“And I will give power to my two witnesses and they will prophesy for 1260 days clothed in sack cloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 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. These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying and they have the power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want”. (Rev 11:3-6).
The Lord has always used the testimony of two witnesses to establish a fact. In the Mosaic law the testimony of two witnesses was required to obtain a conviction (Deut 19:15). Jesus used this law to validate His claim to be the Light of the World (John 8:17). In Revelation 11 the two witnesses validate the Lord’s claim that He (not Satan) is Lord of the Earth. So the principle of two witnesses is firmly established and almost universally accepted among Bible students. Therefore any discussion of the two witnesses of Revelation will sooner or later center on their identity.
Several Old and New Testament figures have been suggested as the identities of these two, including Moses, Elijah, Enoch, John and Nathaniel. But if the two witnesses are Biblical figures from the past, the most logical candidates are Moses and Elijah, and here’s why. The supernatural signs used to authenticate the ministry of the two witnesses are the same ones that Moses (plagues, and water into blood) and Elijah (drought and fire) used to authenticate theirs and are decidedly Old Testament in their nature. Moses is known in Judaism as the giver of the Law, while Elijah is considered the greatest of Israel’s Prophets. In fact the Old Testament is often called “the Law and the Prophets”, hinting at the contributions of these two great leaders from Israel’s history. Who better to represent God on Earth during the time when He brings events foretold in “the Law and the Prophets” to their ultimate climax?
Moses and Elijah were both with the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration where the discussion involved His departure and 2nd coming (Luke 9:28-31 & 2 Peter 1:16-18). By the way that event was rich in symbolism. First of all it took place out of time, Jesus appearing as He later would at His 2nd coming joined by the Voice of the Father, and the Cloud or Shekinah Glory, a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Then you have Moses and Elijah representing Old Testament and Israel, and finally Peter, James and John, representing the New Testament and the Church. Peter’s suggestion that he build booths for Moses and Elijah refers to a fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles, recalling the time when God dwelt with man and looking forward to the Millennium when God will again dwell among us. Also first century church tradition holds that Moses and Elijah were the two men in white who appeared to the disciples on the Mt. of Olives at the Lord’s ascension and promised His return (Acts 1:10-11).
As the age of man draws to a close we come full circle with God when, following the removal of the Church, He turns again to Israel as the focus of His attention and reverts to an Old Testament approach to mankind in general. In the Old Testament people believed in God because of the dramatic supernatural signs He gave to demonstrate His existence. It has been described as a time of belief by evidence. In the Upper room as Thomas saw the evidence Jesus presented him and believed, Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). This was the Lord’s last beatitude and looked forward to the coming Church.
The Church Age is a time of belief by faith, and that faith has brought great blessing, just as the Lord promised. When those who have believed by faith are gone, God will once again demonstrate His existence with dramatic supernatural signs, and many will believe because of this evidence. It’s going to be pretty tough to look up into the sky and see an army on white horses descending and say, “No I don’t believe that.”
The Book of Revelation documents this return to a time of belief by evidence, and will make things even more obvious because mankind will now have a script with which to follow the action. Of Revelation’s 404 verses 278 are direct quotes from the Old Testament. Remember, God’s primary objectives during the Great Tribulation are two fold; to completely destroy all the nations among which the Jews were scattered, and to discipline and purify Israel (Jere. 30:4-11) in preparation for the Kingdom Age.
The Great Tribulation is so Old Testament in its nature and so obviously directed at Israel, it’s only logical to see the two witnesses as a return of two of Israel’s greatest leaders.
From Scripture we know that Elijah was taken alive into Heaven (2 Kings 2:11) and that Moses died on Mt. Nebo in Moab (Jordan) and was buried by God Himself in a place unknown to man (Deut. 34:1-6). Hebrews 9:27 states that man is destined to die once and after that to face judgement. It’s an obvious denial of the concept of reincarnation, but it also gives some scholars trouble with the idea of Moses coming back as one of the two witnesses. They’re OK with Elijah coming back: he never died (or did he? See Matt. 17:11-13). But what about Moses?
Keep in mind that Hebrews 9:27 is a principle not a rule. Several biblical figures have died more than once. Elijah raised a boy from the dead (1 Kings 17:22), Jesus raised several: Jairus’s daughter (Mark 5:40-42) the widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:14-15) and Lazarus (John 11:43-44), and Paul raised a man who had fallen out of a third story window and died (Acts 20:7-12). I also believe that Paul himself was raised from the dead (Acts 14:19-20). These people all died again later.
Then there’s a curious reference in Jude 9 hinting at a dispute between the Arkangel Michael and Satan over the body of Moses. Michael is one of the few angels named for us, and usually appears as a commander in God’s army fighting battles in defense of Israel (Daniel 12:1). Why did God need Moses’ body? Was Moses to be resurrected for some later mission to Israel? The reference in Jude assumes his readers knew or could figure out the answer.
All things considered I believe the weight of evidence favors Moses and Elijah as the two witnesses of Revelation 11. One of the great blessings of living in our time is that we won’t have long to wait until we find out for sure. You can almost hear the footsteps of the Messiah.
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Zechariah 4:11-14 Then answered I, and said unto him, what are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, what be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
Enoch and Elijah both were prophets of judgment, both must come back and die their own appointed death on earth, as all men must who live before the rapture,
The lives of Enoch and Elijah are parallel in every sense, so their cases rise or fall together as to being the two witnesses.
They could be Enoch and Elijah. I suppose we'll know for sure when we know. I'm stating the obvious!
Moses had been dead over 1,700 years and his body was then in corruption. He evidently was brought up from paradise below the earth. This is an example of full consciousness and of a soul wearing clothes between death and resurrection: Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Christ had not yet become the first fruits of all that had died, so Moses could not have had a resurrected body.
"Moses and Elijah were both with the Lord on the Mount of Transfiguration" which is scripture so Moses and Elijah were together. I don't know Sal. What your writing is certainly something to consider. I stay open to these questions but I truly don't know. In the above article that guy thinks it's Moses and Elijah. Enoch never died according to scripture so it's a good case that Enoch would be one of the two.
If it was the physical body of Moses, it would contradict the Bible. Hebrews 9:27 And as it is APPOINTED unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
I understand why you think what you do about Moses.
Don't forget though Moses showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration.
"Moses had been dead over 1,700 years and his body was then in corruption" This was at the mount of transfiguration.
So how then did he appear?
SOUL: "This is an example of full consciousness and of a soul wearing clothes between death and resurrection: Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Christ had not yet become the first fruits of all that had died, so Moses could not have had a resurrected body."
They recognized Moses though. I am going to look at the scripture again. Hold on and if I need to add to this I will.
"17 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, [a]let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
Peter recognized Moses and Elijah. They must have appreared as a men to them. I am not making a case that Moses is one of the two witnessess. I don't know. Only thinking he must have appeared in such a way that the apostles knew who he was.
Elijah was in his physical body, and Moses was in soul and spirit: 1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is NOT corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Still having a hard time wrapping my head around it Sal but how does one wrap their head around God who created the heaven's and earth?
Don't worry about it. Pray for me I'm heading to the Cook County Jail in an hour, and I'll be teaching on the temporary resurrection of Lazarus. Mainly on how the Pharisee's wanted to kill Jesus and also Lazarus.
I will pray for you. Let me know?
Everything went so well that the inmates didn't want me to leave.
My Bible study is studying Revelation right now. The next time we meet we'll dive in to chapter 11. If I can (& if I remember), I'd like to share this post with the ladies, it would really add to our discussion.
Of course. I hope it helps.
If it’s appointed for all men to die once then Enoch and Elijah would make the most sense. However, Moses and Elijah being seen at the transfiguration along with the strange battle over Moses body makes a strong stance for those two.
This took place after the death of Moses. The devil had the power of death until Christ conquered him on the cross. The devil claimed Moses, but God intervened and took the body, burying it in the land of Moab.
Gotcha! Thank you, Sal. But why just Moses body? In the end, all of our bodies will be reunited with our spirits.
He may not be able to respond right away as he is going to the jail to teach. You can look at the conversation Sal and I had about this.
He may not be able to respond right away as he is going to the jail to teach. You can look at the conversation Sal and I had about this.
I glanced at your comment and only saw “going to jail!” Lol. It gave me pause, for sure.
Wasn't that Sal's comment? Now I'm confused. I am NOT going to jail nor do I plan on doing anything that would cause me to go to jail, not today anyway. Oh I see where I wrote to you that Sal was going to jail. Confusion gone.
Lol. Some things never change! We can absolutely still confuse each other. 😊
If Satan had the body of Moses, the Jews would have done what they did with brazen serpent, it had been an object of worship all these years.
It took over 900 years to remove it until the time of Hezekiah
Interesting. Never thought of that…
I also lean towards Enoch and Elijah, however open to whatever God is going to do.
Yea, I’m not 100% certain either way.
How could we be? We will know because we will either be here or in heaven, I hope in heaven watching it unfold.
Come soon, Lord Jesus!
Who Are the Two Witnesses?
Identity is debated, but traditionally suggested figures include:
Moses and Elijah – due to the plagues and drought parallels
Enoch and Elijah – both were taken without dying (Hebrews 11:5; 2 Kings 2:11)
Or symbolic of the Law and the Prophets, or the Church and Israel
I tend to lean toward Enoch and Elijah being the two witnesses described in Revelation 11. While some suggest the witnesses might be Moses and Elijah—representing the Law and the Prophets—I see that symbolism as already fulfilled in Christ, who fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). We are now living in the age of prophetic fulfillment, not in the age of the Law.
One of the strongest reasons I favor Enoch and Elijah is the scriptural principle that "it is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Both Enoch and Elijah were taken by God without experiencing physical death (Genesis 5:24; 2 Kings 2:11). This suggests their earthly course may not yet be complete. If every man is to die once, then perhaps these two are still appointed to die—and Revelation 11 provides a plausible context for that.
Of course, I acknowledge that I could be misinterpreting the Scripture. Revelation is rich in symbolism, and we should approach it humbly. But from my perspective, Enoch and Elijah seem like the most consistent candidates—both scripturally and theologically—for the role of the two witnesses.
I don't make up my mind about future events according to prophecy. The religious leaders in the time of our Lord did that and completely missed it. They did not recognize who Jesus is. I am with you though in leaning towards Enoch and Elijah.
Since I'm never wrong I think you made the right choice :-)
LOL, hilarous.
We know in part and we prophesy in part
I tend not to believe that it’s Enoch and Elijah.
Because all of us born again Christians will be taken at the rapture of the church, without dying.
And since I believe in the pretrib rapture of the church. It could possibly be anyone of us that didn’t die before we went into heaven with our Lord Christ Jesus.
Yet in the rapture, our bodies will be transformed as if we had died and entered God's kingdom. But there are two men in the Bible that have not gone through natural death, and they are already in heaven as natural men. I believe they will come back to earth to finish the ministry and die and then be resurrected for all to see.
1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot INHERIT the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. {but can ENTER, so they have to die.}
They have not inherited their final destination yet; there is a state of limbo.
2 Corinthians 12:2–4
“I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows… he heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”
Revelation 4:1–2
“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven… and the voice I had first heard speaking… said, ‘Come up here…’ At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven…”
John and Paul were in the flesh for a very short time. Enoch has been there for at least 5,000 years, and Elijah for over 3,500 years. It's not limbo they're in the presence of God.
But they are outside of space and time so from their perspective, they might've just been there a few minutes or hours.
But it appears to me that there fully human at this point and they will be killed as outlined in Revelation
"But they are outside of space and time so from their perspective, they might've just been there a few minutes or hours." This could be said About God, Enoch has been there over 5,000 years and Elijah over 3,500 years
God identifies as " I am" the ever-present one who is always in the now
And the prophets one 5 and the other 3 and a half thousand years in heaven.
Please present the scripture that states that we die in the rapture, John?
Elijah and Enoch were the first to be raptured, John.
Or have you made up your own belief on this subject, to fit your narrative?
I didn't mean to say that we die in the rapture, and it doesn't seem correct to say that Enoch and Elijah were raptured, even though there is a similarity; they're going to come back and die. When we are rapture we are changed.
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (KJV):
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
Elijah and Enoch were also changed. God cannot/will not allow sin of any kind into heaven. And both Elijah and Enoch were sinners.
Christ Jesus states in scripture that no one is righteous not even one.
That's all true, but do we know exactly where they have been stationed all this time? And they are ceremonially righteous. And their natural life is not complete.
The Bible says that both Enoch and Elijah were taken by God, but it does not give a detailed explanation of where they were taken. Let’s look at the exact verses and what can (and cannot) be concluded from them:
1. Enoch – Genesis 5:24
"Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him."
(Genesis 5:24, NIV)
Key Observations:
It does not say Enoch died.
It does not say he was taken to heaven explicitly.
The phrase “God took him” implies divine intervention, but the destination is unspecified.
Interpretation:
Hebrews 11:5 adds:
“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him.”
This confirms he did not die, but was “taken”—still, no direct mention of where.
2. Elijah – 2 Kings 2:11
"As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared... and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind."
(2 Kings 2:11)
Key Observations:
The word “heaven” here is the Hebrew shamayim, which can mean:
The sky or atmosphere
The cosmic heavens (stars, space)
The spiritual heaven, the abode of God
Interpretation:
Elijah was visibly taken up into “heaven,” but it is debated which “heaven” is meant.
Later in 2 Chronicles 21:12, Elijah sends a letter to King Jehoram after being taken up—suggesting he may not have left the earthly realm permanently.
What About “No One Has Ascended to Heaven”?
“No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.”
(John 3:13)
How Is This Reconciled?
Some argue this means only Jesus has entered the full presence of God (the third heaven, 2 Corinthians 12:2).
Enoch and Elijah may have been taken somewhere else, possibly a paradise-like place or protected dimension, not the throne-room presence of God.
We who are raptured don’t see death either.
So God took Enoch and Elijah somewhere so not to have anything to do with them again…..really?
Where does God dwell?
God takes 2 men from earth that doesn’t see death because He is pleased with them. And then takes them somewhere to have nothing to do with them…..WOW.
John are you closet liberal? Because you sound like one.
I'm not an expert on heaven. The Bible informs me of some things about heaven, and there appear to be different levels in heaven, but where two men of flesh and blood stay until they return to fulfill revelations is a mystery to me. The Bible does talk about three heavens it appears that the first heaven is what we see when we look up, the second heaven is where demonic forces operate and then the third heaven is where God resides, the throne of God is there in the temple that Jesus is operating in as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek is there as well.
Now, could God have sanctioned a planet in the second heaven, that's like paradise, where Enoch and Elijah are resting? I have no clue. If you have definitive Scripture, please share. And wherever they are, I don't think God is ignoring them.
But if God does not have a place in the third heaven for flesh and blood men, then they are somewhere else. We know Jesus is there is a flesh and bone man operating as our high priest, which Hebrews says is only taken from among men.
I'm not for sure how you can label me as a closet liberal, but I assume it's because I'm saying something you disagree with. I'm not for sure what that point is, but it seems inappropriate to revert to name-calling if you disagree with someone.
I would present that the two witnesses (in a spiritual sense) are the "law" and the "prophets." These two stand and present their stance in the city (scripture) before all. There will be a day when that which restrains is taken out of the way, and the lawless ungodly ones rejoice.
As for Michael and satan disputing over the body of Moses (the law). That is a daily dispute that takes place everywhere.
I understand what your saying about disputing over the body of Moses but not sure I understand at all the first part about the law and the prophets?
Oh wow! Ya'll have given me so much to share with my Bible study group! I can hardly wait another two weeks!