Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city--figuratively called Sodom and Egypt--where their Lord was also crucified. Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city—The two witnesses will be killed by the beast and left unburied in open view, a deliberate act of contempt and public humiliation. The great city is Jerusalem, the historic center of Israel’s worship and covenant life, yet at that future hour deeply hardened against God’s messengers. Their apparent defeat will display the world’s hostility toward prophetic truth, even as God will soon vindicate His servants. Isa 5:25 Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people… figuratively called Sodom and Egypt— Jerusalem will bear the spiritual marks of Sodom’s corruption and Egypt’s oppression, idolatry, and resistance to the Lord. The names recall cities and nations that stood under divine judgment because of persistent rebellion. God’s covenant city, having rejected His testimony, will be morally identified with places long associated with defiance of His holiness. Ezk 16:46-49 Your older sister was Samaria, who lived with her daughters… where their Lord was also crucified. Jerusalem is unmistakably identified as the place where Jesus was crucified. The rejection and death of the two witnesses will follow the pattern of their Lord’s suffering at the hands of an unbelieving world. What appears to be the triumph of evil will ultimately magnify God’s justice, power, and faithfulness. Luk 23:33 When they came to the place called The Skull,… Persons / Places / Events 1. The Two WitnessesThese are the prophetic figures whose bodies lie in the street. They are God's messengers, sent to prophesy and testify to the truth. 2. The Great City This is the location where the bodies of the two witnesses lie. It is symbolically referred to as "Sodom and Egypt," indicating a place of great sin and spiritual bondage. 3. Sodom A city known from the Old Testament for its extreme wickedness and subsequent destruction by God. It symbolizes moral corruption. 4. Egypt A nation known for enslaving the Israelites. It represents oppression and idolatry. 5. The Crucifixion of the Lord This refers to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which took place in Jerusalem. It highlights the city's spiritual significance and its rejection of God's messengers. Teaching Points Symbolism of Sin and RejectionThe reference to Sodom and Egypt symbolizes the pervasive sin and rejection of God’s truth. Believers are called to recognize and resist the spiritual decay in their own environments. The Cost of Witnessing The fate of the two witnesses serves as a reminder of the potential cost of standing for truth. Christians should be prepared to face opposition and persecution for their faith. Spiritual Vigilance Just as the great city is a place of spiritual danger, believers must remain vigilant against the influences of sin and idolatry in their lives. Hope in Resurrection Despite the apparent defeat of the witnesses, the broader context of Revelation assures believers of ultimate victory and resurrection through Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How do the symbolic references to Sodom and Egypt in Revelation 11:8 help us understand the spiritual state of the "great city"?2. In what ways can the account of the two witnesses encourage us to remain faithful in our own witness for Christ, even in the face of opposition? 3. How does the crucifixion of Jesus in Jerusalem relate to the rejection of the two witnesses, and what does this teach us about the cost of discipleship? 4. What parallels can you draw between the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the hope of deliverance for believers today? 5. How can we apply the lessons from the fate of the two witnesses to our own lives, particularly in terms of standing firm in our faith amidst a culture that may be hostile to Christian values? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The account of Sodom's destruction, illustrating the consequences of sin and God's judgment. Exodus 1-14 The account of Israel's bondage in Egypt and their deliverance, symbolizing God's power to free His people from oppression. Luke 13:34 Jesus laments over Jerusalem, highlighting its history of rejecting prophets and messengers sent by God. Hebrews 11:26 Moses' choice to suffer with God's people rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin, paralleling the call to reject worldly corruption. People JohnPlaces Egypt, Patmos, SodomTopics Allegorically, Bodies, Body, Broad, Broad-place, Cross, Crucified, Dead, Death, Designated, Egypt, Figuratively, Indeed, Lie, Mystically, Named, Open, Sodom, Spirit, Spiritually, Street, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Revelation 11:7-10Library WorshipEversley, 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 Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Time of the Evening. The Second vision "On Earth" The Interest of his Biography. "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 The Almighty The Third vision "In Heaven" The Fourth A Book for Boys and Girls Or, Temporal Things Spritualized. The Desire of the Righteous Granted; The Sick Person Ought Now to Send for Some Godly and Religious Pastor. The Water of Life; Conclusion. Opposition to Messiah in Vain Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy. Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Links Revelation 11:8 NIVRevelation 11:8 NLT Revelation 11:8 ESV Revelation 11:8 NASB Revelation 11:8 KJV Revelation 11:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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