The Death of the Witnesses is a significant event described in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 11:3-13. This passage is part of the apocalyptic vision given to the Apostle John, detailing the events that will unfold during the end times. The two witnesses are central figures in this narrative, serving as God's prophetic messengers during a period of great tribulation.

Identity and Role of the Witnesses

The identity of the two witnesses has been the subject of much theological debate and speculation. Some interpretations suggest they may be historical figures such as Moses and Elijah, due to the miraculous powers they wield, which are reminiscent of the miracles performed by these Old Testament prophets. Others propose they symbolize the Law and the Prophets or represent the Church's testimony during the end times.

Revelation 11:3-4 states, "And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth." The imagery of olive trees and lampstands is drawn from Zechariah 4, where they symbolize anointed ones who serve the Lord.

Ministry and Miraculous Powers

The two witnesses are granted authority to prophesy for 1,260 days, which corresponds to three and a half years. During this time, they are clothed in sackcloth, a traditional symbol of mourning and repentance, underscoring the gravity of their message. Revelation 11:5-6 describes their miraculous powers: "If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouths and devours their enemies. In this way, anyone who wants to harm them must be killed. They have authority to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish."

These powers echo the miracles performed by Elijah, who called down fire from heaven and shut the sky, and Moses, who turned water into blood and brought plagues upon Egypt. The witnesses' ministry is characterized by divine protection and authority, emphasizing their role as God's appointed messengers.

Death and Resurrection

The death of the witnesses occurs at the hands of "the beast that comes up from the abyss" (Revelation 11:7). This beast is often interpreted as a representation of the Antichrist or a satanic power opposing God's purposes. The witnesses are killed in the "great city," symbolically called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified (Revelation 11:8). This city is commonly understood to be Jerusalem, representing a place of spiritual rebellion and opposition to God.

Their bodies lie in the street for three and a half days, during which time the inhabitants of the earth celebrate their demise, sending gifts to one another in a display of triumph over the witnesses (Revelation 11:9-10). This reaction highlights the world's hostility towards God's truth and the prophetic message of repentance.

However, the narrative takes a dramatic turn as God breathes life back into the witnesses, and they stand on their feet, causing great fear among those who see them (Revelation 11:11). They are then called up to heaven in a cloud, witnessed by their enemies (Revelation 11:12). This resurrection and ascension serve as a powerful vindication of their ministry and a testament to God's ultimate authority over life and death.

Impact and Aftermath

The resurrection of the witnesses is followed by a great earthquake, resulting in the destruction of a tenth of the city and the death of seven thousand people (Revelation 11:13). The survivors are terrified and give glory to the God of heaven, indicating a moment of recognition and acknowledgment of God's power.

The Death of the Witnesses, therefore, serves as a pivotal event in the eschatological narrative of Revelation, illustrating the conflict between divine truth and worldly opposition, the temporary triumph of evil, and the ultimate victory of God's purposes.