Revelation (Written)

Friday, 12 February 2021

Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. Revelation 11:9

The previous verse noted that the dead bodies of the two witnesses will lie in the street of the great city (certainly speaking of Jerusalem). Now John says, “Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations.” This is an all-encompassing thought that could be spiritualized, but today there is no need to do so. In the past, such a thought could be conveyed as well, as a message went out from one nation to another by courier, but that would take an extraordinary amount of time.

However, a long amount of time is not available with what this verse next conveys. John says that these many categories “will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days.” At the time of John, seeing something meant within the distance of the human eye, or maybe as a depiction in a drawing. However, John’s words clearly convey that people from all over the world would be able to see these dead bodies all at once, and for a period of three-and-a-half days.

Unless this timeframe is somehow spiritualized, it would be impossible to think this could happen at John’s time, or at any time up to the present generation. And yet, with the advent of the internet, smart phones, live-streaming, and so on, this is not only possible, but it is what one would naturally expect for a such an event. Something like “The Two Witnesses” live webcam could have been broadcasting during the entire time of the witnessing. Upon their deaths, it would continue to run. With these two “enemies” of the state now dead, John says that the people of the world will “not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.”

In the Middle East, as elsewhere in hot sunny climates (assuming it is the warm time of the year), it is important to bury bodies quickly due to the effects of decay. However, the world will be happy to have these men lie open and exposed as they rejoice in their perceived triumph over them and over the message they proclaimed. As they claimed they were speaking on behalf of the Lord, the thought will be that of triumph over Him.

The words of this verse show a world filled with wickedness, as they jointly deny these two the respect of burial.

Life application: This verse does not prove John was referring to modern technology, such as TV, live-streaming, and so on. However, it does suggest it. Because these things are now a normal part of everyday society, it is easy to see how what John relays to us certainly matches the world as it now is.

Those who deny that Revelation is written for our time might say that the categories of people mentioned in this verse were simply pilgrims to Jerusalem and were thus representative of the known world at the time. However, it is no longer necessary to look at the events in such a manner. The description of the armies in Chapter 9 clearly point to modern armies. As this is certain, there is no reason to take what is stated in these verses as anything but literal as well. They exactingly match what is now possible in the world today.

As this is so, it shows that we are probably very near to the time in which these events will come about. That, in turn, tells us that we are even nearer to the coming of the rapture. Each day draws us nearer to the day we will be called home to be with JESUS!

Lord God, we surely live during exciting times. It is wonderful to think of the blessing of living in this age and seeing the things that people of the past could not have even imagined. And yet, we also now face new types of trials and frustrations unknown to those of the past. Our lives are hurried, and our days are overloaded. Help us to focus on what is most important, which is our relationship with You. Help us to not be distracted from that! Amen.

Thursday, 11 February 2021

And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Revelation 11:8

John now describes the treatment of the two witnesses after they have been killed, saying, “And their dead bodies will lie in the street.” The Greek reads “upon the street.” Their carcasses will be left exposed upon the street as a supposed testimony to the ending of their witness. They had prophesied of repentance or coming judgment, and there they will lie. As their dead bodies are left open and exposed in the streets of the city, these two are – in a sense – following their Lord in the public shame He endured.

Like Jesus, they have supposedly (stress the word) been defeated in “the great city.” This is referring to the same spot that was mentioned in verse 11:1 –

“Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, ‘Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.’”

John was told to measure “the temple of God,” meaning the temple of the Lord that will again stand on the temple mount in Jerusalem. It is in this location where the two witnesses had prophesied.

The term “great city” has not been used this way before when referring to Jerusalem, but it signifies the importance of the location in the end times. The world will look to it as a beacon of peace and unity, even while it flourishes in perversion and wickedness, something that has increased almost exponentially in recent years.

The Knesset, the seat of government in Israel, is located in western Jerusalem. There, the legalization of every type of indecency and perversion has come to pass, abortion is openly accepted as a legitimate practice, laws concerning the easing of restrictions on drug use are increasingly being introduced, and so on. These things will only increase in the time leading up to the coming of the two witnesses. Such things as this, and especially Israel’s rejection of Jesus as their Messiah, will be highlighted by them. For this, they will be martyred and then their dead bodies will be left in the open street.

Because of these immoral practices by the people, John continues with descriptions of the city, saying, “which spiritually is called Sodom.” The sin of Sodom is obvious. It is clearly defined in Scripture, and in whatever place the practice of homosexuality is openly accepted, that place will be labeled as Sodom – whether it is a bar, a district, a city, or a country. The label is fully understood as to what is being referred to.

Such practices are condoned and applauded throughout Israel today, and it all stems from the laws enacted in Jerusalem. Hence, it is the bearer of the title “Sodom.” John continues with, “and Egypt.” Egypt was the place of bondage, hardship, and oppressive rule from which Israel was redeemed by the Lord. Being brought out of Egypt was a picture of man’s being brought out from bondage to sin. However, here John calls Jerusalem “Egypt.”

Thus, he is indicating that it is a city in bondage to sin. The temple has changed nothing because by the law is the knowledge of sin. It can never lead to holiness. Instead, it can only heap up more guilt upon the people. The two witnesses will testify of freedom through the grace of God in Christ, but that will be rejected. The people will remain in their bondage.

Finally, and to ensure that the location of the city is not to be spiritualized away, John says of it, “where also our Lord was crucified.” Jesus was crucified outside of the gates of Jerusalem. Today, that area is within the limits of Jerusalem. The note of the Lord’s crucifixion is affixed to remind the reader that Jesus is the fulfillment of the law. All of the types and shadows of the Temple are found fulfilled in Him. And yet, instead of the Substance, they have chosen the shadow.

Further, the crucifixion of Christ points in two directions at once. It points to grace for those who accept it, and it points to judgment upon those who reject it. John’s note calls out, “This really happened! The Lord of Creation came to this place and died for the sins of His people! Accept the grace of God in Christ or be judged by God in Christ!”

The words of John in this one verse were anticipated by the prophet Isaiah –

“Hear the word of the Lord,
You rulers of Sodom;
Give ear to the law of our God,
You people of Gomorrah:
¹¹ “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?”
Says the Lord.
“I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams
And the fat of fed cattle.
I do not delight in the blood of bulls,
Or of lambs or goats.
¹² “When you come to appear before Me,
Who has required this from your hand,
To trample My courts?
¹³ Bring no more futile sacrifices;
Incense is an abomination to Me.
The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—
I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting.
¹⁴ Your New Moons and your appointed feasts
My soul hates;
They are a trouble to Me,
I am weary of bearing them.
¹⁵ When you spread out your hands,
I will hide My eyes from you;
Even though you make many prayers,
I will not hear.
Your hands are full of blood.
¹⁶ “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean;
Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.
Cease to do evil,
¹⁷ Learn to do good;
Seek justice,
Rebuke the oppressor;
Defend the fatherless,
Plead for the widow.
¹⁸ “Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.
¹⁹ If you are willing and obedient,
You shall eat the good of the land;
²⁰ But if you refuse and rebel,
You shall be devoured by the sword”;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 1:10-20

Isaiah called the people of Judah Sodom and Gomorrah. He told them of the futility of their temple rites, and He spoke of their receiving the grace and cleansing from sins that can only come from a heart directed to the Lord. What Isaiah laid out at the beginning of his book, John sums up in a single sentence in Revelation.

Life application: These names and descriptions for Jerusalem are given, but they could have been avoided – simply by heeding the call of the two witnesses. But by rejecting their words, the same thing will come upon them as came upon both Sodom and Egypt – great punishment and judgment.

The same is true with the world today. We have two great witnesses already – the two testaments of Scripture. They stand together as a unified body of writing that witnesses to God’s working out the redemptive narrative for fallen man. It is this marvelous book, the Holy Bible, that calls out to us to turn to God and receive His offer of pardon, restoration, and forgiveness. This book calls out for us to turn to JESUS.

O Lord, even in the face of the great plan of redemption for us that You have so carefully laid out in the pages of Scripture, the people of the world have rejected its testimony. Thus, they have rejected You. We have Your complete revelation in the pages of the Bible and yet most people ignore it, shun it, and openly revile against it. Lord, open hearts and minds to the precious truth of Your word – the word that tells us of Your loving grace, given through Jesus. Amen.

Wednesday, 10 February 2021

When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. Revelation 11:7

The two witnesses are being referred to here. They have a set mission to perform, and it will last a preordained amount of time. It is at the end of that time that John now says, “When they finish their testimony.” In verse 11:3, the word martysin, or witnesses, was used. It is the noun that described them. They were witnesses to the people. Here, the word marturia speaks of the witness, or testimony itself. Once that is complete, John says, “the beast that ascends.”

The Greek contains definite articles – “the beast the coming up.” Thus, it is speaking of a particular beast. This may be a way of identifying, in advance, the beast mentioned in Revelation 13:1 and/or 17:8. This also may be a way of identifying the fourth beast of Daniel 7. John says that this beast that ascends “out of the bottomless pit will make war against them.”

The two witnesses, regardless of who they are (this commentary has identified them probably as Enoch and Elijah but being future, this isn’t certain), will finish their prophesying after three- and one-half years and they will be killed by this beast.

This is not likely to be the angel with the key to the bottomless pit in verse 9:1, but rather he is probably the leader of the forces that were let loose from there, represented by locusts. He is quite possibly the antichrist who was spoken of by Daniel and also by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10.

The term used for “beast” here is not the same term that is used for the four living creatures around the throne. Those are rightly translated as “living creatures.” But because some translations use the term “beast” for both, it is good to clarify this. The term used here means a wild animal. It is probably analogous to the term used for a beast in Daniel chapter 7, but there is also a difference. The beast there is speaking of an empire, but this one in Revelation appears to be speaking of an individual. However, this isn’t 100% certain either. This very well may be an empire too.

The leader of an empire is normally associated with the entire empire. When one speaks of the Germans of World War II, they will often speak of Hitler as representing the whole. Again, Stalin is used as an example of the entire communist system of his time. There is no reason to think this isn’t the case here as well. Time will resolve these hard to identify terms, peoples, and empires. For now, John finishes with the words that this beast will “overcome them, and kill them.”

Regardless as to who these witnesses are, this is an allowance of God. They have had the power to perform the miracles and wonders previously described, signifying that they are working on behalf of God who gave them the power. But the redemptive plan is set, the timeline is given, and these two witnesses are to die in the performance of their duties. This is by the allowance of God, and it is for His glory that it will occur.

Life application: God is in control of this and of every situation. After these things occur, we will see His omniscience in what comes about – knowing that He foresaw exactly what would happen. Whether this analysis is correct on who the two witnesses are or not, the world will be able to identify exactly what has come about as being what was prophesied in the Bible. There will be no excuse for rejecting what is so clearly presented.

Death is not the end of the story for these two witnesses. Nor is it the end for any who belong to the Lord. He has complete and final control over all who are His. And so, whether by death or by rapture, we will be with the Lord forever. He prevailed over death so that we too will prevail over death. He is the Lamb that was slain but who rose again. He is JESUS!

Lord, by seeing the faithfulness of your prophets and witnesses who are described in the Bible, it can give us courage as well to speak out for Your glory and Your great name. Give us strength and boldness as we face the wickedness of this world, knowing that man can do nothing to us apart from Your will. Whether in life or in death, we are Yours. Nothing can change that. Thank You for this wonderful assurance. Amen.

Tuesday, 9 February 2021

These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. Revelation 11:6

John continues with the powers granted to the two witnesses. He begins this verse with, “These have the power to shut heaven.” The heavens are above. To exercise power in the heavens implies the power of God. Thus, in exercising this power, it is a confirmation of the Source of their prophesying.

To shut up the heaven is then further described saying, “so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy.” The Greek reads more descriptively, saying, “so that no rain shall wet.” The implication is that even if there is rain in the sky, it will not wet the earth and provide relief from drought. This is the same power granted to Elijah. In 1 Kings 17:1, it says –

“And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.’”

In this, it did not rain for three- and one-half years, as is testified to by both Jesus and James. Along with this power, it next says, “and they have power over waters to turn them to blood.” This is the same power exercised by Moses –

 “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their streams, over their rivers, over their ponds, and over all their pools of water, that they may become blood. And there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in buckets of wood and pitchers of stone.’” Exodus 7:19

The idea of the waters being turned into blood here does not mean that it must be literal blood. The term can be metaphorically speaking of death in the water (from the Bible’s statement that the life is in the blood), or some similar concept. The idea is that these two witnesses have power over the waters to call on them to become blood, and thus undrinkable for the people.

Next, the verse continues with, “and to strike the earth with all plagues.” The Greek actually reads in the singular – “with every plague.” This then extends beyond the ten plagues of Moses to any plague also mentioned elsewhere in Scripture, or whatever other plague they decide upon that has not been mentioned before. They will have power, demonstrating their divine authority (and thus a confirmation that their message is from God), to strike the earth with every plague. And John notes this power is “as often as they desire.”

From these words, it can be inferred that they are given full reign and authority to determine what plagues they will send forth. Unlike Moses who was given specific plagues to be performed at the word of the Lord, these witnesses can speak forth a variety of plagues to come about, and they come accordingly.

It should be considered that by noting these specific plagues, and the fact that several of them are close to what both Moses and Elijah did, it is asserted that this proves the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. As one commentator notes, “Enoch doesn’t meet any of those qualifications” (Ruckman). That is a simplistic and narrow evaluation of the matter.

The fact is that Moses did not do what Elijah did, and Elijah did not do things Moses did. Further, other prophets did things that neither of them did. Even the apostles spoke regarding authority to call down fire from the heavens (Luke 9:54). The idea that because no such miracle, sign, or wonder is recorded as being accomplished by Enoch – and so Enoch cannot be one of the two witnesses – is an argument from silence.

Enoch has already been noted as a prophet, and thus, he can be granted whatever power the Lord determines to give him in order to accomplish his witness. Moses does not qualify as one of the two witnesses because his death was recorded. As this is so, and as Hebrews clearly explains that man dies and then is judged, Moses is not one of the two witnesses. The two witnesses will die in the verses ahead. Whether the second witness is Enoch or not (and he is the most likely candidate based on the evidence presented), it is perfectly certain that neither is Moses.

Life application: The closing verses of the Old Testament says –

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
⁶ And he will turn
The hearts of the fathers to the children,
And the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:5, 6

This is a strong indication that Elijah is certainly one of the witnesses. Enoch is the most likely and biblically reasonable second witness. The power that these witnesses possess demonstrates that they are truly of God, and thus their message is from God. This is the purpose of granting such authority – confirmation of the Source.

However, throughout Scripture, men of God have had their words confirmed through such power, or through the fulfillment of their prophetic word, and yet people have rejected their message. How sad it is that the truth of God is presented to humanity, but it is ignored by those who see it!

And this is true with Scripture itself. It stands as a witness to the workings of God in the stream of time. It validates itself in countless ways, and it possesses true power to change. Despite this, it is ignored, belittled, and manipulated by the majority of the world. Let us not do any of these things. But rather, let us hold fast to this precious and sacred word, and let us carefully heed what it says, applying its contents to our lives in the context that is intended for us. It is this marvelous treasure, the Holy Bible, that tells us of God’s saving grace as is revealed in the Person of JESUS!

Lord God, it is hard to understand how people can disregard Your word, despite all of the evidence in it which demonstrates that it is from You. It reveals You and Your plans to us, and it confirms itself through the prophetic word. And yet, it is rejected. Because of this, how much more just is Your judgment when it comes. Until that day, help us to continue to share the beautiful message of the gospel to others in anticipation of converting the lost to a saving relationship with You. Amen.

Monday, 8 February 2021

And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. Revelation 11:5

This is referring to the two witnesses introduced in verse 11:3. It has already been established that their purpose is to prophesy. While prophesying, they are “clothed in sackcloth.” As noted, this indicates a sign of mourning and woe. Wearing such garments is to show great distress and humility before God. It is also as a petition that even though destruction is deserved, there is a hope for mercy (see Jonah 3:5, e.g.). In the case of these two, they are in sackcloth on behalf of the people they are speaking to.

However, preaching a call to “repentance or judgment” – as is seen in Scripture and in the world today – is not a popular thing among those who revel in their wickedness. Because of this, there are those who will always fight against those who preach it. This will be the case with these two witnesses, and John next notes, “And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies.”

The question here is, “Is this literal fire, or something else?” It is true that Elijah called down fire on those who came to him –

“So Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, ‘If I am a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.’” 2 Kings 1:10

In this, Elijah called down fire, and fire from heaven consumed the men. However, this verse in Revelation says this fire came not from heaven, but from their mouths. Unless their breath is really bad, even explosive, it seems hard to imagine literal fire is what is spoken of here. Rather, the answer to the question appears to be resolved in the words of Jeremiah –

“’Is not My word like a fire?’ says the Lord,
‘And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?’” Jeremiah 23:29

And again –

“They have lied about the Lord,
And said, ‘It is not He.
Neither will evil come upon us,
Nor shall we see sword or famine.
¹³ And the prophets become wind,
For the word is not in them.
Thus shall it be done to them.’
¹⁴ Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts:
‘Because you speak this word,
Behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire,
And this people wood,
And it shall devour them.’” Jeremiah 5:12-14

The word of the Lord, which is what these men are conveying through prophesying, is directly equated to fire. And the effects of the word of the Lord can then be equated to the effects of fire. For example –

“For thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends; and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and your eyes shall see it. I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive to Babylon and slay them with the sword. ⁵ Moreover I will deliver all the wealth of this city, all its produce, and all its precious things; all the treasures of the kings of Judah I will give into the hand of their enemies, who will plunder them, seize them, and carry them to Babylon. ⁶ And you, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house, shall go into captivity. You shall go to Babylon, and there you shall die, and be buried there, you and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied lies.’” Jeremiah 20:4-6

Also –

“Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, ‘Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie. ¹⁶ Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will cast you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have taught rebellion against the Lord.’
¹⁷ So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.” Jeremiah 28:15-17

Jeremiah also prophesied against groups of people, pronouncing upon them the judgment of the Lord. When the judgment was spoken forth, it was also accomplished. Therefore, there is no reason to not accept this “fire” spoken of in Revelation as a metaphor for the word of the Lord as spoken by these prophets. With this being the case, John then repeats the thought, saying, “And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.”

The repetition of the thought indicates the certainty of the matter. What is conveyed is certain, and it shall certainly come to pass. Those coming to harm these prophets are people with their own false testimony, and also naysayers who say that God isn’t judging the world at all. They will come against these two in order to trap them in their own words, but Jesus has already given a promise to those who speak on His behalf in times such as this –

“Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say. ¹² For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11, 12

Because this is the case, the “fire” of the Holy Spirit’s utterances is far more likely than real flames.

Life application: The words of the Lord are a consuming fire, particularly when they proclaim judgment. They burn away impurity, they refine those who are repentant, and they consume those who are not. In Isaiah, it says –

“Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
² For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,”
Says the Lord.
“But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:1, 2

When you read the word of God, do you tremble at what you read? Are you understanding this word is a word of judgment and condemnation, or a word of grace and life? The way that it comes to a person is based upon how they treat it. If the heart is humble, it will lead to grace and life. If the heart is hard, it will judge and it will condemn. Be sure to accept the gospel as the saving grace it is presented as. Do not turn away from it! Instead, soften your heart and turn to God through JESUS!

Lord, just as Your words are a consuming fire when disregarded, they are also a fire in the hearts of those who love You. Let us never quench the fire that burns inside of us by withholding Your truth from others. Instead, give us the desire and ability to boldly proclaim Your truth to the people of the world. Amen.