◄ Revelation 11:10 ►
And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them, and will celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them.
Study Bible
And those who dwell on the earth
This phrase refers to the inhabitants of the earth, often used in Revelation to denote those who are opposed to God and His purposes. The Greek word for "dwell" (κατοικέω, katoikeo) implies a settled, permanent residence, suggesting that these individuals are deeply rooted in worldly systems and values. In the context of Revelation, "those who dwell on the earth" are frequently contrasted with the faithful who are described as sojourners or pilgrims, indicating a temporary stay on earth with a focus on heavenly citizenship.

will gloat over them
The Greek word translated as "gloat" (χαίρω, chairo) typically means to rejoice or be glad. However, in this context, it carries a negative connotation, indicating a malicious delight in the misfortune of others. This reaction reveals the hardened hearts of the earth's inhabitants, who celebrate the apparent defeat of God's witnesses. It underscores the spiritual blindness and moral corruption prevalent among those who reject God's truth.

and will celebrate and send gifts to one another
The act of celebrating and exchanging gifts is reminiscent of ancient customs where victories or significant events were marked by feasting and gift-giving. This behavior is a perverse mimicry of genuine joy and fellowship, highlighting the twisted values of those who oppose God. The historical context of gift-giving as a sign of alliance or shared joy further emphasizes the collective rebellion against divine authority.

because these two prophets
The "two prophets" are the two witnesses mentioned earlier in Revelation 11, who prophesy and perform miracles during a period of great tribulation. Prophets in the biblical tradition are God's messengers, often calling people to repentance and warning of impending judgment. The presence of these prophets signifies God's continued outreach to humanity, even in times of widespread apostasy.

had tormented those who dwell on the earth
The word "tormented" (βασανίζω, basanizo) suggests severe distress or suffering. In this context, the torment is not physical but spiritual and moral, as the truth proclaimed by the prophets convicts the consciences of the earth's inhabitants. This torment is a result of the clash between divine truth and human rebellion, illustrating the discomfort and hostility that arise when God's light exposes the darkness of sin.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Those who dwell on the earth
This phrase often refers to unbelievers or those who are opposed to God's kingdom. In the context of Revelation, it typically denotes people who are aligned with worldly systems and values.

2. The two prophets
These are the two witnesses mentioned earlier in Revelation 11. They are God's messengers, endowed with power to prophesy and perform miracles, and they are a source of torment to those who reject their message.

3. Gloating and celebrating
The reaction of the earth's inhabitants to the death of the two prophets. This celebration indicates a deep-seated animosity towards God's messengers and their message.

4. Sending gifts
This act of exchanging gifts signifies a perverse form of celebration, akin to a holiday, marking the death of the prophets as a victory for those opposed to God.

5. Torment
The torment refers to the conviction and judgment brought by the prophets' message, which is intolerable to those who reject God.
Teaching Points
The World's Rejection of God's Message
The celebration over the prophets' death highlights the world's rejection of God's truth. Believers should be prepared for opposition when standing for biblical truth.

The Cost of Prophetic Witness
The two prophets' experience reminds us that proclaiming God's message can lead to persecution. Christians are called to be faithful witnesses, regardless of the cost.

The Temporary Nature of Evil's Triumph
The gloating of the earth's inhabitants is short-lived. God's ultimate victory is assured, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in hope.

The Power of Conviction
The torment caused by the prophets' message underscores the power of God's Word to convict and challenge. Believers should not shy away from speaking truth, even when it is uncomfortable.

The Call to Persevere
Despite opposition, the faithful witness of the prophets serves as a model for perseverance. Christians are encouraged to endure in their faith and witness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the reaction of "those who dwell on the earth" to the two prophets reflect the broader biblical theme of opposition to God's messengers?

2. In what ways can believers today expect to face similar reactions when they stand for biblical truth?

3. How does the temporary celebration of the earth's inhabitants over the prophets' death encourage us to maintain hope in God's ultimate victory?

4. What lessons can we learn from the two prophets about the cost and importance of being faithful witnesses for Christ?

5. How can we apply the example of the two prophets to our own lives in terms of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of opposition?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 5:12
Jesus speaks about the persecution of prophets and the reward in heaven, highlighting the historical pattern of opposition to God's messengers.

John 15:18-19
Jesus warns that the world will hate His followers because it first hated Him, providing context for the animosity seen in Revelation 11:10.

1 Kings 18:17-18
Elijah is accused of being a "troubler of Israel," similar to how the two prophets are seen as tormentors, showing a consistent theme of God's messengers being opposed.
Sermons
The Cause of Right on EarthD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 11:1-19
The Cause of Right on EarthD. Thomas Revelation 11:1-19
The Extent and Limit of the True Church of GodC. Clemance, D. D.Revelation 11:1-19
The Living Temple of Christ's Church and the Two Witnesses of the Word Written and the SacramentsBp. Grafton.Revelation 11:1-19
The Measuring of the TempleS. Conway, B. A.Revelation 11:1-19
The Right TempleJames Wells.Revelation 11:1-19
The Temple of GodG. Rogers.Revelation 11:1-19
The True Church ReducedBp. Horsley.Revelation 11:1-19
The Continuous WitnessR. Green.Revelation 11:3-13
The Continuous WitnessR. Green Revelation 11:3-13
The Preacher a Witness and a ProphetJ. Lathrop, D. D.Revelation 11:3-13
The Two WitnessesG. Rogers.Revelation 11:3-13
The Two WitnessesS. Conway Revelation 11:3-13
The Two Witnesses, Their TestimonyW. Bridge, M. D.Revelation 11:3-13
People
John
Places
Egypt, Patmos, Sodom
Topics
Celebrate, Delight, Dwell, Dwelling, Dwelt, Exchange, Full, Gifts, Glad, Gloat, Greatly, Inhabitants, Merry, Offerings, Pleasure, Presents, Prophets, Rejoice, Sending, Torment, Tormented, Trouble, Troubled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 11:10

     8787   opposition, to God

Revelation 11:7-10

     8450   martyrdom

Library
Worship
Eversley, September 4, 1870. Revelation xi. 16, 17. "And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 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." My dear friends,--I wish to speak a few plain words to you this morning, on a matter which has been on my mind ever since I returned from Chester, namely,--The duty of the congregation …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

Sermon at the Second Annual Meeting of the Missionary Council in Washington, D. C. , Nov. 13, 1888.
"/The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever/."--REVELATION xi. 15. THESE words are God's surety that the prayers, the trials and the labors of His Church shall be crowned with success. We are living in the great missionary age of the Church. Impenetrable barriers have been broken down. Fast-closed doors have been opened. There is no country where we may not carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Divine Providence has been …
H.B. Whipple—Five Sermons

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Time of the Evening.
The morning was of 270 years' duration. The first form of the apostasy lasted, as we have shown, 1260 years, bringing us to the Lutheran reformation in 1530. Now when we ascertain the duration of the second beast power we will know the time the sun, moon and stars reappear in the evening. One especial text that gives us information on this subject is found in Revelation. In speaking of the two witnesses the Revelator says: "And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, …
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

The Second vision "On Earth"
E^2, THE FIRST SIX TRUMPETS (viii. 7 - xi. 14). A., The First Four Trumpets (viii. 7-12) Before we give the Structure of this section we must again call attention to the fact that the sixth Seal takes us on to the time of the end; and the seventh Seal takes us back and commences a new series of judgments initiated by the seven Trumpets and followed by the seven Vials. So that the whole of the rest of the Apocalypse comes under the seventh Seal. Whereas the seventh Trumpet issues in and contains …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Interest of his Biography.
"John, than which man a sadder or a greater Not till this day has been of woman born; John, like some iron peak by the Creator Fired with the red glow of the rushing morn. "This, when the sun shall rise and overcome it, Stands in his shining, desolate and bare; Yet not the less the inexorable summit Flamed him his signal to the happier air." F. W. H. MYERS. John and Jesus--Contemporary History--Anticipation of the Advent. The morning star, shining amid the brightening glow of dawn, is the fittest …
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

"The Carnal Mind is Enmity against God for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. So Then they that Are
Rom. viii. s 7, 8.--"The carnal mind is enmity against God for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God." It is not the least of man's evils, that he knows not how evil he is, therefore the Searcher of the heart of man gives the most perfect account of it, Jer. xvii. 12. "The heart is deceitful above all things," as well as "desperately wicked," two things superlative and excessive in it, bordering upon an infiniteness, such …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Almighty
This title is used nine times [12] in the Apocalypse, and only once elsewhere in the rest of the New Testament (2 Cor. vi. 18). [13] It is (...) (pantokrator) and means having dominion over all, and is used in the Old Testament as the Septuagint translation of "Lord of Hosts" (Heb., Jehovah, Sabaioth; see 2 Sam. v. 10; vii. 25, 27). In Revelation the title is used in i. 8; iv 8; xi. 17; xv. 3; xvi. 7, 14; xix. 6, 15, 22. "The Lord of Hosts" means Jehovah of the hosts in heaven above, and on the earth …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Third vision "In Heaven"
H3, xi. 15-19-. THE SOUNDING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET. The Seventh Trumpet brings us back to Heaven and to the Third Vision seen there by John. For it is "in heaven" that the Trumpet is sounded. After it is sounded, we again hear the heavenly utterances which tell us of the design of this sounding. In xix. 1-16, heavenly voices again tell us of the completion of its effect. After it is sounded, and its object unfolded, there is a break; and an episode occupying chaps. xii., xiii. and xiv.; the effects …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Fourth
refers to the books of Numbers and Samuel. The promise is, "to him will give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star" (Rev. ii. 26-28). Here again the literary order in the Apocalypse goes forward with the historical order: for it is in the book of Numbers that we have the basis of this promise given to the same People, who were the subjects …
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized.
by John Bunyan, Licensed and entered according to order. London: Printed for, and sold by, R. Tookey, at his Printing House in St. Christopher's Court, in Threadneedle Street, behind the Royal Exchange, 1701. Advertisement by the Editor. Some degree of mystery hangs over these Divine Emblems for children, and many years' diligent researches have not enabled me completely to solve it. That they were written by Bunyan, there cannot be the slightest doubt. 'Manner and matter, too, are all his own.'[1] …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor.
In any wise remember, if conveniently it may be, to send for some godly and religious pastor, not only to pray for thee at thy death--for God in such a case hath promised to hear the prayers of the righteous prophets, and elders of the church (Gen. xx. 7; Jer. xviii. 20; xv. 1; 1 Sam. xii. 19, 23; James v. 14, 15, 16)--but also upon thy unfeigned repentance to declare to thee the absolution of thy sins. For as Christ hath given him a calling to baptize thee unto repentance for the remission of thy …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Water of Life;
OR, A DISCOURSE SHOWING THE RICHNESS AND GLORY OF THE GRACE AND SPIRIT OF THE GOSPEL, AS SET FORTH IN SCRIPTURE BY THIS TERM, THE WATER OF LIFE. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.'--Revelation 22:17 London: Printed for Nathanael Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, 1688. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. Often, and in every age, the children of God have dared to doubt the sufficiency of divine grace; whether it was vast enough to reach their condition--to cleanse …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Conclusion.
"From Heaven He came and sought her To be His Holy Bride, With His own Blood He bought her, And for her life He died." "The Kingdom of Heaven," what is it? It is the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Christ. It is that Kingdom which was prophetically set forth by our Lord in His parables; that Kingdom, the subjects of which were described in His teaching, and redeemed by His Blood to be His own "purchased possession" (Eph. i. 14); that Kingdom which was founded through the coming of the Holy …
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Opposition to Messiah in Vain
He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. T he extent and efficacy [effects] of the depravity of mankind cannot be fully estimated by the conduct of heathens destitute of divine revelation. We may say of the Gospel, in one sense, what the Apostle says of the Law, It entered that sin might abound (Romans 5:20) . It afforded occasion for displaying the alienation of the heart of man from the blessed God, in the strongest light. The sensuality, oppression and …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
To declare emphatically that the people of God are a covenant people, various signs were in sovereignty vouchsafed. The lights in the firmament of heaven were appointed to be for signs, affording direction to the mariner, the husbandman, and others. Miracles wrought on memorable occasions, were constituted signs or tokens of God's universal government. The gracious grant of covenant signs was made in order to proclaim the truth of the existence of God's covenant with his people, to urge the performance …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

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