Revelation 11 in the Bible describes two witnesses who prophesy for God during a time of tribulation.
“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Revelation 11:3
“These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.”
Revelation 11:4
“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.”
Revelation 11:5
So, who are the witnesses? Let’s take a look:
Elijah, recorded in the Scriptures, was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, without experiencing physical death.
Moses, the renowned leader of the Israelites and the recipient of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, is also considered a strong candidate for one of the witnesses.
Although Moses did experience physical death, there is an account in the book of Jude that describes a dispute between the archangel Michael and the devil over the body of Moses.
These two figures represent significant aspects of Israelite history and the prophetic tradition.
Elijah embodies the spirit of prophecy and devotion, while Moses represents the law and the covenant between God and His chosen people.
Elijah as One of the Witnesses
There are several reasons why Elijah in particular is thought to be one of the two witnesses:
In Jewish tradition, the role of Elijah preparing the way for the Messiah is derived from various biblical passages and religious interpretations. One of the key references is found in the Book of Malachi, specifically in Malachi 4:5-6, which states:
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”
Malachi 4:5-6
This passage is understood by many Jewish scholars to indicate that Elijah will appear before the arrival of the Messiah to reconcile relationships, mend divisions, and prepare the hearts of the people for the coming era of redemption.
The concept of Elijah’s role as a harbinger of the Messiah gains even more weight through numerous references in the Hebrew Bible and Jewish texts.
The Zohar, a fundamental text in Jewish mysticism, references Elijah in relation to the witnessing of divine secrets and revelations. It highlights the concept that Elijah receives these revelations and then reveals them to other righteous individuals.
These references affirm the immense significance of Elijah in Jewish eschatology.
Revelation positioning Elijah during end times would undoubtedly fulfill this prophecy.
Elijah was taken up into heaven alive in a whirlwind, according to 2 Kings 2.
“And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.”
2 Kings 2:1
This mirrors how the two witnesses of Revelation will be assumed into heaven after their death, not experiencing decay.
Elijah demonstrated power over weather similar to the plagues the two witnesses inflict.
He brought drought and fire from heaven down on his enemies.
Moses as the Other Witness
Compelling evidence also points to Moses representing the other witness:
During the event of the Transfiguration, Jesus was accompanied by two significant figures from the Bible, Moses and Elijah.
These three individuals can be regarded as a collective group. Moses showcased his extraordinary capacity to perform miracles through the use of his staff, which is comparable to the abilities possessed by the two witnesses. Notable feats performed by Moses include transforming water into blood and invoking devastating plagues of hail and fire.
Jewish tradition at times links Moses’ death and assumption similar to Elijah to fulfill Deuteronomy 34:5-6.
“So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day.” This passage describes the death of Moses and his burial by God in an undisclosed location.
Deuteronomy 34:5-6
Witnesses Fulfill Biblical Roles
Positioning Elijah and Moses as the two end times witnesses fulfills biblical prophecies and patterns, as they echo the miraculous acts performed by these prophets in the past. Furthermore, their assumption aligns with the uncertain endings described in their respective biblical narratives. By linking the two witnesses to Elijah and Moses, there is a theological consistency that draws from Jewish eschatological traditions, adding depth to the interpretation of end times events.
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Symbolism and Numbers
The witnesses’ 1,260 day prophesying period mirrors 3.5 “years” which is symbolic of testing/trial. Moses and Elijah’s Biblical roles correspond to this symbolic theme.
In the Bible, the concept of a prophesying period of 1,260 days is mentioned in the book of Revelation. This period is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a time of testing or trial. It is believed to signify a period of intense spiritual warfare and persecution for believers.
The number 3.5 “years” is derived from dividing 1,260 days by 360 days, which was the average length of a biblical “prophetic year.”
This period is considered to be half of a literal year, symbolizing a time of partial completion or fulfillment.Moses and Elijah, two prominent figures in the Bible, are often associated with this symbolic theme of testing and trial. Moses, in the Old Testament, led the Israelites through the wilderness for 40 years, which was a period of testing and refinement for the nation. His role as a leader and lawgiver exemplified the struggle and perseverance required in times of trial.
Elijah, on the other hand, was a prophet known for his unwavering faith in God during a time of great apostasy in Israel. He confronted the prophets of Baal and endured persecution and isolation. His role represents the endurance and steadfastness required in the face of opposition and trials.Both Moses and Elijah also played significant roles in the Transfiguration event, where they appeared alongside Jesus and affirmed his mission. This event is often seen as a significant link between the Old and New Testaments, further highlighting the theme of testing and fulfillment.Overall, the 1,260 day prophesying period and the symbolism of 3.5 “years” serve to convey the idea of a time of intense testing and trial for believers. The roles of Moses and Elijah in the Bible correspond to this theme, exemplifying the perseverance and faith required in such times.
Miracles
Specific miracles performed by the witnesses like the ability to stop rain for 3.5 years mirrors Elijah’s confrontation with Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel.
In the book of 1 Kings, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest to determine the true God. He prays for rain to be withheld from the land as a sign of God’s power. Miraculously, rain ceases for three and a half years, proving the validity of Elijah’s faith.
Similarly, the witnesses in the context of the paragraph demonstrate their divine power by stopping the rain for an extended period. This parallel not only highlights the supernatural abilities of the witnesses but also draws a connection to the historicity and significance of biblical miracles.
The ability to stop rain for 3.5 years, like Elijah’s confrontation with Baal’s prophets on Mount Carmel, serves as a powerful testament to the witnesses’ authority and connection to the divine. This specific miracle implies a direct challenge to false beliefs and idolatry, just as Elijah did. By stopping the rain, the witnesses demonstrate their ability to control the natural elements, further proving their divine mission and purpose.
Their actions mirror the courageous and faith-filled actions of Elijah, emphasizing their role as spiritual leaders and their unwavering devotion to the truth. This parallel to a well-known biblical narrative gives credibility to the witnesses’ divine abilities and reinforces their role as messengers of God.
Jewish Eschatology
Writings like 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch, Targum Pseudo-Jonathan and more identify Elijah or Elijah/Moses as end times figures. Revelation draws from these traditions in its Jewish-Christian eschatological imagery and symbolism.
Many writings from the Jewish and early Christian traditions, such as 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch, and Targum Pseudo-Jonathan, identify Elijah or Elijah/Moses as significant figures in the end times.
These texts present Elijah as a prophet who will play a crucial role in the eschatological events, bringing about the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.
In 4 Ezra, for example, Elijah is depicted as a symbol of hope and expectation, representing the restoration of the twelve tribes of Israel. Similarly, 2 Baruch portrays Elijah as the one who will deliver the people of Israel from their enemies and lead them to the promised land.
The book of Revelation draws upon these traditions and incorporates them into its own Jewish-Christian eschatological imagery and symbolism. It utilizes the figure of Elijah as a symbol of prophecy and divine intervention in the end times.
In Revelation, Elijah is represented as one of the two witnesses who will prophesy for 1,260 days before being killed and resurrected (Revelation 11:3-12). This imagery of Elijah as a witness and martyr echoes the Jewish belief that Elijah will play a crucial role in fulfilling God’s plan for the world.
The book of Revelation also incorporates elements of Moses’ role in the Exodus story, portraying the figures of Elijah and Moses together as two powerful witnesses of God’s judgment and redemption (Revelation 15:1-4).
These references to Elijah and Moses in Revelation serve to emphasize the continuity between God’s past actions in history and his final plans for the end times.
Let me know in the comments what you think!
