Revelation 11:1-19 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

The Two Witnesses. The Seventh Trumpet

1-14. Second episode. There is much difference of opinion as to the meaning of this vision. Perhaps the key may be found in the parallelism of the book. There were two episodical visions after the sixth seal (see on Revelation 7), the first signifying that Christ's people were separated and preserved from God's judgments, the second that they were preserved not from but through death. The same meaning may be found here.

1, 2. The sanctuary and altar of Jerusalem, with the worshippers, are to be measured, i.e. with a view to preservation: cp. 2 Samuel 8:2; Ezekiel 40:3. (Revelation 11:1). But the court of the Gentiles has been given over, with the rest of the city, to the nations (Revelation 11:2). This is plainly a reference to, or prophecy of, the siege and capture of Jerusalem, 70 a.d., as foretold by Christ: cp. Luke 21:24. But it is to be interpreted symbolically. The temple, altar, and worshippers signify the Christian Church and its worship (cp. 1 Corinthians 3:16), which have arisen in the midst of Judaism, and which are to be preserved, although Judaism is doomed. The time named, 42 months, i.e. 3½ years (Revelation 11:2), the half of seven the holy number, is not to be understood literally. It was the duration of the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes, and signifies a period, of whatever extent, in which evil had power: cp. Revelation 11:3; Revelation 12:6; Revelation 13:5; Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7.

3-14. But the people of Christ, although to be preserved, will be preserved through death. They are represented now under the figure of two 'witnesses' (cp. Acts 1:8), prophesying during the period of evil (Revelation 11:3). They are compared to the olive trees and candlesticks (Zerubbabel and Joshua) of Zechariah 4, because they give forth the light of the truth of Christ and are fed with the oil of divine grace (Revelation 11:4). They are also compared, in language which is meant to assure them of God's special favour and protection, to Elijah and Moses (Revelation 11:5.). Yet God's favour will be shown in preserving them not from but through death. The 'beast,' i.e. the Roman power (cp. Revelation 13:1 note, Revelation 17:8) will persecute them to the death (Revelation 11:7). There is, perhaps, an allusion to the death of two godly men in Jerusalem, of whom James, the Lord's brother, may have been one. As their dead bodies were treated with dishonour by the Jews, so, too, will the heathen dishonour the martyred Christians. But in all this they are identified with Christ (Revelation 11:8.), and will share His life with God (Revelation 11:11.). In the judgment which falls upon the wicked world, of which Jerusalem, now that the Christian Church has been separated from her (Revelation 11:1.), has become a figure ('Sodom,' 'Egypt,' 'great city,' Revelation 11:8 see on Revelation 14:8), many are converted: cp. Acts 2:23; Acts 2:37. (Revelation 11:13.).

Related Commentaries of Revelation 11:1

Revelation 11:1-19

1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

2 But the court which is without the temple leave out,a and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

3 And I will giveb power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

8 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.

9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of menc seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.d

19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.