![[20240501-RevelationHeader.jpg]] ![[The Two Witnesses 11.1-6#^1c563c]] John is given a measuring rod and commanded to measure three things: the temple of God, the altar, and the people who are worshipping. ***What does the temple represent? Is it the literal building or does it point to something else?*** It *could be* a literal temple that John is measuring, but it likely is the Church. In the New Testament we are told that God’s people are the Temple ([[2 Corinthians 6.16|2 Corinthians 6:16]]). ***What does the altar represent?*** The altar is the place of worship and prayer. At the altar sacrifices were made by the priests. At the altar of incense prayer was offered ([[Revelation 8.3-4|Revelation 8:3-4]]). Then, the people who were worshipping there were measured. ***So what was being measured?*** It seems that the quality of the church, her prayers and worship, and the lives of the saints was being measured. ***What isn’t being measured?*** the outer court which belongs to outsiders. ***Why are these things being measured?*** It seems as this measurement is to distinguish who is God’s people because they are going to be protected from what is coming. The gentiles will trample Jerusalem for forty-two mßonths. ***What is the significance of the forty-two months?*** We understand it to be connected to the tribulation that Daniel prophesied (cf. [[Daniel 7.25|Daniel 7:25]], [[Daniel 12.7|12:7]]). It is one of the ways that the two halves of the “Seventieth Week” of Daniel are described. They are referred to as three and a half years, forty-two months, and 1260 days. The two witnesses are given power to prophesy during this period. They are clothed in sackcloth. ***What is the significance of them wearing sackcloth?*** It could be representative of repentance and mourning (cf. [[Genesis 37.34|Genesis 37:34]]). Or, it could represent the uniform of the prophet (cf. [[Isaiah 20.2|Isaiah 20:2]]). It’s possible in this situation to represent both. The two witnesses are referred to as the “two olive trees and the two lampstands” standing before God. ***What are these things referring to?*** The olive trees are a reference to the “two anointed ones” as explained by the prophet Zachariah (see [[Zechariah 4.2-3]], [[Zechariah 4.11|11]], [[Zechariah 4.14|14]]). The lampstands likely refer to the church (as we’ve seen earlier). ***What is the significance of where they stand?*** They stand in the presence of God. This implies that they have access and importance in that they are allowed to be before God and hear His judgments. ***Why is the phrase “if anyone wants to harm them” stated twice?*** Repetition often is a literary device to bring emphasis. It also implies that there will definitely be people who will want to harm the two witnesses. ***What is the fire that proceeds from the mouth of the witnesses?*** This is likely a reference to God’s word ([[Jeremiah 23.29|Jeremiah 23:29]], [[Jeremiah 5.14|Jeremiah 5:14]], see also [[Hebrews 4.12|Hebrews 4:12]] and [[Hosea 6.5|Hosea 6:5]]). This might also be a reference to when the king sent soldiers to get Elijah and fire fell down from heaven to defend him ([[2 Kings 1.10-12|2 Kings 1:10-12]]). %%todo: update to who are the two witnesses. likely Moses and Elijah, law and prophets, seen in New Testament, or, like John the Baptist someone who operates in their spirit%% ![[The Witnesses Killed 11.7-10#^2d02d0]] ***What happens after the testimony of the two witnesses is completed?*** They are killed buy the beast. ***Who or what could the beast be?*** In Daniel 7, we see a beast. In the New Testament the beast represents the anti-Christ. The beast *made war.* It was a process and a series of attacks, ultimately leading to killing the witnesses. ***What is the symbolism of Sodom and of Egypt?*** Sodom was overthrown by God due to sexual immorality and licentiousness. Egypt symbolizes the world and the bondage it brings. Now Jerusalem, the great city where the Lord was crucified is connected to both of these. ***What does this mean?*** The spiritual and moral condition of Sodom and of Egypt are not being applied to Jerusalem. ***What does the three-and-a-half days speak to?*** This is again associated with the Tribulation period and the time that the Messiah would be cut off from the people (see Daniel 7). ***How is it possible for all the people to see their dead bodies?*** In modern times, inventions like Satellites and the Internet would allow everyone to see this in real time. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Giving Gifts and Purim > How is the rejoicing of the world at the death of the witnesses reflected in the celebration of Purim? How is it different? Read the story of Esther and consider what connections there might be from that event to this one in Revelation. How does this event connect to other New Testament statements regarding the End Times? See [[John 16.20|John 16:20]] as a good place to start. ***Why would people rejoice over the death of the witnesses?*** Because the prophets *tormented* them. ***What does this mean?*** The word for torment carries the idea of testing or refining in fire to draw out impurities from precious metals. Just like the Word of God testing and revealing impurities in our thoughts and lives. But this confrontation can be painful. ![[The Witnesses Resurrected 11.11-14#^062cbf]] After the time is up, the breath of life comes upon them and the ascend to heaven in a cloud. ***What does this recall to the early Church?*** Jesus ascended in the same fashion after His resurrection ([[Acts 1.9|Acts 1:9]]). ***Is the seven thousand people meant to be taken literally, or is it figurative?*** It’s possible it means that the earthquake’s judgment was complete for the ones who came under it. It can also be literal. In fact, one way that this could be translated is *seven thousand names*, i.e. notable people, died. This would imply that there could have been others who died int he earthquake. ***When the people gave glory to God, does it mean that they were saved?*** As we’ll see later, repentance and glorifying God leads to salvation ([[Revelation 16.9]]). But here, the context shows us that though they acknowledged God they didn’t repent (judgment continues). ![[Seventh Trumpet The Kingdom Proclaimed 11.17-19#^1a848f]] --- [[Studies]] | [[Revelation]] | [[Revelation Chapter 10]] | [[Revelation Chapter 12]]