Why are the two witnesses killed in Revelation 11:7? Scriptural Text “When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will wage war against them, and will overpower and kill them.” (Revelation 11:7) Immediate Literary Context The two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days (v. 3), are divinely protected (v. 5), and can call down drought, turn waters to blood, and strike the earth with every plague (v. 6). Only after “they have finished their testimony” does God permit the beast to “overpower and kill them.” Their death is therefore not a defeat but a divinely timed transition that completes their assigned mission and ushers in the next phase of judgment (vv. 11-13). Identity and Symbolism Most conservative exegetes identify the witnesses as literal, future prophets ministering in Jerusalem. Parallels to Moses (plagues, water to blood; cf. Exodus 7) and Elijah (drought, fire; cf. 1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 1) underscore continuity with earlier revelations and emphasize that their ministry embodies the Law and the Prophets—the whole counsel of God (cf. Luke 24:44). Their number fulfills Deuteronomy 19:15: “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Divine Purpose in Their Martyrdom 1. Completion of Testimony God sovereignly determines both the content and the duration of their witness. Only when the message has been fully delivered does He lift His protective hand (cf. John 7:30; 17:4). 2. Demonstration of Human Rebellion The world’s celebration of their deaths (Revelation 11:10) exposes the depth of depravity predicted in Psalm 2 and John 15:18-25. Their corpses in the open street vividly picture mankind’s contempt for God’s authority. 3. Legal Condemnation of the Beast’s Kingdom In biblical jurisprudence, the sworn testimony of two witnesses seals a verdict (Deuteronomy 17:6). Their silenced voices remove every excuse from the earth-dwellers who refused to repent after plagues, trumpets, and woes (Revelation 9:20-21). 4. Prefiguration of Christ’s Death and Resurrection Like Christ, they exercise miraculous power, are publicly executed in Jerusalem, lie lifeless for a short period, then rise by God’s power (vv. 11-12). Their experience proves that the pattern of victory-through-apparent-defeat established at Calvary still governs history (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18). Prophetic Parallels • Daniel 7:21—“the horn was waging war with the saints and prevailing against them” foreshadows the beast’s temporary victory. • Zechariah 4—two olive trees and lampstands symbolize Spirit-empowered testimony; John explicitly links this to the witnesses (Revelation 11:4). • Matthew 24:14—gospel proclamation precedes the end; the witnesses finalize that proclamation to Israel and the nations. Eschatological Timing The event occurs near the midpoint of Daniel’s seventieth week (Daniel 9:27). Their 3½-day corpse display counterpoints their 3½-year ministry, dividing the week symmetrically and marking the transition to great tribulation under the beast’s open tyranny (cf. Matthew 24:15-22). Theologically Significant Outcomes • God’s Sovereignty—Even the beast’s limited success requires divine permission, affirming that evil can operate only within God-set boundaries (Job 1-2). • Vindication—Their resurrection, ascension, and the accompanying earthquake that kills 7,000 (Revelation 11:11-13) compel remaining survivors to “give glory to the God of heaven,” foreshadowing every knee bowing to Christ (Philippians 2:10-11). • Encouragement—Believers facing persecution gain assurance that martyrdom is never ultimate defeat (Romans 8:37); God’s vindication is certain. Practical Application For Believers: Persevere in testimony, knowing safety or suffering rests in God’s schedule alone. For Skeptics: The witnesses’ fate confronts you with the same choice—rejoice in rebellion or repent before resurrection-verified judgment falls (Acts 17:31). Conclusion The two witnesses are killed precisely because their God-ordained mission is complete, the world must be judicially exposed, and divine glory shines brightest when apparent defeat flips to unmistakable victory. Their martyrdom is not a tragic end but a strategic prelude to climactic triumph—“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15) |
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