If you have ever been to a sports bar or a restaurant that has several televisions broadcasting different sporting events, you will understand John’s dilemma. John has been watching several things happening at once and needs to pause to give us some details of things which occur alongside the main event. It is similar to how we would be watching a football game; but then see a basketball game, a tennis match, and a golf tournament all at the same time. If we want to explain what was happening in all four sporting events, with the most important event being football, we might give a consistent overview of football, then parenthetically explain basketball. We might then parenthetically mention the tennis match, and then the golf tournament. John is doing just that. He is giving us a chronological order of the main event, then parenthetically explaining some of the other events that have been taking place along side the main event. John did this before with chapter 7 of Revelation, explaining the 144,000 sealed and the multitudes of martyrs. This time John explains the seven thunders, the two witnesses, and also gives us the foresight into the mystery of the seventh trumpet. He is explaining some of these events like back stories to the sequential seals and trumpet judgments. As he does this we gain insight into our time period, where we are in the tribulation. This helps us logically put all these events into place thus far.
Revelation 10:1-11 (KJV)
1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
Revelation 10:2 G2532 And G2192 he had G1722 in G3588 G5495 his hand G1473 G974 a small scroll G455 being opened. G2532 And G5087 he put G3588 G4228 [3foot G1473 1his G3588 G1188 2right] G1909 upon G3588 the G2281 sea, G3588 and the G1161 G2176 left G1909 upon G3588 the G1093 land.
974 Dodson:βιβλιδάριον a little papyrus roll.
Thayer:
1) a little book
βιβλιαρίδιον
bibliaridion bib-lee-ar-id'-ee-on A diminutive of G975; a booklet KJV Usage: little book.
A strong interesting looking angel now goes from heaven to earth. We don’t know where he is standing, but he is touching earth and sea. This is not the same scroll as in chapter 5, this is a pamphlet with something important written on it.
Revelation 10:3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.
Revelation 10:3 G2532 And G2896 he cried out G5456 [2voice G3173 1with a great], G5618 as G3023 a lion G3455 roars. G2532 And G3753 when G2896 he cried out, G2980 [4spoke G3588 1the G2033 2seven G1027 3thunders] G3588 the things G1438 of their own G5456 voices.
2980 LSJ Gloss:λαλέω to talk, chat, prattle, babble
Dodson:λαλέω I speak, say (I talk, chatter in classical Greek, but in NT a more dignified word) I speak, say.
Thayer:
1) to utter a voice or emit a sound
2) to speak
2a) to use the tongue or the faculty of speech
2b) to utter articulate sounds
3) to talk
4) to utter, tell
5) to use words in order to declare one's mind and disclose one's thoughts
5a) to speak
λαλέω
laleō lal-eh'-o A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, that is, utter wordsKJV Usage: preach, say, speak (after), talk, tell, utter.
1027 LSJ Gloss:βροντή thunder
Dodson:βροντή thunder.
Thayer:
1) thunder
βροντή
brontē bron-tay' Akin to βρέμω bremō (to roar); thunder KJV Usage: thunder (-ing).
The strong angel speaks and the seven thunders phōnē, make sounds. They speak in their own voices. Clearly the seven thunders are seven beings. We see that they accompany the Ophanim (wheels). From what we have studied regarding the Ophan, we know that they are beings that revolve and spin. They transport the Merkabah, the golden chariot, off the earth as in Ezekiel. They seem to look like a tornado, or whirlwind. We understand that if they are the transporters of the glory of God, that they are inter-dimensional, and may in fact create wormholes. The thunders accompany the Ophan.
Psalm 77:18 G5456 The sound G3588 G1027 of your thunder G1473 G1722 in G3588 the G5164 wheel; G5316 [2appeared G3588 G796 1your lightnings] G1473 G3588 to the G3611 inhabitable world; G4531 [3was shaken G2532 4and G1790 5trembling G1096 6took place G3588 1the G1093 2earth].
The thunder sounds within the Ophan. Does this suggest that the thunders travel with the Ophan as the Cherubim do? If we had only read this in Psalms, we would not understand that they are individuals who are in the category of the sons of God.
Jesus calls James and John the sons of thunder or Boanerges, which notes them as fiery preachers, or the sons of a fiery preacher. This tells us the thunders have something to say as if the seven thunders are preachers.
Mark 3:17 (KJV)
17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:
People hear thunder when a heavenly voice speaks down to earth.
John 12:23-32 (KJV)
23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
30 Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.
31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Thunder was phōnē for the benefit of the people, not for Jesus’ sake. Notice what Jesus says, now is judgment of this world, and the ruler of this world shall be cast aside. This is an important point to remember. Sometimes thunder is simply thunder, sometimes thunder is a spiritual being that speaks and makes announcements.
Revelation 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.
Revelation 10:4 G2532 And G3753 when G2980 [4spoke G3588 1the G2033 2seven G1027 3thunders], G3195 I was about G1125 to write; G2532 and G191 I heard G5456 a voice G1537 out of G3588 the G3772 heaven G3004 saying G1473 to me, G4972 Set a seal upon G3739 what G2980 [4spoke G3588 1the G2033 2seven G1027 3thunders], G2532 and G3361 do not G3778 write these things . G1125
4972 LSJ Gloss:σφραγίζω to seal
Dodson:σφραγίζω I set a seal upon I seal, set a seal upon.
Thayer:
1) to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal
1a) for security: from Satan
1b) since things sealed up are concealed (as the contents of a letter), to hide, keep in silence, keep secret
1c) in order to mark a person or a thing
1c1) to set a mark upon by the impress of a seal or a stamp
1c2) angels are said to be sealed by God
1d) in order to prove, confirm, or attest a thing
1d1) to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt
1d1a) of a written document
1d1b) to prove one's testimony to a person that he is what he professes to be
σφραγίζω
sphragizō sfrag-id'-zo From G4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication to keep secret, to attest KJV Usage: (set a, set to) seal up, stop.
John was about to write what the seven thunders said, however he was told not to write it. Daniel was also told to seal up the writings, but in Revelation 22 we see that the words should be unsealed, as Revelation is for us to read now. It seems as if the thunders are heralds, announcing the things of the Living God.
We will get an idea of what the thunders say in a couple of weeks, but for now we know that they say something that is not to be retold.
Revelation 10:5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:
Revelation 10:6 G2532 And G3660 he swore by an oath, G1722 by G3588 the one G2198 living G1519 into G3588 the G165 eons G3588 of the G165 eons, G3739 who G2936 created G3588 the G3772 heaven G2532 and G3588 the things G1722 in G1473 it, G2532 and G3588 the G1093 earth G2532 and G3588 the things G1722 in G1473 it, G2532 and G3588 the G2281 sea G2532 and G3588 the things G1722 in G1473 it; G3754 for G5550 delay G3756 will not G2089 any longer G1510.8.3 be;
3660Dodson:ὀμνύω I swear, take an oath I swear, take an oath, promise with an oath.
Thayer:
1) to swear
2) to affirm, promise, threaten, with an oath
3) in swearing to call a person or thing as witness, to invoke, swear by
ὀμνύω
omnuō om-noo'-o A prolonged form of a primary but obsolete word, ὄμω omō , for which another prolonged form ( ὀμόω omoō om-o'-o ) is used in certain tenses. To swear, that is, take (or declare on) oath KJV Usage: swear.
2198 LSJ Gloss:ζάω to live
Dodson:ζάω I live I live, am alive.
Thayer:
1) to live, breathe, be among the living (not lifeless, not dead)
2) to enjoy real life
2a) to have true life and worthy of the name
2b) active, blessed, endless in the kingdom of God
3) to live i.e. pass life, in the manner of the living and acting
3a) of mortals or character
4) living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul
5) metaph. to be in full vigour
5a) to be fresh, strong, efficient,
5b) as adj. active, powerful, efficacious
ζάω
zaō dzah'-o A primary verb; to live (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: life (-time), (a-) live (-ly), quick.
165 LSJ Gloss:αἰών aevum
Dodson:αἰών an age, a cycle of time an age, a cycle (of time), especially of the present age as contrasted with the future age, and of one of a series of ages stretching to infinity.
Thayer:
1) for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity
2) the worlds, universe
3) period of time, age
αἰών
aiōn ahee-ohn' From the same as G104; properly an age; by extension perpetuity (also past); by implication the world; specifically (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future) KJV Usage: age, course, eternal, (for) ever (-more), [n-]ever, (beginning of the, while the) world (began, without end).
The angel swears by the one living into the eons, who created the heavens and the earth and the sea. According to wikipedia, aevum is as follows:
In Scholastic philosophy, the aevum is the mode of existence experienced by angels and by the saints in heaven. In some ways, it is a state that logically lies between the eternity of God and the temporal experience of material beings. It is sometimes referred to as "improper eternity".
5550 LSJ Gloss:χρόνος time
Dodson:χρόνος time, a particular time, season.
Thayer:
1) time either long or short
For Synonyms see entry G5853
χρόνος
chronos khron'-os Of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in genitive case, and thus properly distinguished from G2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from G165, which denotes a particular period) or interval; by extension an individual opportunity; by implication delay KJV Usage: + years old, season, space, (X often-) time (-s), (a) while.
The angel swears there will no longer be a delay. What is the angel referring to? John gives us the insight. The seventh trumpet. It hasn’t happened yet, as John is filling us in on some back story regarding a few other matters. But as soon as John finishes telling us about these things, the seventh trumpet will sound. So in John’s explanation he gives us a heads up as to what will be going on, but he is still telling us about some of the other details of this time period. Here is what the seventh trumpet is about.
Revelation 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.
Revelation 10:7 G235 but G1722 in G3588 the G2250 days G3588 of the G5456 sound G3588 of the G1442 seventh G32 angel, G3752 whenever G3195 he is about G4537 to trump, G2532 and G5055 [4should be initiated G3588 1the G3466 2mystery G3588 G2316 3of God], G3739 which G2097 good news was announced G3588 by G1401 his bondmen G1473 G3588 the G4396 prophets.
5055 LSJ Gloss:τελέω to complete, fulfil, accomplish
Dodson:τελέω I end, accomplish, pay (a) I end, finish, (b) I fulfill, accomplish, (c) I pay.
Thayer:
1) to bring to a close, to finish, to end
1a) passed, finished
2) to perform, execute, complete, fulfil, (so that the thing done corresponds to what has been said, the order, command etc.)
2a) with special reference to the subject matter, to carry out the contents of a command
2b) with reference also to the form, to do just as commanded, and generally involving the notion of time, to perform the last act which completes a process, to accomplish, fulfil
3) to pay
3a) of tribute
τελέω
teleō tel-eh'-o From G5056; to end, that is, complete, execute, conclude, discharge (a debt)KJV Usage: accomplish, make an end, expire, fill up, finish, go over, pay, perform.
3466LSJ Gloss:μυστήριον a mystery
Dodson:μυστήριον anything hidden, a mystery a mystery, secret, of which initiation is necessary; in the NT: the counsels of God, once hidden but now revealed in the Gospel or some fact thereof; the Christian revelation generally; particular truths or details of the Christian revelation.
Thayer:
1) hidden thing, secret, mystery
1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals
1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding
1c) a hidden purpose or counsel
1c1) secret will
1c1a) of men
1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly
2) in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense
2a) of an OT saying
2b) of an image or form seen in a vision
2c) of a dream
μυστήριον mustērion
moos-tay'-ree-on From a derivative of μύω muō (to shut the mouth); a secret or “mystery” (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites) KJV Usage: mystery.
2097 Dodson:εὐαγγελίζω I bring good news, preach good tidings
I bring good news, preach good tidings, with or without an object, expressing either the persons who receive the good news or the good news itself (the good news being sometimes expressed as a person).
Thayer:
1) to bring good news, to announce glad tidings
1a) used in the OT of any kind of good news
1a1) of the joyful tidings of God's kindness, in particular, of the Messianic blessings
1b) in the NT used especially of the glad tidings of the coming kingdom of God, and of the salvation to be obtained in it through Christ, and of what relates to this salvation
1c) glad tidings are brought to one, one has glad tidings proclaimed to him
1d) to proclaim glad tidings
1d1) instruct (men) concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation
εὐαγγελίζω
euaggelizō yoo-ang-ghel-id'-zo From G2095 and G32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel KJV Usage: declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
4396 LSJ Gloss:προφήτης one who speaks for a God and interprets his will
Dodson:προφήτης a prophet, poet a prophet, poet; a person gifted at expositing divine truth.
Thayer:
1) in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things
2) one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in pa
προφήτης
prophētēs prof-ay'-tace From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet KJV Usage: prophet.
This is incredible. The seventh angel’s trumpet is the fulfillment of the mystery of God which is the good news, the gospel, spoken of by God’s servants the prophets. We cannot get any more clear than that. The seventh trumpet is the completion of the gospel. This mystery is multifaceted, with the end result being the rescuing of mankind.
Jesus says the mystery is what they, the disciples, see in their day and time, Immanuel, God with them.
Matthew 13:10-17 (KJV)
10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?
11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
The mystery is also the Nations coming in to the sheepfold.
Romans 11:25-28 (KJV)
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
The mystery is that we shall all be changed, and raised up, putting on incorruption and immortality. Death is swallowed up in victory.
1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (KJV)
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
The mystery is the Administration of Grace. It is a time period not under law but grace, so that the nations can be fellow heirs and of the same body.
Ephesians 3:2-6 (KJV)
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
The mystery is that the principalities and powers, both the good and bad spiritual beings, now know through the called out saints, the multifaceted wisdom of God.
Ephesians 3:9-12 (KJV)
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
The mystery was hidden, but now is manifested in the saints that it is Christ in you the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:26-27 (KJV)
26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
There is more to this mystery, but the good news is now going to be completed in the sounding of the seventh trumpet. But we haven’t gotten there yet. John is told to eat the little book.
Revelation 10:8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.
10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.
11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
John is told to eat the booklet so that he could prophesy to others. These words are sweet to our mouth because for us they are life, but they are bitter and gut wrenching because it means the harming of many who are hard hearted.
John is given a pen like a scepter and asked to estimate the temple. He was not really looking for dimensions, but for numbers of people.
Revelation 11:1 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, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
As we saw a few weeks ago from Ezra, it is about the number of seeds (people) being fulfilled.
2 Esdras 4:33-37 (KJVApocrypha)
33 Then I answered and said, How, and when shall these things come to pass? wherefore are our years few and evil?
34 And he answered me, saying, Do not thou hasten above the most Highest: for thy haste is in vain to be above him, for thou hast much exceeded.
35 Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these things in their chambers, saying, How long shall I hope on this fashion? when cometh the fruit of the floor of our reward?
36 And unto these things Uriel the archangel gave them answer, and said, Even when the number of seeds is filled in you: for he hath weighed the world in the balance.
37 By measure hath he measured the times; and by number hath he numbered the times; and he doth not move nor stir them, until the said measure be fulfilled.
This is part of the mystery. John is counting the number of people worshipping in the temple. This again tells us that there must be a temple, and John is measuring this before the second half of the tribulation starts. We are still in the first three and one half years, and the nations will trample the holy city for 42 months, or three and one half years. The trampling of Jerusalem is not during the first half of the tribulation. Israel increases her borders and people move to the region from all over the world. The trampling occurs during the second half of the tribulation. So this is prophetically a numbering for the start of that time.
Malachi tells us that the witnesses will have something to do while on earth. During that three and one half year time they will purify the Levites for the temple service.
Malachi 3:1-4 (KJV)
1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
One witness will be cleansing the Levites so that temple service can be pleasant and the other has a different job to do. We will see who this is shortly, but notice this person is a messenger. Very clearly there will be temple service once again, and there is only one person who can cleanse the priests. This person was the first priest of the Lord. He was so pure on the earth that he was taken, with his body, to minister to the Lord.
Malachi 4:1-6 (KJV)
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
Enoch will be cleansing the temple priests, while Elijah will be turning children’s hearts back to their fathers. We have heard these verses describe John the Baptist, but clearly they do not describe John. John never cleansed Levites, he never was in any temple service, he was an Essene. Notice that this servant comes before the Day of the Lord. John didn’t turn any son’s hearts back to their father’s. Elijah will be listened to and adhered to by the younger generation and Enoch will get temple service cleaned and purified so that pleasant offerings can be made as in the days of old, before defilement entered the temple. But now pay attention to verse 3. Two witnesses have power to prophesy for 1260 days.
Revelation 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
The first thing we have to recognize is that God is still using the Enoch/Zedek/Zadok calendar. 360 days per year plus 4 intercalary days. 1260 divided by 360 equals 3.5. The two witnesses prophesy for three and one half years. There is a clue here. The Enoch calendar is being used. This also establishes who one of the witnesses will be. Remember that Daniel also used the Enoch calendar to tell us when the Messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey.
Let’s think rationally about this, we know the two witnesses die, but in order to die they must have their bodies. The only two people in the Bible who have their bodies are Enoch and Elijah. Moses does not have a body, he died and was buried in Baal-peor. There are some Masoretic alterations that confuse Moses’ death. But the older text, the Septuagint, makes it clear.
The two people that were taken and still have bodies are Enoch and Elijah, and that by using the number of days as1260 we see the Enoch calendar. The two witnesses come to earth when the saints leave the earth. They are on the earth three and one half years. This is how we know where we are in time. John is now telling their story because their time on earth is about to end. There has to be a temple in Jerusalem because Enoch will be cleansing the priests so that they can make temple offerings, while Elijah will be witnessing. We have studied these witnesses before.
Revelation 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
These two men have an unlimited supply of anointing oil. They are like two olive trees that pour oil into the candlesticks so that the menorah will not go out. Let’s read from a previous study.
Zechariah told us in his prophecy of two trees; one on the right and one on the left of the candlestick. It is interesting to note that Zechariah asks a second time, as to an explanation of these two branches of olive trees. They are pouring and recycling the oil by funnels.
Zechariah 4:11 G2532 And G611 I responded G2532 and G2036 said G4314 to G1473 him, G5100 What are G3588 G1417 [2two G1636 3olive trees G3778 1these], G3588 the ones G1537 on G1188 the right side G3588 of the G3087 lamp-stand, G2532 and G1537 on G2176 the left?
12 G2532 And G1905 I asked G1537 of G1208 a second time, G2532 and G2036 I said G4314 to G1473 him, G5100 What are G3588 the G1417 two G2798 branches G3588 of the G1636 olive trees, G3588 the ones G1722 by G3588 the G5495 handles G3588 of the G1417 two G3459.1 tubes G3588 G5552 of gold G3588 of the ones G2022 pouring G2532 and G1877 returning back G3588 the G1884.4 oil by funnels G3588 G5552 of gold?
13 G2532 And G2036 he spoke G4314 to G1473 me, G3004 saying, G3756 Do you know not G1492 G5100 what G1510.2.3 these are? G3778 G2532 And G2036 I said, G3780 No, G2962 O lord.
Look at verse 13. This should read a bit differently. The angel says don’t you perceive who they are? This is an awesome question. Zechariah had some benefits from his culture as to why he should have perceived who these two olive branches are. We have lost some of this knowledge in our day, but we can gain it back. What Zechariah should have known is who these olive trees, with unlimited power from the Holy Spirit, are. The two are called sons of fatness who stand beside the Lord of all the earth. First, let’s ask who is Lord of all the earth? Yahweh, also known as Jesus. There are two who stand on either side of Jesus. Who are they?
Zechariah 4:14 G2532 And G2036 he said, G3778 These G1510.2.6 are G3588 the G1417 two G5207 sons G3588 of G4096 fatness, G3936 they stand beside G3588 the G2962 lord G3956 of all G3588 the G1093 earth.
Sons of fatness. Zechariah should have known there were two in history who walked in such a great degree of holiness that they were taken off the earth. They were two anointed men. This history was more recent for Zechariah. The two branches are Enoch and Elijah. Enoch and Elijah are the two olive trees. They are the two witnesses. They will be the two lights during the first half of the tribulation.
Where are these two witnesses standing? Before the lord of the earth. Who is the Lord of the earth? When Enoch and Elijah come to earth, they will be the lights, fueled with an endless supply of oil to illuminate the people left on the earth.
Revelation 11:5 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.
The entire world will know these two men, and will blame them for the seal and trumpet judgments. Yet they cannot be harmed. No one can kill them. They will be on the news everywhere.
Revelation 11:6 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.
They have additional power to smite the earth with plagues in-between the seal and trumpet judgments. People will see the immediate and direct power of God operating through these men. They will call out evil rulers and then everyone will see immediate punishment on those evil rulers. As often as they want to inflict punishment they can.
Revelation 11:7 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.
Abaddon/Apollyon/Gog, the angel of the bottomless pit who came out of the abyss will make war with them. But not until their witness is finished after 1260 days according to the Enoch calendar. No human could kill them, but the angel who was king of the abyss over the armies of locusts will be allowed to kill them. Let’s keep in mind, Enoch and Elijah have been in the presence of God, in the heavens, for a few thousand years. I’m sure that they are anxious to go back. Physical death will mean nothing to them, they are the sons of fatness who stand before the Lord of the earth. They are doing everyone a favor by being on earth. But the people of earth harden their hearts and do not see their presence on earth as a blessing. There are people who are worshipping in the temple, they are Jews, and many will believe their testimony and be saved.
Revelation 11:8 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.
Revelation 11:8 G2532 And G3588 G4430 their corpses will be G1473 G1909 upon G3588 the G4113 square G3588 of the G4172 [2city G3588 G3173 1great], G3748 which is G2564 [2called G4153 1spiritually] G* Sodom G2532 and G* Egypt, G3699 where G2532 even G3588 G2962 their Lord G1473 G4717 was crucified.
4153 Dodson:πνευματικῶσ spiritually spiritually, in a spiritual way; from a spiritual point of view.
Thayer:
1) spiritually: i.e. by the aid of the Holy Spirit
πνευματικῶς
pneumatikōs pnyoo-mat-ik-oce' Adverb from G4152; non-physically, that is, divinely, figuratively KJV Usage: spiritually.
4717 LSJ Gloss:σταυρόω to fence with pales, impalisade
Dodson:σταυρόωI crucify
I fix to the cross, crucify; fig: I destroy, mortify.
Thayer:
1) to stake, drive down stakes
2) to fortify with driven stakes, to palisade
3) to crucify
3a) to crucify one
3b) metaph. to crucify the flesh, destroy its power utterly (the nature of the figure implying that the destruction is attended with intense pain)
σταυρόω
stauroō stow-ro'-o From G4716; to impale on the cross; figuratively to extinguish (subdue) passion or selfishness KJV Usage: crucify.
The bodies of Enoch and Elijah will lie in the street of Jerusalem, the great city. Jerusalem is also spiritually known as Sodom and Egypt. Sodom spiritually is sin and lawlessness, Egypt spiritually is bondage and slavery. Remember, the temple was steeped in many sins, from the time of the kingdom split to the time of Ezekiel. We recognize that Jerusalem was not a spiritually pure city. Distorted religion consistently overtakes the pure religion through to today. This defiled religion murdered Jesus, impaled him on the cross. Yet Jesus overcame sin, and he overcame bondage. The city is suffering for the spiritual sins of men.
Revelation 11:9 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.
Everyone on the earth is looking at Jerusalem. Everyone on earth sees the dead bodies of Enoch and Elijah. The people on earth rejoice and give each other gifts. They are so happy to see these two men dead, it is like Christmas.
Revelation 11:11 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.
Revelation 11:11 G2532 And G3326 after G5140 three G2250 days G2532 and G2255 a half G4151 the breath G2222 of life G1537 from G3588 G2316 God G1525 entered G1909 unto G1473 them, G2532 and G2476 they stood G1909 upon G3588 G4228 their feet, G1473 G2532 and G5401 [2fear G3173 1great] G4098 fell G1909 upon G3588 the ones G2334 viewing G1473 them.
2222LSJ Gloss:ζωή a living
Dodson:ζωή life life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence.
Thayer:
1) life
1a) the state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate
1b) every living soul
2) life
2a) of the absolute fulness of life, both essential and ethical, which belongs to God, and through him both to the hypostatic "logos" and to Christ in whom the "logos" put on human nature
2b) life real and genuine, a life active and vigorous, devoted to God, blessed, in the portion even in this world of those who put their trust in Christ, but after the resurrection to be consummated by new accessions (among them a more perfect body), and to last for ever.
For Synonyms see entry G5821
ζωή
zōē dzo-ay' From G2198; life (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: life (-time).
5401 LSJ Gloss:φόβος flight
Dodson:φόβος fear, terror, reverence (a) fear, terror, alarm, (b) the object or cause of fear, (c) reverence, respect.
Thayer:
1) fear, dread, terror
1a) that which strikes terror
2) reverence for one's husband
φόβος
phobos fob'-os From a primary φέβομαι phebomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright KJV Usage: be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.
After three and a half days the zōē of God enters into Enoch and Elijah and they stand up on their feet. People are terrified when they see Enoch and Elijah standing up. But now people will see them rise to heaven. Then there will be an earthquake.
Revelation 11:12 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 men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Revelation 11:13 G2532 And G1722 in G1565 that G3588 G2250 day G1096 took place G4578 [2earthquake G3173 1a great], G2532 and G3588 the G1181 tenth G3588 of the G4172 city G4098 fell, G2532 and G615 there were killed G1722 in G3588 the G4578 earthquake G3686 the names G444 [3men G5505 2thousand G2033 1of seven]. G2532 And G3588 the G3062 rest G1719 [2thrown into fear G1096 1became], G2532 and G1325 gave G1391 glory G3588 to the G2316 God G3588 G3772 of heaven.
3686 LSJ Gloss:ὄνομαby name
Dodson:ὄνομα name, character, reputation name, character, fame, reputation.
Thayer:
1) name: univ. of proper names
2) the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.
3) persons reckoned up by name
4) the cause or reason named: on this account, because he suffers as a Christian, for this reason
ὄνομα
onoma on'-om-ah From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685); a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character) KJV Usage: called, (+ sur-) name (-d).
Once the witnesses go up, the city has an earthquake. This is interesting, specifically seven thousand men in rank or authority will die as the tenth part of the city falls. The KJV does not add the word “name”, but the Greek shows us these are men of reputation. Then the people left will be afraid and glorify God. It may be that the seven thousand had something to do with not burying the witnesses or maybe encouraged celebration once they were dead. Whoever these men of reputation are, the people will notice that they were the only ones who died.
Revelation 11:14 The second woe (calamity) has passed; now the third woe is speedily to come.
We are heading into the time of the third woe.
Now that we have some insight into a few other events that have been taking place on the earth and in heaven, we are coming to the best day ever, the good news of the seventh trumpet. We are only halfway through the tribulation period with one more event left to mark the timing. Then we enter the second half of the tribulation, the last three and one half years.
