Introduction
   Quite often there is a question as to who the two witnesses are, which are mentioned in the book of Revelation. If we look closely, Scripture does give us some ideas as to who they might be.
   In all of this, Yahweh’s Spirit will accomplish His will at the appointed times.
   In Joel 2:23 it mentions “The early and latter rain”... “the moreh and the malchosh” as a more literal translation would have it: “the former rain and the spring rains.”
   In the springtime, here in America, we often see significant rainfall. Israel is known also for their rains, but in winter, rather than the springtime. The question is, however, will rainfall like this, in a spiritual sense, be poured out for us at the end of the age?
   Could we say figuratively, the early rains are what we saw poured out during the time of Pentecost in Acts chapter two?
   The Apostles had begun experiencing the type of miracles they had only seen from Messiah Yahshua prior to that point.
   The two witnesses, we’re told in Scripture, will receive power from Yahweh. Could we see a parallel to the end of the age as we saw at the start of Pentecost in the New Testament?

By My Spirit
   Yahweh is a blessing to us through His Word and Spirit, telling us the end from the beginning. He gives His people insight at the appropriate time in the making and progression of history prior to the coming Kingdom being established.
   In Revelation, we understand Messiah is giving testimony (speaking on Yahweh’s behalf) and telling what will happen. While we consider what He is doing, we need to ask ourselves: Who is Yahshua working with today? Who will be working with Him in the Kingdom?
   And I will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before Yahweh of the earth, Revelation 11:3–4 KJV.
   We find the two witnesses will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days: 3 ½ years (42 months).
   They’re clothed in sackcloth; they’ve shed every-thing worldly and are in a complete attitude of prayer and humility toward Yahweh.
   They are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before Yahweh, and they are evidently protected by Yahweh, through His Spirit Power.
   And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way. These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire, Revelation 11:5–6 NASB.
   It is true that these two witnesses could be two individuals. Enoch and Elijah are often mentioned, as well as, Moses and Elijah (Moses turned Egypt’s water into blood; Elijah brought fire down from heaven and also caused drought and rainfall), but we’ve proven in previous studies from Scripture that they’ve died (Heb. 11:13) and are not currently living. We know the two witnesses will be living, because they will die (3 ½ days) due to the Beast/Anti-messiah (Rev. 11:7-8).

The Power of Two
   Consider for a moment the parallels (e.g., two olive trees, two menorahs). There are other “twos” to which we can also look. Scripture points to the two houses, the two nations, the two sisters, the two branches, the two sticks. We can also relate the two loaves of the tabernacle as being symbolic of the people of Israel.
   Could we think of the House of Judah and the House of Israel (lost 10 tribes), which are fully submitting themselves to Yahweh in the Messiah today, as the two witnesses? As we’re seeing, two is a consistent number presented.
   Over the years, we’ve come to understand that Yahshua came for the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matt. 15:24). The northern tribes of Israel were dispersed through Assyria, scattered abroad from there to the ends of the earth, making up a good portion of the nations.
   The message of salvation through the Messiah also went to Judah first, brought back from Babylonian captivity. Jews, it should be pointed out, are the dominant tribe of the southern tribes of Israel.
   In mentioning all of this, we establish that Yahweh is not done with Israel and is working out an amazing plan of which most are unaware. Read our mini-study on The Hope of Israel.
   We also find two anointed ones mentioned in Zechariah chapter 4. In fact, we find mention of the two olive trees (similar to Revelation) and there’s reason to believe there are two lampstands (i.e., two seven branched Menorahs) related to Israel. The parallels cannot be ignored.

Yahweh’s Power
   Revelation 11:6, says, These (i.e., two olive trees and two lampstands, v. 4) have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. It should be pointed out, it doesn’t say these are two individual “men.”
   When we think of Yahweh’s Spirit giving power to His people, we could consider the Apostle Paul. Paul had Yahweh’s Power to give sight to the blind, as well as to blind those who had sight. We have the following account from his first missionary journey which included a visit to the island of Cyprus, and specifically the capital called Paphos, the home of evidently one of the temples of Aphrodite. It was originally dedicated to the Syrian goddess Astarte (Ishtar, Easter). We could call this the original “Easter Island.”
   Paul was not alone in this first journey, but Barnabas and at least one other is thought to have gone with him: When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Y’shua. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the Word of Yahweh, Acts 13:6–7 ESV.
   Continuing: Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of Yahweh?” Acts 13:9–10 NIV.
   The Spirit gave Paul insight, it gave him strength to speak up against evil. It also gave him something else: Power (Yahweh’s Power) to disable evil in its tracks.
   Now the hand of Yahweh is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about Yahweh, Acts 13:11–12 NIV.

Miracles for a Purpose
   The governor believed, not in the Messiah, at this point, but in the One who sent the Messiah.
   The question is, however, will this same strength in Yahweh’s Spirit be shown at the end of the age, as a type of latter rain? Will the two witnesses have this extra surge of power from on high to combat the intense evil during their time of testimony to the world?
   What is still to come? Do we think about being in a spiritual battle (Eph. 6:12) right now? What about later, when things get worse?
   Do we think about the bad attitudes and actions of particular people? Are these people heavily influenced by Satan (Eph. 2:2)?
   How much of Yahweh’s Spirit will Yahweh’s people need to proclaim the message of the coming Kingdom, when the world no longer wants to hear it?

Tribulation
   During the tribulation, do we think people will want to hear about the coming Kingdom? Will Yahweh’s people stand out from the others in the tribulation?
   And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of Yahweh in their foreheads, Revelation 9:3–4 KJV.
   Only those men who do NOT have the seal of Yahweh, strongly suggests, those with Yahweh’s seal will be there and that they will be protected. A similar parallel could be considered with those coming out of Egypt, as they were protected from the plagues in the land of Goshen. Yahweh made a distinction then, and will apparently do so again.
   In verse 5 it says the plague lasts for 5 months. This is the 5th trumpet, so it’s in the midst of the tribulation. If we take 5 months times 7 trumpets blasts, we may have another witness to the approximate time period of the tribulation.

Mark of the Beast
   There is another type of filter which will help identify those who have not taken the mark, besides the Saints. But what benefit is there really in knowing this? We know that those who take the mark of the Beast will not repent and be saved:
   And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of Yahweh upon the earth.” And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image, Revelation 16:1–2 KJV.
   Here is the start of the bowl judgments... the 1st is painful sores on those who have fully received the mark, which appears to be twofold. They receive the mark, but in addition they also worship the Beast. For them, there is no forgiveness.
   And they blasphemed the Elohim of the heaven for their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their works, Revelation 16:11 TS.
   These have received the mark of the Beast, and go all the way into Armageddon. Notice verse 15 and 16:
   “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon, Revelation 16:15–16 NIV.
   Doesn’t this “staying awake and keeping clothed” in Revelation 16:15 go back to the armor of Yahweh? The helmet and breastplate protect the Spirit, and figuratively the whole armament speaks of putting on the Messiah.
   And where is the Messiah in all of this tribulation? It turns out that He’s fully aware and involved.
   Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of Yahweh, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb,” Revelation 14:9–10 NASB.
   The twofold attributes of those going ultimately to the lake of fire, as well as being destroyed in the tribulation, comes back to their receiving of the mark and worshipping the image of the Beast. Read our ministudy, Just One Resurrection?
   And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name. Here is the perseverance of the Saints who keep the Commandments of Yahweh and their faith in Yahshua. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Master from now on!’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them,” Revelation 14:11–13 NASB.
   Keep the Commandments? Yes, that is what we are to be doing.

What’s in a Name?
   There will be an ultimate death and end for those who worship the Beast and have the mark of his name. Notice that, somehow the mark is a name (also a number, Rev. 13:17). We don’t fully understand this, but it is a name, no doubt, contrary to Yahweh or Yahshua.
   There are some who make a pretty good argument that the Islamic Jihadist and the symbol on their forehead bands is similar to 666 in the Greek, with Allah spelled out in the Arabic.
   Maybe John saw the Arabic letters revealed and explained it the best he could knowing some Greek letters/numbers (spelling 666), but understanding it was somehow a prophetic name. We currently can’t say for sure at this point, except for when the Man of Sin is revealed. Read our ministudy, The Man of Sin.
   We could ask, at this point, what are the twofold attributes of the Saints during the tribulation? Did we just read it?
   Here is the perseverance of the Saints who keep (i.e., do, observe, live) the Commandments of Yahweh and their faith in Yahshua, Revelation 14:12 NASB.
   And what is the mark found on (or within the thoughts of) the Saints?
   Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Name and the Name of His Father written on their foreheads, Revelation 14:1 NASB.
   One of the reasons for trying to understand what is to come is to prepare now for that time. We need to resist the enemy now, we need to produce the works and deeds now, so we can have part in the work in the future and to be told “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21) as we enter into it.
   We recently received an email asking, “So, who do you think are the two witnesses?” If Yahweh’s people are spoken of as being alive and protected in the midst of the tribulation, it’s then a good guess they may indeed be the two witnesses. This, especially, if we also consider the two houses of Israel and the process of being grafted back in through the Messiah today.
   The winds of tribulation, also called the “Day of Yahweh” in Scripture (Joel 1:15, 2:11; Zeph. 1:14), are ultimately being held back until the final sealing of the Saints occurs:
   Then I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living Elohim, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the Servants of our Elohim on their foreheads,” Revelation 7:2–4 ESV.
   It’s a time ahead, but when exactly we don’t know, though the signs of the times in the world are currently getting progressively worse and not better.
   We are getting a better understanding of just how long the period will be. It is, thankfully, not as long as some prophecy teachers teach.

Three and a Half Years
   As we continue, we need to understand that there is figurative speech, and literal meanings in Scripture prophecies.
   Duality of prophecy is where something happens at one point, but then happens again at another point. Antiochus Epiphanies is a perfect example said to have gone in and sacrificed a pig on the altar of the Temple, but yet we see another example of this happening in the future when the man of sin goes into the Holy of Holies and defiles it:
   And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [7 years], but in the middle of the week [3 ½ years] he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate, Daniel 9:27 NASB.
   This gives us insight to the timing yet ahead, as one week, is understood as 7 years, but half is 3 1/2 years. A peace treaty for seven years, but tribulation for the last half of that time period.
   This also tells us there will be some sort of temple/tabernacle set up beforehand, for this desolation of abomination to be set up. We also are told in Scripture this is when Yahweh’s people will start to take strong actions, with the help of Yahweh strengthening them.
   His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their Elohim will firmly resist him, Daniel 11:31–32 NIV.
   Those that know Him, that is, those who do NOT break covenant with Him, after the Man of Sin enters the Holy of Holies, the people knowing Yahweh will stand strong.
   Some, however, will fall to the wayside, weakened a short time, by fire, sword, and even imprisoned, to help them grow spiritually. But eventually they’ll be given extra Spiritual help from Yahweh. Many will flatter them when they see the strength/help they have received.
   And those of the people who have insight shall give understanding to many. And they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering, for days. And when they stumble, they shall be helped, a little help, but many shall join them, by flatteries, Daniel 11:33–34 TS.
   Whatever the help is, it’s going to be enough to impress people. People who evidently aren’t that sincere, because they try to appease or please them with flattering lips.
   It reminds us of the Israelites of old who went into the promised land to conquer, but some of the inhabitants fooled them into not annihilating them, but rather, because of their deceit eventually became Israel’s servants (Josh. 9:22, 27). It was better than death, they figured.
   Another one with false words is the Beast himself, but he will ultimately die.
   And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months, Revelation 13:5 KJV.

Opposing Forces
   The Beast is given strength for 3 ½ years (1,260 days). This same time period is likely when the two witnesses will be given power from Yahweh and be able to prophesy:
   And I will grant authority to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth, Revelation 11:3 ESV.
   The two witnesses are clothed in sackcloth. Holocaust images we’ve seen before show Jews wearing what looks like sackcloth.
   Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them, Revelation 11:7 NIV.
   Here the Beast is at this time able to overcome the two witnesses, which is evidently at the end of 42 months (Rev. 11:2).
   Getting back to thinking who the two witnesses are, will we be playing a part in pouring out the wrath along with continued witnessing to the nations?
   Yahweh will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah, Zechariah 12:7 NIV.
   The dwellings of Judah are evidently the common people of Judah, not the aristocrats or government officials who live in the better homes and locations of Jerusalem.
   Notice what happens in the day of tribulation for these people:
   In that day shall Yahweh defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as Elohim, as the angel of Yahweh before them. And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem, Zechariah 12:8-9 KJV. This is in reference to the time of Armageddon, no doubt.
   Now, even if Yahweh’s Spirit gives strength to Judah, it’s still Yahweh’s Spirit accomplishing all of this. And even if these of Judah are not in Messiah, in the New Covenant, they may still be steadfast toward Yahweh knowing only the Levitical priesthood. Read our booklet entitled, Orthodox Believers.
   Either way, Yahweh will give strength to Judah at the end of the age. Is this the latter rain, which is spoken of in the book of Joel? Can we understand these things today?

Israel Saved
   The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, saying, “Thus says Yahweh, the Elohim of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. For behold, days are coming,’ declares Yahweh, ‘when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.’ Yahweh says, ‘I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers and they shall possess it.’” Now these are the words which Yahweh spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah, Jeremiah 30:1–4 NASB.
   Notice both Israel and Judah are mentioned. Who is Yahweh working with at the end of the age? Even with all of this, there is great tribulation coming.
   For thus says Yahweh, “I have heard a sound of terror, of dread, and there is no peace. Ask now, and see if a male can give birth. Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale? Alas! for that day is great, there is none like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved from it,” Jeremiah 30:5–7 NASB.
   Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, had 12 children making up the 12 tribes of Israel. Israel, both northern and southern tribes will be saved out of it. That is, saved in the “Day of Yahweh,” the time of tribulation ahead of us.
   Some think the tribulation will last 7 years in total, as already mentioned, but what we’ve looked at so far, has only indicated that the peace process brokered by the Beast (again, also known as the Man of Sin), is 7 years. Halfway through it is when tribulation really starts in earnest.
   He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time, Daniel 7:25 ESV.
   It says here that the Man of Sin will wear out the Saints. Whatever power the Saints are given, it’s still not going to be that easy (just like the trouble with the evil angel/prince over Persia in Daniel 10:13). There doesn’t appear to be any rapture out of tribulation occurring here, even though people teach such things.
   The Man of Sin intends (i.e., thinks, plans, he will try) to make his own laws. Maybe he succeeds to a certain extent. After all, there is some sort of mark and some sort of worship of the image of the Beast. How hard will it be if one, even a Saint, cannot buy or sell without taking the mark of the Beast? Very hard, we would imagine.

Is Judah Separate from Israel?
   There are some places in Scripture where we don’t really get a chronological order, but rather somewhat of a disjointed cohesion of facts. Revelation chapter 12 is one such place, but it’s significant to what we’re looking at today. Knowing who the 12 tribes are really helps our understanding with this passage.
   And she bore a male child who was to shepherd all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught away to Elohim and to His throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by Elohim, to be nourished there one thousand two hundred and sixty days, Revelation 12:5–6 TS.
   Some teach His people will be taken to a place of safety and they will point to this passage. The problem is, this is speaking specifically of the tribe of Judah. Judah is not the whole of Yahweh’s people. Yahshua, came from the line of Judah, and therefore, the woman in this part of Revelation 12 is specifically Judah.
   And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, Revelation 12:13–14 ESV.
   She is taken to a place of safety for 3 1/2 years. Does this eliminate Judah from being one of the two witnesses? Not if we understand that there are those in Messiah now who are of the tribe of Judah and of the northern tribes, as well. They are just not in the land of Israel, but rather around the world.
   Non-Messianic Jews who might be taken out of harm’s way, may give them time to examine the Messianic prophesies. Those who have accepted a false name (acronym or hybrid) for the Messiah, may come to understand more deeply how the Pharisaical doctrine of “Ineffability” (unutterable or too righteous to use) of Yahweh’s Name has even affected the Savior’s Name (Pharisees using an acronym “YESHU” meaning, “May His Name Be Blotted Out”). Read our ministudy called, How the Savior’s Name Was Changed.
   Paul evidently also had to take time out to study the word more thoroughly and eliminate those false ideas he may have held, by going away for three years.
   Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were Apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days, Galatians 1:17–18 KJV.
   But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Yahshua was the Messiah, Acts 9:22 ESV.
   He would have done so by proclaiming the Old Testament (Tanakh) prophecies alluding to the Messiah, like Isaiah chapter 53.
   There are also other reasons for thinking Judah is the one going to a place of safety.
   So when you see standing in the holy place “the abomination that causes desolation,” spoken of through the prophet Daniel — let the reader understand — then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, Matthew 24:15–16 NIV.
   It’s true that Messianic Jews are the likely ones to be aware of this instruction, but it may be that there will be those of Judah who will come to an understanding due to the Spirit of Yahweh being poured out more. Some will probably understand that they also need to go.
   There are some Jews who have read the New Testament (Brit Hadasha), but at this time haven’t accepted the Messiah as their Savior.

There is an Escape Plan
   The sun is turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the day of Yahweh, the great and the fearful. And it hath come to pass, everyone who calleth on the Name of Yahweh is delivered, for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem there is an escape, as Yahweh hath said, and among the remnants whom Yahweh is calling! Joel 2:31–32 YLT.
   There is a place we know called Petra. A documentary recently portrayed Petra as a ghost town, but mentioned that it makes up 20 square miles, with a supply of water off the mountains, 1000 cave dwellings (some can hold up to a 1000 people); the overall area can easily hold a million people, they say. It had been considered a City of Refuge and King David had gone there when fleeing from Saul. Petra is similar to a fortress, like Masada, only much larger. Though 100 miles (162 km) away from Jerusalem, it can be reached easily by car or other motor vehicle. Maybe the wings of a large eagle, prophesied, speaks of the transportation being greater than the wooden carts and donkeys of the Exodus.
   There is also the Jewish Autonomous Region of Russia, established in 1932. Some think that might be the place of safety. All of this is fine and good, and we trust Yahweh will lead. But the point we want to make is, this is not speaking of those of us outside of the land of Israel going to a place of safety... a long held, but false belief, of some.

The Northern Tribes
   Revelation indicates there is going to be trouble for the rest of the children of Israel (the northern tribes, dispersed from Assyria).
   Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of Yahweh and hold to the testimony of Yahshua. And he stood on the sand of the sea, Revelation 12:17 ESV.
   The real sense of the woman mentioned here is Israel overall and not just Judah, and it goes back to the woman mentioned in verse one that had 12 stars. Most likely a reference to the 12 tribes of Israel.
   Interesting that the Dragon (Satan) stands on the sand of the sea. Both sand and sea figuratively describe people in Scripture.
   There are still deeper things to be understood in Scripture, but we are coming along and learning as time passes, as Yahweh allows us to see. Even though we might see, we still have difficulty understanding at times. This was true for the prophet Daniel, too.
   I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My Master, what will be the outcome of these events?” Daniel 12:7-8 NASB.
   The power of the Saints is shattered? This must be speaking of their own strength, as Yahweh’s strength cannot be shattered. The Saints are still physical, and therefore they can be eventually killed. This may be what the word “shattered” is speaking of here.
   He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days!” Daniel 12:9-12 NASB.
   Again, there is confirmation that there is 3 1/2 years of tribulation to pass. Getting past it (1335 days), means we’re well into the Kingdom, with the Messiah having already placed His feet on the Mount of Olives. Certainly, a blessing for those that make it to that time.

Speaking the Truth
   But before that time of “shattering,” the two witnesses will give their testimony in the power of Yahweh’s Spirit. They are going to preach the Word of Yahweh whether anyone wants to hear the message or not. It is a witness to those who are perishing, but some will be saved who will have ears to hear.
   What will the two witnesses be teaching? No doubt, the same message that was preached by John the Immerser, Yahshua the Messiah, the disciples, and that which is being preached now: “Repent, turn to Yahweh.” “Stop sinning.” “Think about the future and choose life.” Right now, we have not been granted the ability to control things as is foretold. It is, however, coming.
   They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them, Revelation 11:6–7 NIV.
   Okay, not the kind of ending we’d like to hear necessarily, but it isn’t really the ending.

Shocking News
   And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Master was impaled. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves, Revelation 11:8–9 KJV.
   Everyone can watch videos on the Internet or their big screen TVs. Even the new phones today, give live video streaming.
   But is that it? No more? Not quite.
   And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth, Revelation 11:10 NASB.
   Some think this might be during the time of Christmas or Hanukah, and certainly with winter the bodies could stay in the street for a while without decomposing.
   But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from Yahweh came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them, Revelation 11:11–12 NASB.

Two Representatives?
   The idea has been presented that there may be too many, if all those in Messiah are counted, since Jerusalem can only hold so many in its streets. The solution may be that it will be two specific witnesses, one representative from each house of Israel. This would allow the other Scriptures to fit along with the geography. That is, to say, there will be room to see two dead in the streets of Jerusalem.
   However, this can also apply to all those in Messiah, as the passage in Daniel 11:35, speaking of “stumbling,” may better indicate “fall,’ as in “death” by sword, flame and captivity. This would be similar as to what happened to the Jews during the holocaust with witnesses to what had happened, standing in the end. Though the starting number of Saints would be far less at the end of the age. The following indicates the small number will fall even lower at the start of the tribulation period.
   Daniel 11:35 appears to be part of the prophecy spoken of by Yahshua in Mathew chapter 24:9 NASB, which says, Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My Name. He also prophesied, They shall put you out of the congregations, but an hour is coming when everyone who kills you shall think he is rendering service to Elohim, John 16:2 TS. Note here, this may be at the very start of the tribulation, which means there are still three and a half years for the witnesses to witness.
   With these prophetic Scriptures in mind, it may also mean two peoples (plural) left alive, may not be so many as to need more room than the Jerusalem streets can provide.

When Yahshua Returns
   On that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then Yahweh my Elohim will come, and all the Holy Ones with Him, Zechariah 14:4-5 ESV.
   The, “all the Holy Ones with Him,” may be speaking in general of the angels already in heaven (Matt. 16:27, 25:31), but we also know it can be speaking of those in the first resurrection (Matt. 22:30; Rev. 20:4-6).
   Those in the first resurrection will be caught up but not before those who have died in Messiah (1 Thess. 4:16-17). The exception here may be the protection for the witnesses at the end before the third woe (Rev. 11:11-14) which comes just prior to Yahshua’s return (Rev. 11:15).
   Is this the hour which comes upon the whole world to test it (being refined in fire), in which, the Philadelphia Assembly (Rev. 3:10) is protected?
   They are not necessarily from one location, as in Asia Minor, but multiple locations around the world, no doubt including descendants from the northern dispersion of Israelites.
   Revelation 3:10, we believe, was/is pointing to a future fulfillment. Just as a portion of the Jews in Judea will head for the hills to be protected, others in the world may actually be a part of the Assembly noted for brotherly love, and keeping the commandments of Yahweh and holding to the testimony and faith of Yahshua the Messiah.
   These are a few things to think about as we consider the subject which, at this point, is still open to some possibilities.

Hard Questions
   Two things which may need more consideration is Yahshua saying the tribulation will end early for the sake of the Elect (Matt. 24:22), and Paul saying the change from mortal to immortality will come when Yahshua returns (1 Cor. 15:52).
   On the first matter, is Yahshua saying the Elect will need things to end before they themselves are destroyed? Or will they be a kingdom of priests (Rev. 5:10) over no one living, unless intervention occurs?
   On the second matter, when Paul says a change will come when Yahshua returns at the last Trumpet, is it out of the question to say it may be more complex a matter than not? That is, when the witnesses are taken up in a cloud prior to the last Trumpet, are they changed at that specific time from physical to spiritual or are they only protected at that time like Judah at the mountain area? Both a cloud and mountain are physical. As noted in previous studies, Enoch and Elijah stayed physical beings even though taken up (transferred) to other locations.

Final Thoughts
   While we agree that no prophecy is open to personal interpretation (2 Pet. 1:20), we can see Scripture pointing to a people, His people, which are often referred to in twos.
   In all of this, we are to have patience and en-durance, as it is a noted quality of the very Elect, in direct relation of obedience to Yahweh and faith in His Son, Yahshua. The Spirit of Yahweh is needed in our lives to accomplish His will.
   Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Master the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Master is near, James 5:7–8 NASB.
   This is encouragement for the days ahead, and even now, as we look for prophecy to unfold. We know all things are in Yahweh’s capable hands.
   We have no need to fear what is coming, if we stay close to Yahweh through His Son, Yahshua. This, by the way, is also what the two witnesses will be doing.