Revelation 11:7-10 (NKJV) When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
V7 “When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.” The Greek word for “testimony” is (G3141) μαρτυρία martyria, which means something one sees or experiences and tells others. It also has the idea of suffering and/or dying for this witness, thus, a martyr. God’s commission for the two witnesses was in part: 1) turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and the children to their fathers; this is a family bonding in love (Malachi 4:6), 2) testify about their lives and what they have seen and experienced in heaven for a witness to Israel first and the Gentiles second, 3) prepare the people for the arrival of Messiah—Jesus Christ (John 1:23, which is said of John the Baptist but can be applied to THE Elijah who will come), and 4) a witness of fulfilled prophecy (Malachi 4:6). If this prophecy is true, Israel and everyone else, then all prophecy is true. All prophecy has, is, or will be fulfilled.
Hastings Bible Dictionary: “According to the Rabbis, Elijah was to precede the Messiah, to restore families to purity, to settle controversies and legal disputes, and perform seven miracles (cf. JE, s.v.; Lightfoot, Hor. Heb. on Mat 17:10; Schoettgen, Hor. Heb. ii. 533 ff.).”
V8 “And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.” A great victory shout and celebration, but only for 3.5 days. If they believed in God, they would know that their resurrection would happen. Please, interpret Revelation in its plain, normal sense. The Great City is Jerusalem. Because it is steeped in false doctrine and worship, God labels it as Sodom and Egypt.
V9 “Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.” This would include the whole world. It might be the most viewed site ever. Whole-wide communications are already in place. There is so much disrespect that the two witnesses will not be buried.
V10 “And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.” Their rejoicing is futile, for in 3.5 days and counting down, the witnesses will resurrect and go to heaven. An example of disbelief, for it was prophesied. Here it is!
We learn:
- God’s words come true.
- God does judge.
- Evil people rejoice in evil.