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Rev 11:8-9. Τὸ πτῶμα) נבלה in the singular number is used collectively, Psa 79:2; Isa 26:19; Jer 34:20 : and so in this place, τὸ πτῶμα respecting two. Also the head of Oreb and Zeeb is spoken of for the heads, Jdg 7:25. Presently afterwards, in the third place, τὰ πτώματα[111] is used: although in that place also there is a trace of the singular number in the Codex Leicestrensis, τὸ σῶμα. Although we see no reason for the difference, yet it would be rash to say that there is none. [In the text they are not said to lie. What, if you should suppose that they will be suspended, as their Lord also was suspended from the cross?-V. g.]-τῆς πλατείας-ἐσταυρώθη, in the street-was crucified) The place of crucifixion was outside the city under Tiberius; I almost think that it was so under Adrian also. Eusebius teaches, that the scene of the Lord’s martyrdom, or the place of the cross, passed over into the city built by Constantine; lib. iii. on the Life of Const. ch. xxxii. and ch. xxxviii., where he mentions the neighbouring street. The shape of the city has been changed in various ways, and will be changed hereafter. Whether the city has the place of the cross within the walls at the present day, or has not (for travellers are at variance with one another, and those who deny it, do so with far greater appearance of truth), at the time of the witnesses, at least, it will undoubtedly have the place of the cross in the street, either within the walls or without; for thus also רהב is called the street, 2Sa 21:12; Pro 26:13; Neh 8:1, with Adnot. Halens, p. 178; Luk 10:10 (comp. Mat 10:14); Est 4:6. Comp. Lightfoot, Hor. in Matt. p. 54. The beast has been this long time struggling eagerly concerning Palestine; after his ascent from the bottomless pit he struggles much more.
[111] τὰ πτώματα in ver. 8, and in the first and second places ver. 9, is the reading of Rec. Text, with h Vulg. Syr. But ABC Memph., in the former two instances, read τὸ πτῶμα.-E.