The American Wisdom Series

Presents
Revelation Chapters 8 through 11

We have completed 6 Seals and John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, is still in heaven looking on as the Lamb of God now opens the 7th and final seal, which completes the unsealing of the scroll (remember 7 is the number of spiritual perfection or completeness) .

Now observe what happens!

Rev. 8:1
And when He had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

Something is about to happen. The 7 Trumpets are about to blow! But before they do, there is a period of quietness, of silence, that transpires. Let's call it silent meditation, or the calm before the storm.

Remember: The Seals are KNOWLEDGE that we must have in our foreheads in order to escape the "hour of temptation" that Christ spoke of to the church of Philadelphia in chapter 3 verse 10:

Rev. 3:10
Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

The 7th Seal is to KNOW when that "hour" is upon us, or as Christ would say "when all these things are fulfilled". Let's read what He told us just following the 6th Seal in Mark 13:

Mark 13:28
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:

[29] So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.

Let's ask some questions.

Q.) What are these things which come to pass?

A.) The other 6 Seals that He just gave us AND the planting of the fig tree!

[30] Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

A.) The subject is the fig tree, so the answer is "the generation of the fig tree"!

Q.) When did that begin?

A.) May 15, 1948.

Q.) How do you know?

A.) To understand the (live link to)-parable of the fig tree (a comprehensive study reserved for another time) you must begin at the beginning, in the fig grove of the garden in Eden, and understand who the "children of disobedience" are, that they are the "seed" of the serpent, the "tares" of the Parable of the Tares in Matthew 13, the sons of Cain (kenites). This you must do in order to understand who the "bad figs" of Judah are spoken of in Jeremiah 24, which describes the setting forth of both the good and bad figs in Judea, in Jerusalem. Then you will KNOW that the United Nation's sanction of the State of Israel on May 15, 1948, planted the fig tree.

People are often shocked when they hear that statement, and not so much by the fact of the event itself, but by the connection to the Bible, i.e. by the identifying of a "modern event" with scripture, with the fulfillment of prophecy. It's as if they didn't know the Bible had any relevance to today except for its moral teachings. They have the mentality of "back in Biblical times", and it is no wonder when they hear the archaic, oh so holy, monotone style of the "selection from the Bible", "our scripture reading for today" that they hear when they attend church. You see, there's deception even in the way they read the Bible. Who communicates, who talks like that in the "real world"? Not you, not me.

Well, guess what? The Bible is not only relevant to today, but the prophecies contained therein are coming to pass almost daily. And so it fits absolutely perfectly that the next words Christ would say are:

[31] Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

The Seals have now been removed and each and every one of them was opened by the Lamb of God Himself. The detail which He gives us sometimes seems overwhelming, but it is greatly appreciated by those who seek to know all the things that He has foretold us, and He has foretold us all things.

I suppose we could "sum up" the Seals in just a few words: They are to understand the powers and dark forces of the Four Hidden Dynasties (the 1st 4 Seals), what happen(s)(ed) to those who teach the true Word of God and confront the rider of the horses and the worldwide testimony of God's elect soon to be delivered up (5), to understand the Two Tribulations and the work (sealing) that must take place before the four winds blow (6), and to understand the parable of the fig tree and the season when all these things come to pass (7).

If you understand those 7 Seals, revealed to you by Jesus Christ, then you have eyes to see and ears to hear, and the scroll, His Word, will unroll before your eyes and you can read with understanding the marvelous mysteries of our God. There is nothing like it in the entire universe! It will turn your heart to Him with such love that you cannot contain it.

All sealed? Good, we're ready for the 7 Trumpets.

[2] And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

[3] And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Rev. 6:10
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

[4] And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

[5] And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

Note: Be prepared, for in the next few chapters we will encounter much symbology, but "not to worry" or "be frightened" as those are who would try to read a scroll that's still sealed. As we learned in the very first chapter of this great book, the symbolism is clearly defined and it produces vivid pictures in our minds which we will "see" clearly and understand that which is taking place.

And again, if we begin at the beginning, in the Book of Genesis, by the time we get to the Book of Revelation we will have learned much and seen most of the symbolism used in Revelation. For instance we would know that God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:29
For our God is a consuming fire.

Will the fire that this angel takes from the altar of God, from Him, hurt you and me? Not on your life! We know that fire purifies Gold, but it consumes that which is stubble, like straw. So in like manner does He, the consuming fire, our Father.

[6] And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

It is fascinating how eager people are to understand the Book of Revelation, which by the way is the last book in the Bible. Some want to know because they are curiosity seekers, some sense it could be true, and others want to know what is going to happen so they can "live it up" and then repent just in time to "make it" (as if they could 'pull one over' on God).

What are trumpets and how are they used anyway? Well, trumpets are loud horns and militarily speaking, when the trumpets blow, the troops begin to move into position to do battle, and then the final charge is sounded by the final Trump.

Again, and it bears repeating, if you are familiar with God's Word then you will have encountered trumpets many times before you get to Revelation, as well as most all of the symbolism in Revelation, which you will see.

For example, if you've read Exodus you will remember that it was Jo-shua (the same name as Ya-shua, i.e. same name as Jesus) who led our people into the promised land. Well guess what? We are about to enter into the promised land again, the Millennium. Do you recall what God instructed Joshua to do to take the city of Jericho? March around the city 6 days + the 7th. And on the last day, they compassed the city 7 times and blew the 7 Trumpets and at the "shout", the walls of the great city came tumbling down.

The same thing is about to happen to that great city, Babylon the Great, which we will soon read and learn about and how it falls. Have you read in 1 Thes. 4:16 how Christ returns?

1 Thes. 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God...

So here's where we are in Revelation. We are all "sealed up" and we are about to go to war against the oppressor, you know who. And what did God command the PRIESTS to do when going to war? Blow the TRUMPETS, sound the ALARM!

Numbers 10:8
And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

The Seventh month! (That's not July either. Remember the 1st day of the first month always begins on the Spring Equinox.) So when will the final Trump blow? Who knows, but don't you think the 7th month would be a good season to watch?

Now here it is, God's command to blow the trumpets:

Numbers 10:9
And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

Also, before we begin the trumps, be prepared to encounter much symbolism, the purpose of which is Paint a PICTURE in your mind. Remember back to our first few lessons in Revelation, and our discussion about pictures? First SEE the PICTURE. The meaning is contained in the picture not in the individual words themselves, which are used to paint the picture. Do you understand?

Finally, keep in mind the 4 Hidden Dynasties (the first 4 Seals), which are used to deceive the people and bring about the New World Order, the One World "Beast" System, as we read about the first 4 Trumpets. We have already read in verse 5, Rev. 8:5, that the angel took "fire" from the altar of God and cast it into the earth. Remember from Heb. 12:29 that our Father is a consuming fire. That "fire" from the altar is His truth, His Word, and it "burns" alright, and it causes shakings and quakings even among individual households.

When the first 4 Trumpets sound, the Word of God is going to be cast, mixed even more, with the 4 Hidden Dynasties and things will really begin to "heat up". The first 4 trumpets, as were the first 4 Seals, are also grouped apart from the last three which are Woe trumpets to the inhabiters of the earth. Yesireee! Woe, woe, woe!

Let the action begin!

[7] The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

A "third part" is an expression meaning "not all of", i.e. only of portion of. We'll document that when we get to the 12th verse, but it's kind of like we say "wait a minute", which doesn't mean wait exactly one minute (except to a friend of mine who is so compulsive he'd probably start his stop watch.)

Have we ever seen hail and fire before in the Bible? Of course! Remember the judgments poured out upon Egypt?

Exodus 9:24-26
So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

[25] And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.

1 Cor. 10:11
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

And now, here's the rest of the story.

Exodus 9:26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.

Rev. 9:4
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 God in their foreheads.

And now the second Trump.

[8] And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

You have just seen the effect of God's Word as it is cast into the sea of people and encounters the opposing forces of the oppressor! Let us document.

First of all, and once again, this symbolism and terminology is not new, nor strange, to a student of His Word. Let's see, where have we seen a "burning mountain" before? ...... Aha! Yes, oh my goshen, do you realize that our people have "actually seen" a burning mountain? Go to Deuteronomy and read the whole story. Here's two clips:

Deut. 4:11
And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness.

Deut. 5:23
And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, for the mountain did burn with fire, that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

Again, and I will keep repeating this for those whose eyes are just starting to open, these things were examples of the spiritual application for the end times! The waters and the seas and the rivers are PEOPLE. Here again is the documentation:

Rev. 17:15
And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

We are now studying the famous 7 Trumpets of Revelation. If you are a student of God's Word, and if you understand the 7 Seals which we've just covered, then these trumpets will make a lot of sense. If not, I hope you like scary movies!

The Trumps of God commence the action of the final events of this flesh age, culminating at the 7th and final Trump on the Day of the Lord, the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, when every knee shall bow. As the first four trumpets blow, adding "heat" to the 4 Hidden Dynasties, the world begins to become hotter and hotter, reaching the boiling point when Satan arrives in person on the first "white horse" and the battle for the souls of men rages full in the darkest hour EVER of human history.

We had come to the second trumpet which caused the "burning mountain" of God to be cast into the sea of people. That will heat things up for sure! The infusion of the true Word of God "polarizes" and causes those who love Him to love Him more, and those who oppose Him to actively oppose Him more! As an example, just mention "God" to the ACLU and they are "stirred" to remove Him from all aspects of society.

Let's continue with the 2nd Trumpet having sounded:

Rev. 8:9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Now, what are these "ships" which are destroyed? The Greek word for "ships" means "vessel" as in "shipping vessel". These ships symbolize commerce, as in the ships of Tarshish, and there is much commercialism in all four of the 4 Hidden Dynasties. So I use the saying that governments and big business operate on the principle of "The Golden Rule", meaning that "The Guys With the Gold Make the Rules."

Do you remember when the Word of God was "poured out" unto Pharaoh through Moses? Did it not stir Pharaoh to oppress God's people even more? Remember, there's nothing new under the sun! Pharaoh was a type of Satan. Let's read it.

Exodus 5:10-13
And the taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spake to the people, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.

[11] Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it: yet not ought of your work shall be diminished.

[12] So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble instead of straw.

[13] And the taskmasters hasted them, saying, Fulfil your works, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.

[10] And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

[11] And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

Christ told us of this same falling star in Luke:

Luke 10:18-19
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

lampo :- give light, shine.

astrapto :- lighten, shine.

And so the lamp is Satan's light, his "truth", which most people of the world will accept as true.

So we see in this 3rd trump Satan, "the star", begin to fall from heaven.

[12] And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

The word "darkened" is skotizo and it means to "obscure". And that about describes it! People today cannot see the light of truth, for it has been "obscured" by the traditions of men, nor can they reckon the signs of the times nor the seasons for which the sun and the moon and the stars were created (Gen. 1:14), nor can they see the invisible horses which have ridden hard through the night, to and fro upon the earth.

But you "ain't seen nothin'" yet!

There are three trumpets yet to blow and they are Woe Trumpets! Woe to whom? Woe to earthlings!

So while the sun and the moon and the stars are partially darkened now, the entire sun and entire moon will soon be darkened when  the false-christ, Satan himself, appears in person at the 6th Trump. We will soon learn that he deceives the "whole world" (Rev. 12:9), i.e. there will be "darkness" over all the earth. Do you understand?

This may help. You may recall from the history of not too long ago that the "light of truth" was almost "snuffed" out. During that period of time in order to read the scriptures you first had to obtain a license (which in my experiences always means pay a fee), and then you had to show yourself approved to your confessor (and you better not be trying to start a reformation). Note: If you haven't read "The Letter to the Reader" by the translators of the King James Bible, then by all means you must. Here's a link you can go to LetterToTheReader It will document that which was just stated.

Now, do you know what that period of history is called to this very day? The DARK AGES!

But again, you "ain't seen nothin'" yet!

Now to complete chapter 8:

[13] And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

This word translated "angel" is aetos and should be translated "eagle" as Dr. Moffat has it in his translation. Have you ever heard the shrill of an eagle's cry? Imagine that shrieking caw as the "Woe, woe, woe to the inhabiters of the earth!"

Webster's dictionary says of the eagle: "eagles are known for their strength, size, keenness of vision, and powers of flight. Our Father likens His protection of His children in Deut. 32, the Song of Moses, to the outstretched wings of the great and powerful eagle.

Deut. 32:11
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

Next we will read of the 5th Trump and learn of a great locust army to come against our people. Those without the gospel armour on (Eph. 6) are going to get devoured, those with it on and in place will squish locusts like little pesky bugs.

Four Trumps have now sounded as we move down the line towards the end, to the angel of the 5th Trump, which is the first of the 3 Woe Trumpets. Remember that the "woe" is to the inhabiters of the earth. The spiritual conditions down here have so deteriorated to the point that the enemies of God and of His children will now be likened to a great army of swarming locusts. This is the "Picture" that our Father would have us see in our "minds eye" representing the terrible devastation wrought upon the minds and souls of men and women by the "children of disobedience".

Rev. 9:1
And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

What is the bottomless pit?  A pit is a something with which everyone is familiar, a hole in ground for instance, that you can look down into. (Keep in mind, however, that there are some who can't tell the difference between their donkey and a hole in the ground. Fortunately, our Father uses many different analogies so that perhaps one will "ring a bell" up there.) However, when you look into the pit described here there is no end in sight, for it is so deep it has no bottom, hence the term "bottomless". This Picture in your mind is to graphically illustrate the depth of the state of degradation to which the one who is in the pit has fallen, i.e. Satan. He has fallen to a depth so far down and is become so infinitely low that you cannot get any lower. Got it?

Now, let's see what happens when the bottomless pit is opened.

[2] And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

[3] 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.

No, now you're off track again! Back to paragraph one of this lesson. "This entire description is the "Picture" that our Father would have us see in our "minds eye" representing the terrible devastation wrought upon the minds and souls of men and women by the "children of disobedience". Understand, you can't "see" a lie. And you can't see it devour someone's chance to see the truth.

So we are talking about the enemies of God and "Seeing" an analogous "Picture" of them. They are like a bunch of insects, i.e. locusts, scorpions, etc. Are they to be feared?

NAW! Jesus Christ has given His own His Two-edged Sword, remember? And along with it, the POWER of it, i.e. the power to wield it! Here's what He has to say about creepy, crawly snakes and insects, i.e. low life creatures, Satan's own.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Actually, you can see you can just tread on these venomous insects with the gospel armour boots and save the Sword for the fire breathing dragon, to cut off his head! "I just can't wait for the opportunity", I say, as I polish my gospel armour. "Let that old dragon out the pit!"

Now, here's another key to remember to help understand "Pictures" more fully, shall we say to a deeper level. The Holy Spirit in giving us these Pictures doesn't just arbitrarily pick the symbols He uses. There is a purpose and a meaning contained in the selection. So if we learn the characteristics of the symbols we can better understand what is being described.

Let's start with the scorpion. Here's a link, one of many, where you can go to learn how the scorpion takes its prey.

http://www.desertusa.com/oct96/du_scorpion.html

"The venom of scorpions is used for both prey capture and defense. Scorpion venoms are complex mixtures of neurotoxins (toxins which affect the victim's nervous system) and other substances; each species has a unique mixture."

Note: Those locusts were sent by God just as we will read in Joel that these locusts in Revelation are also sent by, controlled by, God. Why? For the same reason the plagues were brought upon Egypt... "So that they may know that the Lord God Almighty doth reign supreme in both heaven and earth".

These insects when they swarmed through the land of Egypt consumed everything in their path. Here's the narrative:

Exodus 10:14-15
And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such. [15] For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.

But wait, those were actual locusts that ate every green thing and all the grass and fruit and leaves off the trees, etc. These locusts in Revelation don't eat anything green, no trees, no grass. Of course not! They eat men's brains! Uneducated, unlearned in the Word of God, unsealed brains (which are what is supposed to be in their foreheads)! And they consume any truth found growing and leave behind their poop!

[4] 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 God in their foreheads.

Here's a "Picture", a physical enactment, the type set forth, so that we can "see" the spiritual. The Lord God visited Ezekiel. Did you know that? It's right in chapter one of his book. And before He departed He gave these instructions to Ezekiel:

Ezekiel 9:3
And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon He was, to the threshold of the house. And He called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side;

[4] And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

[5] And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity:

[6] Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.

Oh, and by the way. Notice that the judgment begins at the house of the Lord, His sanctuary (1 Peter 4:17). Preachers beware!

Next we will learn the length of time these locusts will have to swarm the earth. Christ said He would shortened the time of the reign of Satan, pretending to be Christ, else no flesh would be saved alive. Given enough time, the dragon and his locusts would consume everyone.

Don't worry, they won't! Christ will see to it!

We've all seen graphic Hollywood productions both on TV and in the movies depicting the atrocities and bloodshed of war. Worse yet, we've all seen, and even are seeing today, graphic media coverage of the wars of the 20th Century. Those who die in these flesh and blood conflicts lose their physical lives and terminate their tabernacle, their temporary dwelling in the flesh body. It is called the "first death" which happens to ALL human beings, whether violently or peaceably or quickly or slowly or painfully or painlessly. For flesh and blood cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50).

We have been instructed in the 6th chapter of Ephesians to put on the gospel armour to prepare to stand in battle against the fiery darts of the wicked one and his army. It is spiritual warfare and it is your worst nightmare!

Ephes. 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

In this 9th chapter of the Book of Revelation we are seeing the Holy Spirit's advanced coverage of the major battles of this end time war. Think about how incredible that is! In other words we are reading and seeing future news coverage of future events! And of course since we can't see with flesh eyes a "soul" or "spirit" being cut in half with a "tradition of men" or blown up with a deadly "lie bomb" or slowly suffocated with "dragon gas", He has chosen to illustrate what is actually occurring by using common analogies familiar to man.

So in this 9th chapter we have been reading of Satan's army likened to a swarm of locusts which darken the sky and devour every living thing in their path. And their infliction of lies into the minds of men and women are like the sting of a scorpion, quick and venomous, drugging the nervous system (the mind) of its victims.

Do you remember on Pentecost Day in Acts chapter two when Peter stood up and explained what the Galileans were speaking of in the tongue, meaning language, that was understood by every dialect of every nationality present? He quoted from the Book of Joel concerning the last days, these days and those just ahead, when God would pour out His spirit on His sons and daughters and they would prophesy, meaning teach from the prophets, like Joel, Ezekiel, Daniel, Isaiah, etc.

Well, the Book of Joel gives even greater detail about this locust army and we learn there that though it is Satan and his troops who come against us, God Himself is in complete control of this army and allows it, uses it, as a means of chastisement, of correction, whereby many of His children can be brought to salvation. You must understand the Book of Joel to understand the locust army. Read it today! Live Link to- Joel

Let's pick it up with verse 5 in chapter 9 of Revelation concerning the locusts:

Rev. 9:5
And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

Now LOOK! Did you notice there is something in tomorrow's newsreel that is very revealing (what a great title for this book)? Did you notice how long the locust army has to do its thing? Five Months!

Remember in Mark 13:20 and Matthew 24:22 concerning this tribulation period that Jesus said He was going to shortened the length of time, otherwise no flesh would be saved?

Mark 13:20
And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Even more remarkable is that the season of actual locusts is always from May to September. Five months! Let's see, that would be from Passover to the Feast of Tabernacles. Hmmmm! Did you know that Jesus Christ was born on the 1st day of the Feast of Tabernacles? (If not, read appendix 179 in the Companion Bible if you are blessed to have one.) Do you think His second advent will be in like manner?

Verse 6:

Rev. 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Rev. 6:15-17
And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; [16] And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: [17] For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Rev. 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

[8] And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

Nice folk, these gentle looking liars of Satan's own, wouldn't you say?

This description tends to make the expression "A wolf in sheep's clothing" seem like a desirable alternative.

[9] And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

2 Cor. 11:13
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

[14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

[15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

And by the way, the breastplates that the Levitical Priests wore were made of precious materials with gold rings and chains and inlaid with the 12 precious gems of the 12 Tribes of Israel. The breastplates worn by Satan's priests are made of iron, figuratively of course. You get the contrasting Pictures?

One more thing in Rev. 9:9. If you are familiar with the Book of Ezekiel, especially chapters 1, 9 & 10, you'll will know that these "locusts" also have very high-tech transportation. The "world" calls them UFO's because they haven't studied God's Word to learn their identity. Those who have studied Ezekiel call them IFO's, Identified Flying Objects.

Rev. 9:10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

[11] And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

Proverbs 30:27
The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

Let's next look up in Strong's Concordance the names Satan is given here.

Abaddon, Greek #3; of Hebrew origin [#11 abaddown]; a destroying angel - Abaddon.

Apollyon, Greek #623; active participle of Greek #622 (appolumi); a destroyer (i.e. Satan) - Appollyon.

Here's another interesting fact for those who really want to study in depth. There is an advantage in understanding scripture if you are familiar with the original languages, Hebrew, Greek and Chaldean. That doesn't mean that you need to speak them, but to become familiar with them and how to "break back" the English with a Strong's Concordance. Here's an example why as we look at two more words from two of the most commonly quoted verses in scripture:

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

2 Thes. 2:3-4
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

The word "perdition" is Greek #684; also a derivative of #622 appolumi, and means destruction, die, perdition. Don't ever let someone tell you the son of perdition is Judas or anyone else other than Satan himself! Satan is the son who will perish! It is his name!

[12] One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

The 5th Trumpet has sounded and one Woe is past! There are still two to go. And remember, these three Woe Trumps are "Woes" to the inhabiters of the earth. Why? The answer is real simple: Because the final generation will confront the "supernatural" face to face. Satan, in person, who was in the garden of Eden and seduced mother Eve, along with his angels who came to earth in Genesis chapter six and seduced the daughters of Adam, are all coming to this generation to "seduce" the entire world. And what a spiritual orgy it will be! The whole world, with few exceptions, will marry the wrong Jesus! Woe to the inhabiters of the earth!

Woe also to "women with child" when the true Bridegroom returns and His bride, who should be a virgin, is found nursing her own baby. She didn't wait! She went to the wrong wedding, the first one! She was taken in the field. Oh how ashamed she will be! Woe, woe, woe!

That is also why Paul says in 1 Cor. 11:10 that women should have the veil of Christ on their heads, His power, i.e. be subject to Him. It is because of these same angels. They are coming, for sure!

1 Cor. 11:10
For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.

Matthew 24:37-39
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [38] For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [39] And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

So in the 5th Trump we were given advanced news coverage of the approaching "locust" army headed by their king, Iwannabegod. We were shown by graphic analogy the gruesome devouring of the souls of men, their inner man, brought on by the fierce onslaught of Satan's wicked followers, who appear as angels of light but devour like locusts and shred their prey as do lions.

And now the 6th Trump. (Don't forget, John is still in heaven witnessing all this for us.)

Rev. 9:13
And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

Note: If you've read the Book of Daniel then you know that one of Satan's names is "little horn". And that about says it all, doesn't it? However, I'll bet it infuriates him to called that! Little horn, little horn, na, na, na! Live Link to- Daniel's visions

Now here's the command to the sixth angel from the One who has All Power:

[14] Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

So who are these angels? The answer lies in the phrase "bound in the great river Euphrates", which symbolically means "bound in judgment". The river Euphrates has always been the boundary between Babylon and God's children. Did you know that the word "Hebrew" comes from "eber" which means people "from across the river", i.e. across the great river Euphrates where lies not the great city of Babylon?  And we find that the Euphrates is connected with the judgments of the great day in Jeremiah 46:4-10.

So these angels are those "bound" angels "reserved unto the day of judgment" which we just discussed in the opening paragraphs of this study and which Jude speaks of.

Jude 1:6
And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

[15] And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

The hour, day, month and year given here is not a duration of time but rather a fixed period of time, i.e. the time and date they are appointed, prepared, to be let loose, which only God knows.

And they "slay" a third part of men. Now we already know that they cannot shed blood, i.e. kill anybody, so always remember to think 2nd death, spiritual death.

[16] And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

The word "thousand" is  murias, Greek #3461; a ten-thousand; by extension a "myriad" or indefinite number.

[17] And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

[18] By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Also, these guys can't harm and are but a mere nuisance to those with the seal of God in their foreheads. We practice on them while we await the "Fire Breathing Dragon" who gets his head cut off with the Sword of the Lord! Didn't you always wonder why dragons breathed fire? Now you know what it means!

[19] For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

[20] And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

[21] Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

Finally, did you know that this five month period of the locust army, headed by the chief serpent, that old dragon, the devil, will soon be compared to a great flood, a flood of lies?

Rev. 12:15
And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

Genesis 7:24
And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

Woe, Woe, Woe your boat! The flood of lies cometh! So get on board the "ark" of His covenant of these last days.

Woe, Woe! We're in the second woe! The 6th Trumpet has sounded and all hell is breaking loose! The locust army is swarming and Satan's angels as priests of God are leading the charge before old dragon breath himself rides into town (that'd be Jerusalem) on his pale white horse dressed like the King of kings.

But there are those who have the seal of God in their foreheads whom Satan and his troops may not touch. Let's read some more detail in chapter 10 of the Book of Revelation.

Rev. 10:1
And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

It is still hard to imagine all of things that John saw when he was taken to heaven, but you have to admit he keeps his cool and does a great job of describing them to us. What a blessed servant of our Father he was and is!

Note: Just so you know, you'll never read of a female angel in the Bible. They are all male, for they are all sons of God, even as we all are, though in the flesh we have gender. (Personally, I think God sent all the female angels here in the flesh to try to add some semblance of sanity to men's ways. Just kidding.)

[2] And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

Also, there are only two things which cover the surface of this earth, water and land (ice is water too!). The expression "and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth" gives us a picture of the angel standing on the whole world, to which this applies.

[3] And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

Thunder is the loud crackling sound you hear that tells you that lightning has struck.

Note: If you are struck by the lightning itself, chances are you won't hear the thunder because your ears are probably burnt off.

Now here's the point to all of this. Jesus Christ has forewarned us about the "lightning". It is not of nature, it is of super-nature, i.e. supernatural.

Luke 10:18
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

In fact, when he gets here he's going to perform great wonders and illusions in the sight of men and even make fire (meaning lightning) come down from heaven to convince the unlearned that he is Jesus. The people will love him! They already love laser and light shows, so just wait 'till they witness this display!

Rev. 13:13
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

Matthew 24:27
For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

[4] And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

[5] And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

[6] And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

Rev. 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

(What? Is Deuteronomy really someone's name? Well, you know how we shorten everyone's full name from like Frederick to Fred and Matthew to Mat, etc. So I think that's were we got "Hey Dude" from "Hey Deut". Hmmmmm. Maybe not.)

But people often ask, "Are there any prophets of God alive today?" The answer is "Yep, they're all alive. They are all with Him, the Living Word, and their voices can still be heard this very day in the Written Word, just as His is".

[8] And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

Want to be sealed of God? Then go get the unsealed scroll and here is what you do with it!

[9] And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

Jeremiah ate His words.

Jeremiah 15:16
Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Ezekiel 2:9
And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;

Ezekiel 3:3
And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

Rev 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Learning and knowing the truth of God's Word is exciting and beautiful and the taste of truth is as sweet as honey! But when you have digested that knowledge and meditated upon it, and can see the stark reality of what is happening in this world and why, it can be pretty "gut wrenching", and thus is one form of bitterness.

But there is another bitterness when you have eaten "truth". And that is, be prepared to suffer the bitterness of persecution as Christ would tell us:

John 17:14
I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them...

Rev. 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

There are some really exciting times just ahead of us! And those who have the seal of God in their foreheads, who have eaten the "little book", are going to be delivered up (Mk. 13) and give testimony, i.e. prophesy, during this 6th Trump. It will be bitter sweet, though we know we have the victory!

We are still in the 6th Trump. In chapter 10 we read about how one must take the opened, unsealed little book and eat it and digest it the belly and be filled to the brim with His Word (the brim is what your hat goes on). For as we read in Acts 2:17 concerning the last days, when God pours out His Spirit, there shall be much prophesying, and His elect who have the seal of God in their foreheads will be delivered up and give testimony "before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings", just as John was told in the last verse of chapter 10 (Rev. 10:11).

Jesus Christ told us the very same thing:

Mark 13:9
But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

In chapter eleven we are now going learn about two of God's testimony givers, witnesses, who are going to be real trouble makers for Satan and his New and Improved New World Order, now with Lightning Miracle Glow. You've heard the expression "fighting fire with fire" (and you should well know what the "fire" in Revelation is). Well, these two witnesses will be given authority and power from on High to be unto Satan what Moses and Aaron were unto Pharaoh, with one exception. Pharaoh finally gave in and let the people go. Satan never gives in and eventually kills these two witnesses and throws a big party to celebrate.

That'll certainly cause another Woe!

Let's now begin chapter 11 of Revelation. This is still good old John telling us what's going on.

Rev. 11:1
And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

John is being told to measure three things for destruction: the temple (which is supposed to be God's house), the altar (where the sacrifice is given), and those that worship therein (those in the temple).

Why? What's going on?

Remember we are in the 6th Trump. What happens during this time? Satan comes riding in on his white horse posing as Jesus Christ and takes over the temple, claiming he's God! And our Father doesn't like it one bit! The apostle Paul warned us that this would happen before our gathering back to Christ. He made it quite clear concerning this son of perdition.

2 Thes. 2:4
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

That is exactly why Jesus would say that the temple will be destroyed at His coming, and that not one stone will be left standing upon another.

Matthew 24:1-2
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. [2] And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

If you would like to read more detail about the prophecy of the destruction the temple and the altar, read Lamentations chapter 2 verses 7-9. It's easy to understand now that you know why it's going to be destroyed.

Back to Revelation 11 verse 2.

Rev. 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

OK, I admit it. I peeked ahead again and read to the end of the chapter. And so we find in verse 13 the actual destruction of that which John measured in verse 1. Only a tenth of the city is destroyed, obviously the temple area, and only 7,000 "men" are slain. This happens when Jesus Christ sets foot upon the Mount of Olives as described in Zech. 14 and pulverizes the temple and the altar and those 7,000 fallen angels that worship therein. So that is why the "court without" has not been measured for destruction. The Word of God just continues to amaze me more and more.

Note: Folks often ask for documentation as to how we know there are 7,000 fallen angels. You've just read it. Why are they called "men"? Because they are sons of God, and called such in Genesis 6. Of course God has His 7,000 very elect on reserve, who will not bow a knee to the image of Baal, which is Satan, when he comes as Jesus.

Romans 11:4
But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

Here's something else that's amazing throughout the Bible! All prophecy as to length of time given in God's Word concerning Satan and the children of the night, is given in lunar terminology (because they are a bunch of lunartics). All prophecy as to length of time given concerning God's children, the children of light, is given in solar terminology. (Let's hear you rationalize that, Mr. Skeptic Higher Critic).

So here we see that the treading under foot of the holy city, Jerusalem, is 42 months, moons. But in the next verse we see that God's two witnesses prophesy 1260 days, which are determined by the revolution of the sun, i.e. solar.

Now you might think that the time periods are exactly the same, because 1260 / 30 = 42. But actually they are not. A lunar month is 29.53 days and falls short of a solar month which is 30 days. So the two witnesses actually have more time, don't they? God's children are always one step ahead of the serpent.

Also, the period of the tribulation given in these two verses is the same as that given in the Book of Daniel. But don't forget what Christ said about shortening those days. The wise of the end time, who have the unsealed little book know that in chapter 9 of Revelation the time shortened is to the time of the locusts, 5 months, from May to September.

Rev. 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Also, when we of sackcloth and ashes they are always associated with repentance and fasting, and of course the two witnesses will be preaching repentance and abstaining from eating lunch at Satan's Cafe de Rapture.

Rev. 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

If you've eaten the tasty little Book of Zechariah then you've already read of the two olive trees in chapter 4. The subject is a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

Zech. 4:3-5
And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

[4] So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

[5] Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Zech. 4:11
Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

[12] And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

[13] And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Zech. 4:14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth.

Rev. 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Of course you should know by now what candlesticks are. We learned that in the last verse of chapter one.

Rev. 1:20
The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

What happened to the other five churches? Oh, they're already married to some guy who says he's Jesus.

Do you remember what two churches are in good standing? Right, the church of Smyrna and the church of Philadelphia. Do remember what they both taught in common? If you don't recall go back and read again Rev. 2:9 and 3:9.

"Ok, we've studied hard, and now we'd like you to just flat out tell us who the two witnesses are!"

"Good grief, Charlie Brown, you don't want much, do you? If it was written I'd tell you."

"Well, do you think it's Enoch and Elijah?"

"Do I think? My Opinion? No, we saw Elijah appear on the mount of transfiguration in his transfigured body. We will soon learn that the two witnesses will be killed and their "corpses" will lie in an open arena. He'd have to be de-transfigured and enter again into flesh. I don't think so."

"Yes, but Malachi 4:5 says that God will send Elijah before Christ's return."

"Hmmmm. Is that in spirit or in person? He sent good old "locust eating" John the Baptist before the first advent in the spirit of Elijah. Luke 1:17 "And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

"Then based on that, do you think the two witnesses are here now, alive and well?"

"Figure it out for yourself. But if you ask me there are certainly enough clues. Here's three to get you started:

Clue #1: The two candlesticks are the churches of Philadelphia and Smyrna, easily identifiable by that which they teach. If you need to, go back and review chapters 2 and 3.

Clue #2: The two witnesses are not Biblically illiterate. You'll see in the next verse we read that they breath the fire of God's Word, so we know their fuel tanks are filled to capacity, just overflowing with oil (Hey, "sons of oil", I get it.).

Clue #3: Now read all of Zech. 4 and you'll find in verse 12 that these two anointed sons are diligently pumping oil. Got it? They are pumping oil!"

Now let's learn more about these two testifiers and about the power God said He'd give them back in verse 3 of chapter 11. Here's verse 5.

Rev. 11:5
And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Now I know there are some (way too many) that would read this verse and actually believe these witnesses have Oral Flame Throwing Capabilities. In other words they can just open their mouths when someone tries to harm them and ZAP!, they're enemy is instantly barbequed. "Well it says so right here in the Word of God", they would argue. And yes, Elijah did call fire down from heaven (not out of his mouth) and consume men.

2 Kings 1:10
And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, and consumed him and his fifty.

However, for those who still doubt or don't quite "get it", here is the LORD God of host's own words concerning the fire that proceeds forth out of the mouth of His servants (not some man's lame brain idea).

Jeremiah 5:14
Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

Now you also know why our Father calls His ministers "a flame of fire". They are of Him.

Hebrews 1:7
And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire.

Rev. 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

"If that's what it takes, yes, of course. The type fits exactly. They can certainly control nature. But remember 1 Cor. 10:11 'Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

If you'll peek ahead two verses you will see that the two witnesses are going to "Spiritual Egypt". Simply, positively, amazing, isn't it?  And we already documented in previous studies that waters are the peoples of the earth: Rev. 17:15 "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." And so when the waters are smitten with the Word of God, those souls who turn away bleed pretty bad and they could die, couldn't they?

Notice also that the two witnesses exercise their power "as often as they will". Like anytime they want? Zap 'em here, zap 'em there? No, you could actually read this "as often as He will". Why? Because you can be absolutely positive that their will is His will, i.e. their will is do their Father's will, as He will have them do!

[7] And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

We'll document that the beast who ascends out of the bottomless is Satan himself when we get to Rev. 17:8. It's a "no brainer".

[8] And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

"Dead bodies" in the Greek means "corpses". The corpses of the two witnesses will lie in the "open square" in Jerusalem (look up street in Strong's) . This documents that the two witnesses are not two churches but two human beings.

[9] 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.

The servants of God! Murdered in Jerusalem! The holy temple is defiled! There is none to bury them! And the prophet David, who wrote the 22nd Psalm of Christ's death, wrote the 79th Psalm of His servants deaths:

Psalm 79:1
O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. [2] The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. [3] Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.

Rev. 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

Well, their days are certainly numbered when you see this party going on. Number 3 1/2 days and guaranteed, the party will be all over! Jesus Christ is going to CRASH this bash. That "stone cut out without hands", our Rock, is going to smash the whole thing.

What a time that will be!

When we last left the two witnesses they had been slain by Satan, the one who has taken over the temple in Jerusalem and is proclaiming to the world that he is Jesus Christ. There is celebration in the streets and merrymaking around the world as Satan "spins" these two men of God as evil trouble makers who are without compassion and concern for others. But be it known, the 7th and final Trump is about to sound.

Rev. 11:11
And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

Rev. 11:9
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.

So by now the world has witnessed the witnesses (called prophets in vs. 10 - see appendix 189 in the Companion Bible) rain on their parade, "tormenting them that dwell on the earth (vs. 10)", exercising the awesome power of God.  And the abomination who sits in the temple with his cronies, claiming to be Jesus, performs yet another of his long line of "religious deeds", dating back to garden of Eden, beginning with Abel. He murders them, too!

And now the dead bodies of two witnesses lie in an open forum in Jerusalem with the television cameras continuously focused on them, making sure nothing happens to their bodies, until at least 3 1/2 days has expired. But then, when the 3 1/2 days are fulfilled, God breaths their life back into their bodies and they stand upon their feet! As you can imagine, this will cause many to wet their pants as a great and paralyzing fear falls upon all those who are watching.

Meanwhile, those who have the seal of God in their foreheads know that the 7th Trump is about to sound, and Jesus Christ is about to return. And the two witnesses hear His voice:

Rev. 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

But please note: This command. to come up hither, is given only to the two witnesses and not to the church. This is not a "rapture" of the church. Besides, anyway you look at it, this occurs after Satan, as the false-christ, has been here (he & his do the murdering) and after the great tribulation has taken place, just prior to the 7th Trump. And the church, God's remnant, are still here and also witnessing this great event, as the next verse will document.

[13] And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

And what of God's elect, His remnant? They feared God and gave Him glory saying along with the angel of Rev. 14:7 at this same time:

Rev. 14:7
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Rev. 11:14
The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

[15] And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.

One thing we do know for sure. When Jesus Christ returns with that rod of iron to rule all nations, and every knee shall bow, it will be for all eternity, even for ever and ever. Amen.

[16] And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

[17] Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

Rev. 6:10
And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Rev. 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

[19] And the Temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His Temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Rev. 16:17
And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

[18] And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

Rev. 16:21
And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Finally, did you notice that the Ark of the Covenant was located in the Temple in Heaven? Yet now and then we read in the newspapers that some archeologists and/or Rabbis believe it might be in a sealed tunnel or under a wall in Jerusalem, etc., etc. And Hollywood film producers further the interest and ignorance regarding the Ark with movies like "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Had they looked in the Word of God they would have found it!

Then too, many men seek their salvation through the traditions and the teachings of their church and will thus be ashamed and wish the mountains to fall upon them when the 7th Trump sounds and Jesus Christ returns. Too bad. Had they looked into the Word of God they would have found it!