Who Are the Two Witnesses?

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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A. During the period known as the “Great Tribulation,” which lies between the Lord’s coming for His saints, and His appearing in glory with them, the Lord Jesus gives a testimony through the Jews as to His claims as “Lord of all the earth.” This is referred to in the account of these “two witnesses,” in this symbolic part of the Revelation; “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” God is giving an adequate testimony at that day to what is then coming on the earth. The number which may be used to testify does not signify; adequate or sufficient testimony is the thought. This witness has a double significance, as the miracles show. They are similar to those performed by Moses, when the people of Israel were captives in Egypt (Ex. 7-10); and by Elias, when the people were apostate, worshiping Baal (1 Kings 18); as the shutting up of heaven, and the smiting the earth with plagues and turning the water into blood testify. They are owned as true worshipers in that day, and they have the spirit of prophecy, which is the “testimony of Jesus,” that is, the testimony He gives at that day to His royalty and priesthood about to be established (compare Zech. 4).
I believe they are godly Jews whom the Lord thus uses in this special manner, some of whom seal their testimony with their blood, looking for a “better resurrection.”
I judge that Dan. 7:2222Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. (Daniel 7:22) refers to the appearing of the Son of Man in glory who is the Ancient of Days Himself, to deliver the godly ones who are trampled down by the beast. This results in two things here (vs. 22) stated generally; 1st, “Judgment was given to the saints of the high (or heavenly) places” — not “Most High”; and 2d, “The saints possessed the kingdom” — the heavenly and earthly departments of glory.
Words of Truth 6:215-220.