11:1,2
This is the central chapter of Revelation. There are some who think it was a later addition to the book, but there isn’t much evidence for this, and it fits in well with the whole book. The chapter begins with John being told to go and measure the temple of God. Back in Zech 2:4 the man with a measuring rod is told the city will be a city without walls. There are numerous debates about the precise meaning of the chapter, partly hinging on whether one wants to identify the two witnesses as specific people, or as seeing it all as symbolic. The symbolic route makes the interpretation much less problematic. John is told not to measure the outer court, for “it has been given to the Gentiles”. “They will trample the holy city for 42 months”. The 42 months comes from Daniel with his “time, times and half a time” (three and a half years). Daniel and Revelation make it clear that there are times when God allows the world to have its way with His people and His city.
11:3
“I will appoint my two witnesses”. They would prophesy for 1260 days (three and a half years), dressed in sackcloth. Two is probably chosen because the Law demanded two witnesses to establish a case. There was Jewish tradition that Elijah and Enoch would return, because neither of them actually died. Moses and Elijah are another suggestion. Then there is the suggestion that they are symbolic. The people of God are to present a witness to the world. We are not here to comfort the world so much, as to present the word of God to the world. When we fail to do so, and especially when we choose to go along with the world’s ways, we are not fulfilling our God given task.
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