Two-Edged Sword Ministries
We have mentioned before that in the book of Revelation zooms backwards and forwards to clarify events and timing of certain things.
We jump now to Revelation 11 followed by 12 and 13 before returning to the trumpet judgments per Revelation, chapter 8 & 9. The reason for doing this is to illustrate how these two witnesses have a relationship to the timing of the trumpet judgments.
For greater clarity, let us quickly recap on the scriptures relating to these two witnesses ...
We jump now to Revelation 11 followed by 12 and 13 before returning to the trumpet judgments per Revelation, chapter 8 & 9. The reason for doing this is to illustrate how these two witnesses have a relationship to the timing of the trumpet judgments.
For greater clarity, let us quickly recap on the scriptures relating to these two witnesses ...
I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshipers there. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for
1,260 days,
42 months.
clothed in sackcloth." These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.
If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophecying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. Rev 11 : 1 - 6 NIV]
If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophecying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. Rev 11 : 1 - 6 NIV]
Revelation eleven reveals that the two witnesses will have the following key traits:
They will be prophets and servants of God (Rev 11 )
They will be dressed in sack-clothe. (Rev 11 : 3 - 4)
John saw them in heaven standing besides God ( Rev 11 : 4)
These men will die when the beast from the Abyss "Pit" destroys than after there testimony is completed.
They are the two olive trees standing before God and are of the Earth.
It is clear from the scriptures that these two witnesses will appear in Israel. John is asked to measure the temple. And where was the temple of God? Correct, In Israel. Many people believe that one of these witnesses is the prophet "Elijah" ,as this was mentioned in the book of Daniel.
The witnesses are given the authority to prophecy to the people of Israel for 1260 days. Remember, prophecy occurs in 30 days. Therefore, 1260 days = 3.5 years (1 260 / 30 days). Also notice that the first half of the tribulation is 1 260 days; and this is when there is relative peace in Israel. These scriptures also tells us that the Holy city is to be trampled on for 42 months or 1 260 days.
In fact, many speculate, saying that after the antichrist signs the peace treaty with Israel, he gives them ratification to construct the temple. (Remember, we know why the antichrist wants the temple constructed, yes, he wants to claim to be God)
As these witnesses have great authority, there is no wonder the antichrist does not break the treaty whilst those witnesses are there! The first witness is without any doubt, the prophet Elijah. We are told in Malaci 4:5 that God will send the prophet Elijah back to the earth before the dreadful day of the Lord falls on the earth; the period where Gods wrath occurs.
Elijah never physically died on earth, but he was swept up into heaven. Now we also note that we are appointed to die once only. [ Heb 9 : 27].
Now the problem comes in with the second witness; as according to bible scholars their are two possibilities:
The witnesses are given the authority to prophecy to the people of Israel for 1260 days. Remember, prophecy occurs in 30 days. Therefore, 1260 days = 3.5 years (1 260 / 30 days). Also notice that the first half of the tribulation is 1 260 days; and this is when there is relative peace in Israel. These scriptures also tells us that the Holy city is to be trampled on for 42 months or 1 260 days.
In fact, many speculate, saying that after the antichrist signs the peace treaty with Israel, he gives them ratification to construct the temple. (Remember, we know why the antichrist wants the temple constructed, yes, he wants to claim to be God)
As these witnesses have great authority, there is no wonder the antichrist does not break the treaty whilst those witnesses are there! The first witness is without any doubt, the prophet Elijah. We are told in Malaci 4:5 that God will send the prophet Elijah back to the earth before the dreadful day of the Lord falls on the earth; the period where Gods wrath occurs.
Elijah never physically died on earth, but he was swept up into heaven. Now we also note that we are appointed to die once only. [ Heb 9 : 27].
Now the problem comes in with the second witness; as according to bible scholars their are two possibilities:
MOSES
Remember that these two witnesses have awesome powers. They were able to turn water into blood and call and defer the rain as often as they wanted.
Now we read in the second book of the Bible, the powers that Moses had at his disposal.
Now we read in the second book of the Bible, the powers that Moses had at his disposal.
Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. [ Exo 7:20 NIV]
Now it is also necessary to mention that when Jesus was transfigured before His disciples, Both Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with the 2 disciples. (Mat 17:3)
Also in Jude 1:9 ; a picture is given over the battle over Moses' body between Michael and Satan.
Many view this scripture as significant as God was protecting the body of Moses super-naturally for this great period of witnessing to occur.
Also in Jude 1:9 ; a picture is given over the battle over Moses' body between Michael and Satan.
Many view this scripture as significant as God was protecting the body of Moses super-naturally for this great period of witnessing to occur.
Well; the one thing we are sure of; the first witness is without a doubt Elijah; whilst the second witness could either be Moses or Enoch. Now these 2 witnesses only prophesy for the 1st 3 1/2 years of the tribulation; thereafter they are killed.
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Two-Edged Sword Ministries - South Africa
Copyright © May 2003 [ T.E.S. Ministries ]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
All rights reserved.
First revision, November 2006 [2.0]
Second Revision: March, 2009 [3.0]
