The Two Witnesses
The Two Witnesses are a “famous” part of the Revelation. We are told that they will prophesy for 1,260 days (or one-half of seven years), and they will have the power to burn with fire anyone trying to harm them, and stop the rain during their time of prophecy, and turn water into blood, and to cause plagues. (Revelation 11:3-6)
The principal of having two witnesses for important testimony is found in the Torah:
- “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.” – Deuteronomy 19:15
The Two Witnesses of the Revelation must be qualified to give testimony about the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Dan Goodwin, author of The Final Jubilee, offers the theory that the Two Witnesses are Moses and Elijah. This is not a new idea. Here are some reasons why:
- The powers given to the Two Witnesses in the Revelation 11:3-6 parallel the powers given to Moses and Elijah.
- It was Moses and Elijah that appeared with Jesus on the “Mount of Transfiguration.” (Mark 9:4)
- In the last three verses of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah are named. This passage also includes a promise to send Elijah before the Day of the Lord. (Malachi 4:4-6)
- Scripture does not indicate that anyone saw Moses die. It tells us that he was buried by the Lord. (Deuteronomy 34:6)
- The Lord buried Moses near Beth Peor. Beth is “house.” According to Gesenius, peor is a gap or a hiatus. So Moses was buried near the House of Hiatus. After 3,500 years (or 3½ millennial days) Moses will return from his hiatus.
- Elijah was taken to Heaven without dying. He was “raptured.” (Second Kings 2:11)
And then there is the figurative picture of Jesus taking Peter, James and John to the “Mount of Transfiguration” after six days. Six days after what? I believe this is six millennial days representing the six thousand years of human history according to the Word of God.
But Brother Goodwin, who is a minister, offers a new idea. When Mary looked inside the empty sepulcher, she saw two men described as angels. (John 20:11-12) Brother Goodwin offers the thought that these two men were Moses and Elijah, who were there to witness the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
In Acts 1:9-11, after the Lord Jesus had spoken to the Disciples on the Mount of Olives, he was taken up to Heaven in a cloud. Two men appeared to them and explained that Jesus would return in the same manner. (Please see Zechariah 14:3-4 for a description of the Return of the Lord to the same place.) Again, Brother Goodwin offers the explanation that the two men were Moses and Elijah who were there to witness the Ascension of the Lord Jesus.
This certainly fits the principle of witnesses given in Deuteronomy. And we are given so many hints throughout the Bible. Again, the Word of God is like a puzzle; the pieces are here and there. Study the Word and you will be blessed. The pieces of the puzzle will begin to fall together. May the Lord be praised forever for giving us His Holy Word!
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