What does Revelation 11:9 teach about the world's reaction to God's messengers? Setting the Scene Revelation 11 describes two divinely empowered witnesses who testify in Jerusalem during the end times. After completing their mission, they are killed by “the beast that comes up from the Abyss” (v. 7). What Revelation 11:9 Says “For three and a half days those from every people and tribe and tongue and nation will view their bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb.” Key Takeaways About the World’s Response • Global attention: “Every people and tribe and tongue and nation” signals a united, worldwide fixation on these messengers. • Public spectacle: The bodies are deliberately left exposed—no quick cleanup, no private burial. The world wants to stare. • Disrespect and contempt: Refusing burial is an ancient sign of extreme dishonor (cf. Psalm 79:2–3). The witnesses are treated as villains, not heroes. • Short-lived victory: The gloating lasts “three and a half days,” a brief period hinting that the world’s triumph is temporary (contrast with Christ’s three days in the tomb). • Spiritual blindness: Even after seeing the witnesses’ prophetic power, the world still celebrates their demise (v. 10), revealing hardened hearts. Scriptural Echoes and Cross-References • John 15:18–19—Jesus: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” • Matthew 24:9—Believers will be “hated by all nations because of My name.” • Psalm 2:1–3—Nations rage together against the LORD and His Anointed, mirroring global hostility here. • Jeremiah 22:18–19—Judgment pictured as “the burial of a donkey,” illustrating shame in death. • Revelation 11:10—The next verse shows worldwide celebration, confirming the hostility suggested in v. 9. Why This Matters for Us Now • Expect opposition: Faithful witness can provoke collective outrage; Scripture prepares us for that reality. • Stand firm: Disdain from the world does not negate divine approval. God vindicates His servants (see v. 11). • Remember the timeline: The world’s triumph is fleeting; God’s resurrection power follows. • Guard your heart: If global opinion ever ridicules God’s messengers, choose alignment with heaven, not popular sentiment. |
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