Last updated on October 10, 2024
The Bible reveals that God will empower two witnesses to prophesy during the last days. But who exactly are these two witnesses, and how can we identify them?
In the Book of Revelation Chapter Eleven, “the two witnesses” are described as the “two olive trees” and the “two lampstands”.
Revelation 11:4 They are “the two olive trees” and “the two lampstands”, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”
The Two Lampstands
Revelation 1:20 explains the meaning of the lampstands: “The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
From this verse, we understand that the lampstands symbolize churches or congregations.
The Greek word for “churches” is ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais), a noun meaning a gathering or religious congregation.
The Two Olive Trees
Moreover, the two witnesses are also symbolized by two olive trees. The prophet Zechariah had a similar vision of olive trees and lampstands. His vision offers additional insight into the identity of the two witnesses:
Zechariah 4:2-3: “‘What do you see?’ he asked. ‘I see a solid gold lampstand,’ I replied, ‘with a bowl at the top and seven lamps on it, with seven spouts to each of the lamps. There are also two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.’”
An angel explained to Zechariah what the olive trees symbolized: “These are the two anointed ones who are standing beside the Lord of all the earth.”
Judah and Israel
In the following verse, the Lord refers to Israel as a green “olive tree”:
Jeremiah 11:16: “The LORD called your name, A green olive tree, fair and of goodly fruit.”
Moreover, Israel was divided into two factions:
1 Kings 16:21 states: “Then the people of Israel were split into two factions; half supported Tibni son of Ginath for king, and the other half supported Omri.”
Since then, Israel has been divided into the House of Judah and the House of Israel.
Gentiles as Grafted Wild Olive Shoot
Additionally, gentile believers are likened to wild olive shoots grafted into the olive root of Israel. Apostle Paul explained:
Romans 11:17: “If some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them and share in the nourishing sap from the olive root…”
Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ becomes part of God’s household, regardless of lineage. Apostle Paul elaborates:
Ephesians 2:11-13: “Remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh…were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel…But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.”
Thus, Gentile believers will also be included in the olive tree of Israel. In the last days, they will prophesy and be counted as part of the two witnesses, representing the Olive Tree of the House of Israel.
Therefore, if you believe in God and understand and walk in the truth, you will be included in this prophecy.
Ephesians 2:19 “You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household…”
On the other hand, the elect saints of the last days will represent the House of Judah.
Psalm 74:2 Remember thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old; the rod of thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed; this mount Zion, wherein thou hast dwelt.
Two Witnesses Given Power
God will empower His two witnesses, granting them the ability to fulfill this prophecy during the “last days.”
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.
and in Revelation 11:6, They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
How are they given power?
The vision of Apostle John of the Two Witnesses correlates with the following vision of the Prophet Joel:
Joel 2:28-32 And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on My menservants and maidservants, I will pour out My Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and awesome Day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD promised, among the remnant called by the LORD.”
Conclusion
Therefore, we can conclude that the Two Witnesses are Judah and Israel. They are the two olive trees, the two anointed ones, and the two lampstands of the visions of Apostle John and the Prophet Zechariah.
I hope that this post has helped you gain an understanding of who the Two Witnesses are. Until next time, may God bless you all!
All the glory be to God. Thank you, Jesus Christ! HalleluYah! Let your light shine!
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