Revelation 11: Understanding the Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Revelation 11 offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment during the tribulation period, specifically between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments. This chapter reveals the ministry of two powerful witnesses, their dramatic fate, and the earth-shattering consequences that follow. Understanding these events is crucial to grasping the unfolding narrative of the end times.
Measuring the Temple (Revelation 11:1-2)
John is instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. Measuring, in biblical times, symbolized ownership and authority. God is laying claim to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, which will be rebuilt during the tribulation. Today, the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim mosque, stands on this site, yet Orthodox Jews continue to pray daily for the temple's return at the Western Wall, the remaining structure from the ancient temple complex.
However, John is told not to measure the outer court of the temple, because it has been given to the Gentiles, who will trample the holy city for forty-two months. This period of "trampling" corresponds to three and a half years, indicating that these events will occur during the latter half of the seven-year tribulation. This outer court will be the only place in the temple complex Gentiles will be allowed to enter.
The Ministry of the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6)
God introduces two unidentified "witnesses" who will prophesy for 1,260 days – also three and a half years, mirroring the trampling of Jerusalem. Their message, delivered in sackcloth (a sign of mourning and repentance), will likely be somber and unwelcome. The Bible's specificity regarding these details—not just prophesying events, but also including precise details about their occurrence—lends credence to its truth.
These witnesses possess supernatural power. They are metaphorically described as "two olive trees and two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth." Olive trees often represent God's people (Psalm 52:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Romans 11:24), and the lampstands signify the spiritual illumination they bring. Fire proceeds from their mouths to consume anyone who tries to harm them. They also have the power to shut the sky so that it does not rain, reminiscent of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-7), and to turn water into blood and strike the earth with plagues, echoing the acts of Moses in Egypt (Exodus 7-12).
Some speculate that these witnesses are, in fact, Elijah and Moses, returned to earth. Elijah never experienced death (2 Kings 2:1-14), and God hid Moses's body (Deuteronomy 34:6), possibly hinting at their future roles. Regardless of their identity, their power underscores the divine anointing upon them and the seriousness of opposing God's messengers.
The Beast Overcomes the Witnesses (Revelation 11:7-10)
After the two witnesses complete their testimony, "the beast that comes up out of the abyss" will wage war against them, conquer them, and kill them. This "beast" is also known as the Antichrist, introduced earlier in Revelation and further described in Revelation 13. He is the chief antagonist of the tribulation.
The world, which has hardened its heart against God, will rejoice at the death of the two witnesses. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, for three and a half days, denied burial. People from every nation, tribe, language, and people will gaze upon them. This global spectacle, likely facilitated by modern technology, highlights the widespread rejection of God during this time. The world will celebrate with gift-giving, much like a perverse Christmas, celebrating the silencing of those who "tormented them" with their prophetic pronouncements and calls to righteousness.
Resurrection, Ascension, and Earthquake (Revelation 11:11-13)
After three and a half days, the world's celebration turns to horror. The breath of life from God enters the two witnesses, resurrecting them. They stand on their feet, causing great fear to fall upon those who witness this miracle. A loud voice from heaven calls them, "Come up here," and they ascend into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watch.
At that very moment, a violent earthquake strikes Jerusalem, destroying a tenth of the city and killing seven thousand people. The survivors, terrified, give glory to the God of heaven. This event demonstrates how God can use even negative events to bring Him greater glory.
The Seventh Trumpet and the Coming Kingdom (Revelation 11:14-19)
The second woe (associated with the sixth trumpet) has passed, and the third woe is coming quickly. The seventh trumpet sounds, announcing the imminent arrival of Christ's reign. Loud voices in heaven declare, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever." This signifies events strikingly close to the end of the tribulation and the establishment of God's kingdom. It's important to note that the rapture and the second coming are distinct events. The rapture involves Christ coming in the air to receive believers into heaven, while the second coming involves Christ descending to earth with the saints.
In preparation for Jesus' coming, the twenty-four elders, introduced in Revelation 4, fall down in worship, proclaiming that God has taken his great power and begun to reign. They also speak of another resurrection, distinct from the resurrection of New Testament believers at the rapture. This is the resurrection of Old Testament saints and prophets, who will receive their reward along with those who fear God's name, both small and great. The Old Testament holds a unique connection to the tribulation, as it prophesies this seven-year period.
The chapter culminates with the opening of the temple of God in heaven and the appearance of the ark of the covenant. This is accompanied by flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and severe hail – setting the stage for Christ's return.
Looking Ahead
The narrative now shifts focus. While Revelation 11 provides a chronological glimpse into the tribulation, the following chapters will delve deeper into the key personalities involved, offering a more detailed perspective on the events unfolding during this tumultuous period. John "rewinds" the narrative to give a more comprehensive picture, focusing on the woman, the dragon, the beast, and the Lamb, particularly during the second half of the tribulation.
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
Revelation 11 offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment during the tribulation period, specifically between the sixth and seventh trumpet judgments. This chapter reveals the ministry of two powerful witnesses, their dramatic fate, and the earth-shattering consequences that follow. Understanding these events is crucial to grasping the unfolding narrative of the end times.
Measuring the Temple (Revelation 11:1-2)
John is instructed to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. Measuring, in biblical times, symbolized ownership and authority. God is laying claim to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, which will be rebuilt during the tribulation. Today, the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim mosque, stands on this site, yet Orthodox Jews continue to pray daily for the temple's return at the Western Wall, the remaining structure from the ancient temple complex.
However, John is told not to measure the outer court of the temple, because it has been given to the Gentiles, who will trample the holy city for forty-two months. This period of "trampling" corresponds to three and a half years, indicating that these events will occur during the latter half of the seven-year tribulation. This outer court will be the only place in the temple complex Gentiles will be allowed to enter.
The Ministry of the Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:3-6)
God introduces two unidentified "witnesses" who will prophesy for 1,260 days – also three and a half years, mirroring the trampling of Jerusalem. Their message, delivered in sackcloth (a sign of mourning and repentance), will likely be somber and unwelcome. The Bible's specificity regarding these details—not just prophesying events, but also including precise details about their occurrence—lends credence to its truth.
These witnesses possess supernatural power. They are metaphorically described as "two olive trees and two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth." Olive trees often represent God's people (Psalm 52:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Romans 11:24), and the lampstands signify the spiritual illumination they bring. Fire proceeds from their mouths to consume anyone who tries to harm them. They also have the power to shut the sky so that it does not rain, reminiscent of Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-7), and to turn water into blood and strike the earth with plagues, echoing the acts of Moses in Egypt (Exodus 7-12).
Some speculate that these witnesses are, in fact, Elijah and Moses, returned to earth. Elijah never experienced death (2 Kings 2:1-14), and God hid Moses's body (Deuteronomy 34:6), possibly hinting at their future roles. Regardless of their identity, their power underscores the divine anointing upon them and the seriousness of opposing God's messengers.
The Beast Overcomes the Witnesses (Revelation 11:7-10)
After the two witnesses complete their testimony, "the beast that comes up out of the abyss" will wage war against them, conquer them, and kill them. This "beast" is also known as the Antichrist, introduced earlier in Revelation and further described in Revelation 13. He is the chief antagonist of the tribulation.
The world, which has hardened its heart against God, will rejoice at the death of the two witnesses. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, for three and a half days, denied burial. People from every nation, tribe, language, and people will gaze upon them. This global spectacle, likely facilitated by modern technology, highlights the widespread rejection of God during this time. The world will celebrate with gift-giving, much like a perverse Christmas, celebrating the silencing of those who "tormented them" with their prophetic pronouncements and calls to righteousness.
Resurrection, Ascension, and Earthquake (Revelation 11:11-13)
After three and a half days, the world's celebration turns to horror. The breath of life from God enters the two witnesses, resurrecting them. They stand on their feet, causing great fear to fall upon those who witness this miracle. A loud voice from heaven calls them, "Come up here," and they ascend into heaven in a cloud, while their enemies watch.
At that very moment, a violent earthquake strikes Jerusalem, destroying a tenth of the city and killing seven thousand people. The survivors, terrified, give glory to the God of heaven. This event demonstrates how God can use even negative events to bring Him greater glory.
The Seventh Trumpet and the Coming Kingdom (Revelation 11:14-19)
The second woe (associated with the sixth trumpet) has passed, and the third woe is coming quickly. The seventh trumpet sounds, announcing the imminent arrival of Christ's reign. Loud voices in heaven declare, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever." This signifies events strikingly close to the end of the tribulation and the establishment of God's kingdom. It's important to note that the rapture and the second coming are distinct events. The rapture involves Christ coming in the air to receive believers into heaven, while the second coming involves Christ descending to earth with the saints.
In preparation for Jesus' coming, the twenty-four elders, introduced in Revelation 4, fall down in worship, proclaiming that God has taken his great power and begun to reign. They also speak of another resurrection, distinct from the resurrection of New Testament believers at the rapture. This is the resurrection of Old Testament saints and prophets, who will receive their reward along with those who fear God's name, both small and great. The Old Testament holds a unique connection to the tribulation, as it prophesies this seven-year period.
The chapter culminates with the opening of the temple of God in heaven and the appearance of the ark of the covenant. This is accompanied by flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and severe hail – setting the stage for Christ's return.
Looking Ahead
The narrative now shifts focus. While Revelation 11 provides a chronological glimpse into the tribulation, the following chapters will delve deeper into the key personalities involved, offering a more detailed perspective on the events unfolding during this tumultuous period. John "rewinds" the narrative to give a more comprehensive picture, focusing on the woman, the dragon, the beast, and the Lamb, particularly during the second half of the tribulation.