“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 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. When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 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. But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God 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. And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.” Revelation 11:3-13
Who are the two witnesses?
In the Book of Revelation, John describes two men who are called “the two olive trees”, “the two lampstands”, the Lord’s “two witnesses.” These two witnesses prophesy for 1260 days, and then near the midpoint of the seven year tribulation period they are killed by the antichrist. Their bodies lie in the street in Jerusalem, and then after three and a half days God raises them up and they are taken up into heaven. There has been much debate about who these two witnesses actually are. Here are a few of the most popular theories.
Some say Enoch and Elijah, due to the fact that both men never actually died but were instead taken up while alive by God. “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.” Hebrews 11:5. “As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven.” 2 Kings 2:11. Hebrews 9:27 is quoted as support, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment…” It is said that since they did not die before being taken up to heaven previously, they must die at some point, which they do as described in Revelation. However, one problem with that line of thought is that there will be millions of believers who by the time of the tribulation have been taken to heaven without dying as a result of the rapture.
Others say the two men are simply two unnamed men alive during the tribulation period who God chooses to work through by His Holy Spirit being poured into them. Zechariah chapter 4 includes an interesting reference to the “the two olive trees” and “a lampstand” just like in Revelation. Here, Zechariah sees a vision of a lampstand being fed oil from two olive trees in a continual non-ending flow. He is told by an angel that these are two men, the High Priest and Governor, who are empowered through God’s Holy Spirit and empowered to serve Him. In a similar way, it is said that two ordinary men will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to prophesy and perform miracles during the tribulation period.
The imagery of a “lampstand” is important too. A lamp, like those used in the Bible, was simply a clay pot typically with a spout and hole at one end that a wick protruded from, filled with olive oil. Some Bibles use the term “candlestick” but this is a poor translation. A lampstand is fed by olive oil (symbolic of the Holy Spirit in the Bible) and the lamp is merely a vessel which produces the light, but is not the source of the light itself. A candle feeds on the wax of itself and produces light by consuming itself until nothing is left. Symbolically the lampstands imply that the two witnesses are filled with the Holy Spirit, and empowered to act by God, and not by their own abilities or powers.
Another theory, the one that I feel is correct, is that the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. I believe that they are the two prophets of the tribulation period who prophesy for 1260 days and then are killed by the antichrist, the beast as he is called. Moses and Elijah are then resurrected and immediately raptured up to heaven as their enemies watched the Bible says. I believe this is a replay of the rapture of the church, the Bride of Christ. In the next section I will elaborate further on reasons why I think these “two lampstands” are Moses and Elijah.
Are the two witnesses Moses and Elijah?
Revelation describes the two witnesses performing miracles through God’s power. These include: fire devouring their enemies, withholding the rain from falling, turning water into blood, and striking the earth with plagues. Moses through God withheld the rain from falling (Ex. 9:33), turned water into blood (Ex. 7:20), and caused a pestilence that killed the livestock of Egypt (Ex. 9:3-6). Elijah through God called down fire to devour 50 soldiers two different times (2 Kings 1:10-14), and withheld the rain from falling for three and a half years (1 Kings 17:1) (note also the reference to three and a half years of drought which ties in with the 1260 days of the prophesying of the two witnesses during the tribulation period).
Additionally, it is mentioned in the Old Testament that both men are expected to return again in the last days. Many people thought that John the Baptist and Jesus both were actually Elijah due to this passage from Malachi: “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD.” Malachi 4:5. And Moses himself said to the Children of Israel that “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen…” Deuteronomy 18:15
We have already discussed Elijah and the account of his being taken up by God without seeing death. But, it should be pointed out that Moses’ death has some unusual circumstances as well. Moses was told by God that he was to go to the top of a hill where he would see the promised land but not be allowed to enter into it. There he would die, and be buried by God in an undisclosed location. “Then the LORD said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day.” Deut. 34:4-6. In the New Testament, Jude mentions something unusual as well. He notes that the archangel Michael disputed with Satan over the body of Moses for some reason. “But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” Jude 1:9. It is curious that of all the people in the Bible who died, Satan for some reason took an interest in the body of Moses which led to a dispute and argument with the archangel.
Lastly, in the three synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) we see the story of Jesus meeting with Moses and Elijah on a mountain, in an event called the Mount of Transfiguration. Peter, James, and John accompany Jesus to the top of a high hill where Jesus appeared in His glorified form, along with two men identified as Moses and Elijah. It is interesting to note that Luke explains that the three were discussing Jesus’ soon “departure, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.” Jesus was discussing with Moses and Elijah what was about to take place concerning His death, resurrection, and ascension.
What are the Jewish requirements for a witness?
Moses and Elijah are called “witnesses” specifically in the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ. The Greek word used is martoos and means a witness as in a legal sense. It is the same word from which we get the word martyr too. The reason I say specifically described as “witnesses” is because of the role they play during their 1260 days in the first part of the tribulation period. They “prophesy” and give “testimony”, they act as Jewish legal witnesses. Jewish requirements for someone to act as a witness in legal matters are based in the Torah. There must be at least two witnesses for important matters, and they must testify as to what they have personally seen, heard, and have first-hand knowledge of.
“On the evidence of two witnesses or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death; he shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness. The hand of the witnesses shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.” Deuteronomy 17:6-7
“A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed.” Deuteronomy 19:15
“Even in your law it has been written that the testimony of two men is true.” John 8:17
“These things shall be for a statutory ordinance to you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death at the evidence of witnesses, but no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.” Numbers 35:29-30
“When someone sins in any of these ways: If he has seen, heard, or known about something he has witnessed, and did not respond to a public call to testify, he is responsible for his sin.” Leviticus 5:1
What were Moses and Elijah testifying about?
I believe that Moses and Elijah were testifying about Jesus Christ to those in the tribulation period, and specifically to the Jews. They testified about His death, resurrection, ascension into Heaven, and His soon return a second time to this earth. I believe also that they were proclaiming the just punishment of those who continue to reject Him as Lord; equating their fate to that of Sodom and Gomorrah. This is why the Antichrist wanted to make war with them. This is why when they are killed, the people rejoice. The testimony of the two witnesses had been a torment to them, so much so that they celebrated their deaths and sent each other gifts.
Moses and Elijah meet the requirements of Jewish witnesses for legal purposes. It is a serious accusation being made, one that results in the eternal punishment of the condemned resulting in the “second death” spoken of in the New Testament epistles. Also, there must be at least two witnesses in order to meet the legal requirements under Jewish law, which there are. But there is one aspect that needs addressing and clarification, and that is the main point of my article.
The witnesses are required to testify to what they have “personally seen, heard, and have knowledge of.” Moses and Elijah, as far as we are aware, could not have legally testified based on these requirements. They did not have first hand knowledge about Jesus Christ. They were Old Testament prophets, and while they certainly knew of a coming Messiah, they did not know first hand of Jesus as that Messiah who had been long awaited. Or did they….?
My purpose in this article is to show that maybe they did actually have first hand knowledge of Jesus Christ. I believe that I can show that Moses and Elijah did meet Jesus Christ personally, they observed first hand His death and resurrection, and His ascension with a promise of a soon return. I also believe that these two witnesses were permitted to witness the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, and its destruction first hand. The reason was so that they could testify to the absolute wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, and to the fiery judgement that resulted. I believe this was one reason the people of the tribulation period felt tormented by their message, and why they celebrated their deaths.
Are there other mentions of Moses and Elijah in the Bible?
This is where the “time travel” part of the story comes in. I know it is a bit of a gimmick to use the term “time travel,” but, that is from our perspective exactly what they did I believe. From God’s perspective, and outside of our realm of existence, there is of course no time constraints. But from our viewpoint within this created universe with its set, one direction flowing timeline, it does appear that they are present at several different points in time throughout the Bible. I believe the Bible relates that Moses and Elijah, not yet in a glorified state but dressed in dazzling white garments, appeared at different times throughout Bible history. The purpose was so that they could act as Jewish witnesses and legally testify to certain aspects of the Lordship of Jesus as Messiah. Namely, these aspects are his death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven, and the wickedness and eventual punishment of Sodom and Gomorrah. It also is interesting that not only are Moses and Elijah present, but every time Jesus is also present in His glorified state as well. It’s almost as if Jesus is acting as their tour guide on this journey through time. Please allow me to show you where I think the Bible tells of these appearances.
Why did Jesus, Moses, and Elijah meet on the Mt. of Transfiguration?
As we have already mentioned, recounted in the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke is the account known as the Transfiguration. There we see the story of Jesus meeting with Moses and Elijah on a hilltop, along with two men identified as Moses and Elijah. Luke explains that Jesus was discussing with Moses and Elijah His “departure, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem,” Jesus’ soon to occur death, resurrection, and ascension. I believe Jesus discussed with them their roles as the two witnesses during the tribulation period, explaining to them what they would be required to prophesy and witness about. I think that Jesus then explained to Moses and Elijah how He would take them to these crucial events in history to observe them first hand so that they could testify to what they had seen, heard, and had personal knowledge of. I think He also detailed for them their task during the tribulation period, and what they were to accomplish.
It is noted that Jesus appeared in dazzling white clothing, and radiating like the sun with His face shining. This is a description of course given of Jesus after his resurrection later as well. It can be deducted that all believers will one day appear like this in their glorified bodies (“...We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is” I Pet. 3:2). Here we see Jesus already appearing in His glorified body, along with Moses and Elijah nearly 1400 & 900 years after their time here on earth had passed.
“Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” Matthew 17:1-4
“Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.” Mark 9:2-8
“Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while He was praying, the appearance of His face became different, and His clothing became white and gleaming. And behold, two men were talking with Him; and they were Moses and Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions had been overcome with sleep; but when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him. And as these were leaving Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not realizing what he was saying. While he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!” Luke 9:29-31
Were Moses and Elijah at the resurrection of Jesus?
The next time we see what I think are Moses and Elijah is at the resurrection of Jesus. I believe they were transported in time to this event along with Jesus to the revealing of His resurrection. Here they observed an angel rolling back the stone to reveal an empty tomb, the women disciples showing up early Sunday morning while it was still dark and finding the tomb already empty, and Jesus in His glorified state speaking with Mary.
“On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” asked the men. “He is not here, but He has been resurrected! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day’?” And they remembered His words.” Luke 24:4-7
"She saw two angels in white sitting where Jesus’s body had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher)." John 20:12-17
Notice that in these passages we see a description of the disciples discovering the empty tomb, and the resurrection of the Lord has occurred. It is the first day after the Sabbath, the Feast of Firstfruits when the Priests were waving the sheaf of barley thanking the Lord for a successful harvest (“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.” I Cor. 15:20). Luke specifically mentions two “men” suddenly appearing in dazzling white clothes. The word Luke uses for men is aner, which is the basic Greek word signifying a male, a husband, a man of any age. They are referred to as men twice in the passage in fact.
In the passage written by John describing the same scene, he describes them as “two angels in white.” I would point out here that the actual Greek word used here is aggelos which can be translated as “angel,” but also many times is translated as a “messenger,” or “one who is sent.” The word applies equally to both angels and to men. In fact, many times when used to refer to an actual angel, the additional description “of the Lord” is added, or it is made clear that the individual is not human but serves the Lord God. This clarification is not used in the passage in John. John also includes the fact that Jesus is present in His glorified state, and Mary does not immediately recognize him until He speaks to her.
Were Moses and Elijah at the ascension of Jesus?
The next appearance written about in the Bible is in the book of Acts. Here Luke describes the ascension of Jesus to Heaven after His resurrection, and after spending forty days with His followers. I believe Moses and Elijah were again transported to this point in time to observe first hand Jesus’ ascension to Heaven.
"And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." Acts 1:10-11
Again, Luke describes “two men in white clothing” suddenly appearing among the followers of Christ. These two men, I believe Moses and Elijah, speak to the crowd and tell them that Jesus whom they have just watched ascend into Heaven will come again in exactly the same manner. They are speaking directly about His second coming after the tribulation period. Also, Jesus is once again present with Moses and Elijah in His glorified body, just as He has appeared for the last forty days since His resurrection. It should also be clarified again that while Moses and Elijah are described as appearing in dazzling white clothing, they are never in any of the passages are described as their face shining, as Jesus always is while in His glorified state.
Were Moses and Elijah at the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?
Lastly, there is what I believe is an appearance of Moses and Elijah being transported through time along with Jesus to the Old Testament event known as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
“Now the Lord appeared to him (Abraham) by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him … Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?... And the Lord said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the Lord … Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom … they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; and they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.” … When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.” … When they had brought them outside, one said, “Escape for your life! Do not look behind you, and do not stay anywhere in the valley; escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away.” … Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven, .... Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the Lord; and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the valley, and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land ascended like the smoke of a furnace.” Gen. 18:1 - 19:28
In this passage we see three “men” meeting with Abraham and speaking with him about Sodom and Gomorrah. The author of Genesis (Moses) clearly identifies one of the three as Jehovah the Lord God leaving no doubt who it is. Appearances in the Old Testament of the Lord are known as “Theophanies”, and in this case, it is actually a Christophany, which is an appearance of the Lord in human form (Jesus the Christ) prior to His birth on Earth in Bethlehem. The other two are referred to as “men” numerous times. This is the Hebrew word ish, the basic word for man or husband, just as we saw used in the New Testament passages. Later, Moses refers to the two men who go to Sodom as “angels”,which is the Hebrew word mal’ak which again can mean “angel, ambassador, or messenger.”
Again, I would suggest that these men are Moses and Elijah being transported through time to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The purpose is to get a first hand account of the wickedness of Sodom, and the resulting destruction that it brings about. It is strange to think about Moses and Elijah appearing in the Old Testament, prior to their actual births on Earth. It is also strange to think about who the writer of Genesis is … Moses, as it appears he is recording history that he is actually a part of without realizing it yet.
The imagery of Sodom and Gomorrah is used throughout the Old and New Testaments as an example of wickedness and judgement. The cities of “Sodom” and “Gomorrah” are mentioned by name 28 times in the Old and New Testaments, each time as a warning of judgement to come due to wickedness and sin. This does not even include the numerous times they are mentioned when relating their original destruction in the book of Genesis as we see in the above passage. We see “Sodom” used in the Revelation chapter 11 verses in our introduction, comparing Jerusalem in a “mystical” sense to Sodom and Egypt. Both Sodom and Egypt were places of wickedness and corruption, just as Jerusalem is warned it too will become in the last days (see Jeremiah 23, with Egypt mentioned in vs. 7 and Sodom mentioned in vs. 14).
The most direct example of this is in 2nd Peter where Peter describes the judgement coming against false prophets by comparing it to the coming punishment of the fallen angels, the deluge of the fallen world at the time of Noah, and the fiery destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. “...and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter…” 2 Peter 2:6. Also, in Jude 1:7, Jude writes that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is an “example” of the punishment of eternal fire for those who cause division and are worldly-minded among us. “Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, since they in the same way as these indulged in gross immorality and went after strange flesh, are exhibited as an example in undergoing the punishment of eternal fire.” Jude 1:7
Are you convinced?
So, I have presented my case as best I could. I am convinced that Jesus, during His lifetime, was glorified and met with Moses and Elijah just prior to His crucifixion. Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah about what was going to occur in Jerusalem very soon: His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven. I believe Jesus also spoke to them about their roles as the two witnesses during the tribulation period, explaining to them what they would be required to prophesy and witness about. I think that Jesus then accompanied Moses and Elijah back in time to observe first hand the wickedness and destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. I believe that Jesus took Moses and Elijah forward in time to the point of His resurrection, and then on to His ascension into Heaven, providing them with the opportunity to witness first hand His victory over death and His ascension. I believe that Moses and Elijah were then finally transported into what is still our future, the period of the tribulation. They are told to witness about what they had seen, heard, and had personal knowledge of for 1260 days, until the antichrist would be allowed to kill them in the streets of Jerusalem. I believe they did, and will do so, and then be raised up to be with Him again, just as all of us will be too.
