SUMMARY
In the midst of a vision about measuring the templeThe Jerusalem temple, unlike the tabernacle, was a permanent structure, although (like the tabernacle) it was a place of worship and religious activity. On one occasion Jesus felt such activity was unacceptable and, as reported in all four Gospels, drove from the temple those engaged... of God, John is told about two powerful witnesses who will prophesy for 1,260 days. These figures represent faithfulness to God in the midst of opposition from the wider world.
ANALYSIS
The two witnesses are figures that personify the community of faith calling the world to worship God. They wear sackcloth, which is a sign of repentance, and they look like figures from many points in Israel’s history. Like MosesProphet who led Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land and received the law at Sinai., they turn water into blood (Exodus 7:14-25). Like ElijahA miracle working Israelite prophet who opposed worship of Baal., they keep the rain from falling (1 Kings 17:1). Like JeremiahProphet who condemned Judah's infidelity to God, warned of Babylonian conquest, and promised a new covenant., they are fiery preachers (Jeremiah 5:14). Like ZerubbabelThe governor of Judah who helped rebuild the Temple after the exile. and JoshuaThe successor of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into Canaan. the priestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple., they are pictured as lampstands and olive trees (Zechariah 4:3, 14). By encompassing the traits of these many prophets and leaders, the two witnesses exemplify the way the faithful are called to bear witness in many times and places, despite hostility from the unbelieving world.
