Revelation - Chapter 11

Revelation 11.1 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. Revelation 11.2 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. Revelation 11.3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. Revelation 11.4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. Revelation 11.5 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. Revelation 11.6 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. Revelation 11.7 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. Revelation 11.8 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. Revelation 11.9 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. Revelation 11.10 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. Revelation 11.11 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. Revelation 11.12 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. Revelation 11.13 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. Revelation 11.14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. Revelation 11.15 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. Revelation 11.16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Revelation 11.17 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. Revelation 11.18 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. Revelation 11.19 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 : Chapter 11

The Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet

Revelation chapter 11 reveals the two witnesses and the seventh trumpet, a passage rich in symbolism and divine meaning. Who are these powerful prophets who appear in this dramatic text? This chapter describes two prophets invested with divine authority, whose miraculous death and resurrection are key elements of the narrative. The chapter reaches its climax with the sounding of the seventh trumpet, announcing the kingdom of Christ.

The themes of faithful witness, persecution, divine vindication, and God's ultimate triumph are prominent in this passage. Revelation 11 marks a significant turning point in the prophetic narrative. To better understand these crucial events, let's consider five biblical passages that shed light on this transformative chapter.

Daniel 7:25

"He will speak against the Most High, and will oppress his saints, and will try to change times and laws. The saints will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time."

This passage from Daniel is often seen as an echo of the mention in Revelation 11:2-3 of the period of 42 months or 1,260 days, representing a time of tribulation.

Zechariah 4:3

"There were also two olive trees, one on the right side of the container and one on the left side."

This vision of Zechariah is reflected in the "two olive trees" mentioned in Revelation 11:4, symbolizing the two witnesses chosen by God.

Exodus 7:20

"Moses and Aaron did as the Lord had commanded. Aaron He lifted up his staff and struck the waters of the Nile before Pharaoh and his advisors, and all the water in the river turned to blood."

This miracle of Moses is similar to the powers attributed to the two witnesses in Revelation 11:6, illustrating the power of God through His servants.

1 Kings 17:1

"Elijah the Tishbite, from Thisbe Gilead, said to Ahab, "I swear by the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, whom I serve, that there shall be neither dew nor rain in the years to come, except at my word."

Elijah's power over the rain is reflected in the powers of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:6, testifying to the divine authority vested in them.

Psalm 2:2

"The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers conspire together, against the Lord and against his anointed."

This psalm echoes the rebellion of the nations against God, as described in Revelation 11:18, highlighting the conflict between divine power and human forces.

As we meditate on these passages, we are called to reflect on the importance of faithful witness and the promise of God's triumph over the forces of evil. May our faith be strengthened through these revealed truths, as we await with hope the glorious return of Christ.