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In John's prophetic vision of the last days on earth, judgement is poured out on the wicked of the world. The first six angel's trumpet blasts bring destruction to a third of the trees, sea creatures, and ships. All of the grass is burned, a third of the waters are poisoned, and the sun and the moon became a third dimmer, yet many people on earth still refuse to repent of their murders, sorceries, fornication or thefts. It is at this point, before the 7th and final trumpet sounds, that the angel gives John a rod and tells him to measure the temple of God, the altar, and them that worship therein. (Rev 11:1) He is instructed to leave out the court outside the temple because it is given unto the gentiles, who will tread the holy city under food for 42 months. (Rev 11:2)

The Two Witnesses

• Power will be given to the two witnesses who will prophesy 1,260 days clothed in sackcloth. (Rev 11:3) Note: In the Scriptures, sackcloth was most commonly worn when mourning or as a sign of grief. In 1 Kings 20:31, sackcloth was worn to show submission and humility in a plea for mercy.
• They are the two candlesticks and the two olive trees standing before the God of the earth. (Rev 11:4)
• If any man hurts them, they are devoured by fire from their mouths. (Rev 11:5)
• They have the power to shut heaven, that there be no rain in the days of their prophecy, and they have the power to turn waters to blood, or smite with plagues at will. (Rev 11:6)
• After they finish prophesying, the beast from the bottomless pit will make war with them and kill them. (Rev 11:7)
• Their dead bodies will lie in the street of a great city, where the Lord was crucified, spiritually called Sodom and Egypt. (Rev 11:8)
• People from all nations will see their bodies for 3.5 days, and not bury them. (Rev 11:9)
• People will rejoice and send each other gifts to celebrate their death, because the two prophets tormented them. (Rev 11:10)
• The witnesses will come back to life and a great voice from heaven will command them to come up. (Rev 11:11)
• Their enemies will watch them ascend to heaven in a cloud. (Rev 11:12)
• A great earthquake will then destroy a tenth of the city, killing 7,000 men. (Rev 11:13)
• The remaining people will give glory to God of heaven out of fear. (Rev 11:13)
• The second woe is past, and the third woe comes quickly - the 7th Seal (Rev 11:14)