WHO ARE THE TWO WITNESSES?
Exploring the traditional ideas of a combination of Enoch, Elijah or Moses.
WHO ARE THE TWO WITNESSES?
Who are the Two Witnesses of God, of Revelation 11:1-13? Unless someone hears it direct from God, it would seem there is no way to know for sure. There has been much speculation as to their identities. Let us consider some possibilities.
This is the general consensus: That they will be two of these three, Enoch, Elijah or Moses. Or they may be two persons that no one really knows of. Following here, will be some of the reasoning for these thoughts.
First, let us consider Enoch, the pre-flood patriarch. Enoch walked with God and never died.
Enoch was a mighty man of God. There was a book of Enoch that was not included with the Bible. To many, it is a very respected book, even though there seems to be no genuine original to draw from. Being as Enoch was 7th from Adam, it is no wonder since his book was from such a long, long time ago. It should be noted, that if you trust book of Enoch that is available today, Enoch was allowed to see into the future. Many believe Jude referenced Enoch's prophecy in the following verses:
The book of Enoch, tells of the fallen angels before the flood that caused so much of the violence before the Flood. It also tells of Enoch going to the “mountain of God” and having great intimacy with God there.
Let us consider Elijah, the prophet. Elijah never died and was taken up to heaven.
Elijah's ministry happened during the time of a wicked ruler named Ahab. Elijah called a 3 ½ year drought. Elijah defeated all of the wicked priests of his day by the mighty power of God and then slew them. He accomplished mighty miracles and no matter how bad Ahab wanted him dead, Elijah was untouchable. (1 Kings 17 & 18) He lived during a time in Israel of great unfaithfulness and his ministry was to turn the people back to God.
Elijah, like Enoch, sought the Lord at the mountain of God. Both men had unwavering principles and faith. Both had a strong relationship with the Lord. So much so, that neither died.
Elijah “was prophesied of” in the book of Malachi to return again. The Lord Jesus says this was fulfilled though John the Baptist. Many people today seem to forget that Jesus said this was fulfilled already and are still looking for the fulfillment. Of course, it is possible that it could be a double prophecy.
Some also feel that because Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration, that they will work together as the Two Witnesses.
Let us consider Moses now.
Moses performed many miracles against the Pharaoh. One might say, his resume shows he has great experience in obeying God and standing against a powerful evil one. He also was at the Mount of Transfiguration. He had great intimacy with God. He also went to the “Mountain of God,” at least three times... (see the book of Exodus). Unlike Enoch and Elijah though, Moses literally died.
Many say, Enoch and Elijah still need to die, so this would make them seem like “they have to be the ones.”
However, all the people going up alive in the rapture, will be spared death. Perhaps what might be more important is not the need to die, but that they lived before and God was not through with them yet.
The following verses in Zechariah and Revelation, call them the “the two olive trees,” “two lampstands” that stand before the Lord. How “incredible” and “who could qualify” for this description?
Enoch, Moses and Elijah all lived before Zechariah wrote his book and gave that prophecy.
Who are these “two anointed ones” that stand before God?
These two that provide holy olive oil for God's menorah and light. I cannot tell you their names but I can tell you this, they must be two very incredible persons and that if the Lord really wanted us to know who they were, He would have given us more information. So, let us hold fast and in time, possibly very soon, all will know just who these two amazing Anointed Ones will be!
This is the general consensus: That they will be two of these three, Enoch, Elijah or Moses. Or they may be two persons that no one really knows of. Following here, will be some of the reasoning for these thoughts.
First, let us consider Enoch, the pre-flood patriarch. Enoch walked with God and never died.
- Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
Enoch was a mighty man of God. There was a book of Enoch that was not included with the Bible. To many, it is a very respected book, even though there seems to be no genuine original to draw from. Being as Enoch was 7th from Adam, it is no wonder since his book was from such a long, long time ago. It should be noted, that if you trust book of Enoch that is available today, Enoch was allowed to see into the future. Many believe Jude referenced Enoch's prophecy in the following verses:
- Jude 1:14-15 Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, "Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."
The book of Enoch, tells of the fallen angels before the flood that caused so much of the violence before the Flood. It also tells of Enoch going to the “mountain of God” and having great intimacy with God there.
Let us consider Elijah, the prophet. Elijah never died and was taken up to heaven.
- 2 Kings 2:11 Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
Elijah's ministry happened during the time of a wicked ruler named Ahab. Elijah called a 3 ½ year drought. Elijah defeated all of the wicked priests of his day by the mighty power of God and then slew them. He accomplished mighty miracles and no matter how bad Ahab wanted him dead, Elijah was untouchable. (1 Kings 17 & 18) He lived during a time in Israel of great unfaithfulness and his ministry was to turn the people back to God.
Elijah, like Enoch, sought the Lord at the mountain of God. Both men had unwavering principles and faith. Both had a strong relationship with the Lord. So much so, that neither died.
Elijah “was prophesied of” in the book of Malachi to return again. The Lord Jesus says this was fulfilled though John the Baptist. Many people today seem to forget that Jesus said this was fulfilled already and are still looking for the fulfillment. Of course, it is possible that it could be a double prophecy.
- Malachi 4:5-6 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 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."
- Matthew 17:10-13 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will restore all things. But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands." Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.
Some also feel that because Moses and Elijah appeared to Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration, that they will work together as the Two Witnesses.
- Matthew 17:1-6 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.
Let us consider Moses now.
Moses performed many miracles against the Pharaoh. One might say, his resume shows he has great experience in obeying God and standing against a powerful evil one. He also was at the Mount of Transfiguration. He had great intimacy with God. He also went to the “Mountain of God,” at least three times... (see the book of Exodus). Unlike Enoch and Elijah though, Moses literally died.
Many say, Enoch and Elijah still need to die, so this would make them seem like “they have to be the ones.”
However, all the people going up alive in the rapture, will be spared death. Perhaps what might be more important is not the need to die, but that they lived before and God was not through with them yet.
The following verses in Zechariah and Revelation, call them the “the two olive trees,” “two lampstands” that stand before the Lord. How “incredible” and “who could qualify” for this description?
- Zechariah 4:11-14 Then I answered and said to him, "What are these two olive trees--at the right of the lampstand and at its left?" And I further answered and said to him, "What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?" Then he answered me and said, "Do you not know what these are?" And I said, "No, my lord." So he said, "These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth."
- Revelation 11:3-6 “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 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. 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.
Enoch, Moses and Elijah all lived before Zechariah wrote his book and gave that prophecy.
Who are these “two anointed ones” that stand before God?
These two that provide holy olive oil for God's menorah and light. I cannot tell you their names but I can tell you this, they must be two very incredible persons and that if the Lord really wanted us to know who they were, He would have given us more information. So, let us hold fast and in time, possibly very soon, all will know just who these two amazing Anointed Ones will be!
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT "THE TWO WITNESSES"
COULD THE TWO WITNESSES BE THE ANGELS, GABRIEL AND MICHAEL?
Exploring the possibility.
TWO WITNESSES BIBLE VERSES
A compilation for thought & study.
WHAT WILL THE TWO WITNESSES REALLY DO?
Understanding their ministry, purpose & destiny.
"BASIC RAPTURE" ARTICLES
WHAT IS THE RAPTURE?
Understanding the concept of biblical rapture.
IS THE WORD "RAPTURE" IN THE BIBLE?
Understanding "harpázō" - the word "rapture" comes from & where it's seen in the Bible.
MYSTERY OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS OF YEARS
A prophecy in Daniel foretold the coming of Christ & also the concept of the "last week of years" is derived; sometimes called "the 7 year tribulation."
RAPTURE VIEWS
Understanding pre, mid & post tribulation, millennial views, preterism & more.
THE TRIBULATION & THE WRATH OF GOD
Understanding what really happens during the last 7 years of this age.
TRIBULATION & WRATH, BIBLICAL DEFINITIONS & USAGE
A study taking a deeper look at original context.
THE BEST BIBLICAL MINDSET FOR LIVING IN THE LAST DAYS
As shown in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
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Copyright 2015 E. Cockrell May be copied for personal study or instruction but shall not be copied and/or distributed in whole or part without permission or for financial profit.
While we do believe in a mid tribulation rapture, we are not saying we know the day or the hour. The Lord makes it very clear that no one but the Father knows that. While we do believe it is at or near the middle of the last 7 years of this Age, the Lord says that He has to cut the time short for the elect's sake in Matthew 24:22 and who knows the amount of time that will be?
Cu toate că credem într-o Răpire mid-tribulaționistă, nu spunem că știm ziua sau ora când va avea loc. Domnul spune foarte clar că nimeni nu le știe exact în afară de Tatăl Ceresc. Credem că va avea loc undeva la mijlocul ultimilor 7 ani ai acestui veac, dar Domnul mai spune că va scurta numărul acelor zile de mare necaz, de dragul celor aleși (Matei 24:22) și cine poate ști cât timp va fi?
Cu toate că credem într-o Răpire mid-tribulaționistă, nu spunem că știm ziua sau ora când va avea loc. Domnul spune foarte clar că nimeni nu le știe exact în afară de Tatăl Ceresc. Credem că va avea loc undeva la mijlocul ultimilor 7 ani ai acestui veac, dar Domnul mai spune că va scurta numărul acelor zile de mare necaz, de dragul celor aleși (Matei 24:22) și cine poate ști cât timp va fi?
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