REVELATION 11: THE TWO WITNESSES AND THE SEVENTH TRUMPET
The world silences truth—but God raises it up in power.
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1. Measured Temple, Trampled Court
Prophetic Insight:
This implies a Third Temple must exist during the Tribulation. Today, Orthodox Jews are preparing its vessels, garments, and training priests.
The “trampling” echoes Daniel 8:13 and Luke 21:24, connecting this to the Times of the Gentiles.
“Do not measure the court outside… it is given over to the nations.”
— Revelation 11:2
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2. Two Witnesses: Prophets of Fire
The Two Witnesses in Revelation 11 are empowered by God to prophesy for 1,260 days (3½ years) during the first half of the Tribulation.
Preaching & Prophesying
“They will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
— Revelation 11:3
They preach repentance, likely calling Israel and the world to return to God before His final judgment.
•Their miracles match Elijah (1 Kings 17, 2 Kings 1) and Moses (Exodus 7–11).
•Both stood with Jesus at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3).
•Malachi 4:5 prophesied Elijah’s return “before the great and terrible day of the Lord.”
Symbolism:
•Two olive trees and lampstands echo Zechariah 4, pointing to divine anointing and continual supply.
•The 1,260 days (3½ years) may mark the first half of the Tribulation, preparing Israel for the second half’s flight to the wilderness (Revelation 12:6).
“Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud…
— Revelation 11:12
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3. Death, Resurrection, Ascension—A Gospel Parallel
The witnesses’ experience mirrors Jesus—faithful testimony, violent death, global scorn, miraculous resurrection, glorious ascension.
This underscores God’s pattern: suffering precedes glory.
Mocking the Dead:
People celebrate their death, exchanging gifts—a twisted anti-Christmas, revealing how far mankind descends into darkness.
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4. A City Shaken, A Heart Awakened
Jerusalem Trembles:
This is one of several earthquakes in Revelation, always tied to divine presence (cf. Revelation 6:12; 16:18).
The survivors give glory to God, possibly a foreshadowing of Zechariah 12:10—when Israel looks upon Him whom they pierced.
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5. The Seventh Trumpet: Heaven Declares the King
Not the rapture, as some propose—it launches the final bowl judgments.
But its tone is victory, proclaiming Christ’s soon and certain reign.
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.”
— Revelation 11:15
Heaven opens, revealing the Ark—once hidden in the Holy of Holies, now visible to all in God’s heavenly temple.
Judgment, reward, and restoration are about to unfold.
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Eschatological Flashpoints
•Antichrist first called “the Beast from the Abyss” (v. 7).
•The first half of the Tribulation ends with a clash between God’s witnesses and Satan’s puppet.
•This chapter serves as a pivot point: from testimony and warning to wrath and dominion.
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Faith Takeaway
God always has a witness—even in a dark world.
Even when truth is slain, resurrection is coming.
God’s justice delays, but never fails.
The trumpet will sound, the King will reign, and the Temple will once again be filled with His glory.
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