John is also commanded to measure the golden altar of incense which was placed right in front of the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. There was to be a perpetual burning of incense on this altar throughout all generations. This is tied directly tied directly to the prayers of God’s people. This measurement means that from this time forth, God will only hear the prayers that come forth from the altar that is located in the Sanctuary—all other prayers will not be heard.
With the measurement of the Sanctuary, God is making a separation amongst those who are His priests and sets apart for Himself those who are now worshipping in the Sanctuary. These are the Called and Chosen and Faithful. These are those who have been caused to be redeeming from the earth—the 144,000 who have been caused to be redeemed from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
Accordingly, John is specifically told NOT to measure the courts which are outside the Sanctuary. In so doing, God makes a fixed distinction between those in the visible church and those whom He deems to be His true church, His true worshipers—the complete number of those who are now believing from both the Gentiles and the Jews.
