given only 100 square feet of space, the New Jerusalem could hold 39 billion people, far exceeding the current world population. Even if everyone who has ever lived were saved, there would still be ample room.

Recently, I was corrected with an alternative interpretation suggesting that the 12,000 furlongs could represent the entire perimeter of the city. If that is the case, each side would be about a fourth of that, or roughly 375 miles. Either way, the city is enormous, surpassing any human imagination!

Importantly, Scripture does not limit us to living inside the city. Believers will inhabit the new earth, build homes and enjoy the abundance of God’s creation. 

Isaiah 65:21-22 reminds us, “They shall build houses and inhabit them, they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant and another eat.” ESV

Whether the city’s side measures 1,500 miles or 375 miles, the point remains: God has prepared a dwelling place of unimaginable beauty, abundant enough for all who choose to follow Him.

John 14:1-3 assures us: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” KJV

New Jerusalem, whether measured by literal sides or by perimeter, is a promise of eternal space, beauty, and peace, a city where God’s glory illuminates everything, and His people will dwell in harmony forever.

by Jeanette Stark – Wednesday, January 17, 2024