Two Witnesses

Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.”

Daniel 12:11

Daniel 12:11 NKJV

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

2 Thessalonians 2:4 NKJV

who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Jews will not offer sacrifices, except at the temple. This is why they are not offering sacrifices today.

During the first half of the tribulation, Jews will be making sacrifices in this temple.

At the time that John wrote this the temple had been destroyed, yet he is told to measure it.

This is further confirmation that it will be rebuilt.

Why should John measure the temple?

Measurement is usually taken of one's possessions, and the temple belonged to God.

This Temple is measured Just like the temple of Ezekiel was measured and the New Jerusalem was measured.

Ezekiel 40

Revelation 21:15-17

Revelation 21:16–17 NKJV

The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

Notice that the court has been given over to the gentiles; therefore, it is not measured.

Though this temple belongs to God, it is a precursor to the antichrist.

It is in the temple that he will be revealed for exactly what he is.

At the breaking of the seventh seal, we began the last half of the tribulation.

This is an especially dark time, as the world has been given over to the antichrist.

All of the unsaved, knowingly or not, are under his control, and they will seek to persecute the Jews.

Even today we see a growing antisemitic attitude in this world, and it will only get worse.

The Jews will have had the temple for the first half of the tribulation, but the antichrist will claim it for the second half.

The antichrist claiming the temple will be the abomination spoken of by Daniel and Jesus.

Matthew 24:15

Matthew 24:15 NKJV

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand),

The antichrist and his followers will have 42 months to tread the holy city underfoot.

vv.3-4:

However, God will have witnesses on the Earth.

Notice that they are wearing sackcloth.

Sackcloth was a garment worn in Bible days to signify mourning and sorrow.

They are preaching judgment, and whenever we preach judgment, we should do so in the sackcloth of a broken and sorrowful heart.

We need to remember that this portion of Scripture does not necessarily progress in a linear fashion. This is an overview.

These two witnesses will prophesy for 1260 days. (3.5 years per a 360 day prophetic year).

We should place the time of the appearance of these two witnesses at the first half of the tribulation, not the last.

First, a different unit of measurement is used for the reign of the antichrist and the two witnesses (months/days).

Therefore, there seems to be a purposeful distinction drawn between the two.

Second, they are compared to two olive trees. (v.4)

This is most likely a reference to Zechariah chapters 3-4.

The two olive trees were Joshua and Zerubbabel, ministering in the rebuilt temple.

Likewise, these two witnesses will have a rebuilt temple.

Third, after 1260 days, they will be killed and lay in the streets for 3.5 days. After which, they will be resurrected. (v.11)

If this occurred at the end of the tribulation, you have 3.5 days that just don't fit.

Christ returns at the conclusion of those seven years, not seven years and 3.5 days.

Lastly, placing them in the last half of the tribulation compromises the antichrist's dominion during that time.

When the beast arises, no one will be able to make war with him.

Revelation 13:4

Revelation 13:4 NKJV

So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

Obviously, if these two witnesses were around, they would be able to withstand him.

vv.5-6:

So these witnesses are prophesying during the first half of the tribulation, but who are they.

At this point, its impossible to be too dogmatic, because the Bible doesn't tell us who they are.

One theory is that they are Elijah and Enoch, because neither of them physically died.

Others say Moses and John the Baptist.

Still others say Moses and Elijah. I think this most likely, but we simply don't know.

Both Moses and Elijah were present at the transfiguration, and the Jews expected both Moses and Elijah to return.

Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15-18

Deuteronomy 18:15–18 NKJV

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, according to all you desired of the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’ “And the Lord said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.

Elijah: Malachi 4:5-6

Malachi 4:5–6 NKJV

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

John the Baptist was thought by some to be Elijah, but he was not.

John 1:21

John 1:21 NKJV

And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

Both Moses and Elijah used supernatural means to provoke repentance.

The plagues mentioned here are very similar to the plagues which Moses brought against Egypt.

Also, there will be no rain for 3.5 years, the same as formerly brought by Elijah.

James 5:17

James 5:17 NKJV

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

Elijah was raptured alive into heaven, and Moses' body was buried where it would never be found.

If you'll remember, we've already seen that there will be many people saved during the first half of the tribulation.

Even the first half of the tribulation will be a terrible time, but in large part, because of the faithful witness of these two, people will be saved. (v.13)

Even today, God requires a faithful witness from His followers. We are His means of spreading the Gospel.

Romans 10:14-15

Romans 10:14–15 NKJV

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

We can also go out in the power of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:18-20

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.