The two witnesses mentioned in Revelation arrive in Israel during the fulfillment of the 70th week, as foretold by Daniel. Revelation depicts the beginning and end of this week. These witnesses appear during the first three and a half years of the final seven years. Revelation 11:3 states, “I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Notice that in this chapter, the witnesses arrive with the appearance of the seventh trumpet, and their testimony concludes with their death and the sounding of the seventh angel. This marks the completion of the first and a half years of the final week.
They appear in Jerusalem, where they deliver their testimony against Israel. After their testimony is complete, they are killed and laid in the streets. Their bodies will lie in the part of Jerusalem where our Lord was crucified. Revelation 11:8 further describes their fate, stating, “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.”
During their testimony, the witnesses torment Israel. However, after their deaths, the people of Israel rejoice and send gifts to each other, celebrating their deaths.
Who are these two witnesses? Some believe they could be prophets like Moses and Elijah, or Enoch and Elijah. Some even say one would be Jeremiah. Regardless of who they are, they will come like John the Baptist did.
John, who came in the spirit of Elijah, was sent by God with the words of Elijah. This is what Christ said to the people when they asked Elijah must come first to prepare the way for the Messiah.
Matthew 11:13 states, “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you will receive it, this is Elijah, who was for to come.”
Matthew 17:12 adds, “But I say to you, that Elijah is already come, and they knew him not.”
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