Revelation 11:3 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

I will give power unto my two witnesses, &c.— The sacred writer assures us that God would raise up some true and faithful witnesses, to preach and protest against the innovations mentioned in the preceding verse: and there were Protestants long before ever the name came into use. Of these witnesses there should be, though but a small, yet a competent number; and it was a sufficient reason for making them two witnesses, because that number is required by the law, Deuteronomy 19:15 and approved by the gospel, Matthew 18:16 and upon former occasions, two have often been joined in commission, as Moses and Aaron in Egypt; Elijah and Elisha in the apostacy of the ten tribes; and it is observable also, that the principal reformers have usually appeared in pairs; the Waldenses and Albigenses; John Huss and Jerome of Prague; Luther and Calvin; Cranmer and Ridley, and their followers: not that (I conceive) any two particular men, or two particular churches, were intended by this prophesy; but only that there should be some in every age who should bear witness to the truth. They should not be discouraged, even by persecution and oppression; but, though clothed with sack-cloth, and living in a mourning and afflicted state, should yet prophesy; should yet preach the sincere word of God, and denounce the divine judgments against the reigning idolatry and wickedness. And this they should continue to do, as long as the grand corruption itself lasted;—for a space of a thousand two hundred and threescore days. It is the same space of time with the forty and two months, Revelation 11:2. For forty and two months, consisting each of thirty days, are equal to a thousand two hundred and threescore days, or years in the prophetic style; and a thousand two hundred and threescore years, (as we have seen before in Daniel 12:11-12.) is the period assigned for the tyranny and idolatry of the church of Rome. A character is then given of those witnesses, and of the power and effect of their preaching; Revelation 11:4-6. These are the two olive-trees, &c. that is, "They, like Zerubbabel and Joshua, Zechariah 4 are the great instructors and enlighteners of the church." Fire proceeded out of their mouths, &c. (Revelation 11:5.) that is, "they are like unto Moses and Elijah, (Numbers 16:2. 2 Kings 1.) who called for fire upon the enemies of Jehovah." But their fire was real; this is symbolical, and proceeds out of the mouths of the witnesses, denouncing the divine vengeance on the corrupters and opposers of true religion; much in the same manner as it was said to Jeremiah, ch. Revelation 5:14. I will make my words in thy mouth fire, &c. It is added by St. John, These have power to shut heaven, &c. Revelation 11:6 that is, "They are like Elijah, who foretold a want of rain in the days of Ahab, 1 Kings 17:1.James 5:17 and it rained not by the space of three years and six months; which, mystically understood, is the same space of time as the forty and two months, Revelation 11:2 and the thousand two hundred and threescore days, Revelation 11:3 which were allotted for the prophesying of the witnesses." During this time the divine protection and blessing shall be withheld from those men who neglect and despise their preaching and doctrine. They have also power over the waters, &c. Revelation 11:6 that is, they are like Moses and Aaron, who inflicted plagues on Egypt; and they may be said to smite the earth with the plagues which they denounce; as, in scripture language, the prophets are often said to do those things, which they declare and foretel. But it is most highly probable, that these particulars will receive a more literal accomplishment, when the plagues of God, and the vials of his wrath, (ch. 16) shall be poured outupon men, in consequence of their having so long resisted the testimony of the witnesses.