The two witnesses are as symbolic as everything else in Revelation according to
Rev 1:1…. They SIGNIFY something.
The law demanded at least two witnesses, or three, to establish something And these two establish the truth of God’s word to Jerusalem where they ministered, since the city was coming down shortly after John wrote about it. They minister in sackcloth like Old Testament prophets, and are associated with Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest from
Zechariah 4 – governor and priest – kings and priests are seen here, which stands also for the Law (kings/governor) and Priests (high priest) that is found throughout Revelation. The saints are kings and priests.
The olive trees are also pointing to
Zechariah 4 – and it’s a witness of God’s Spirit, not man’s might or power, speaking a message to doomed Jerusalem. All the strong of Old Testament prophets are in view by these two witnesses. From Moses through to John the Baptist. They stand for the OLD COVENANT witness against Israel.
Israel was warned way back by Moses in the last few chapters of Deut that if they turned against Law the curses would be poured out on them. Moses was then told directly by God that Israel WOULD turn against Him, and a nation like the eagle would come – Rome.
Moses and Elijah are hinted at along with Zerubbabel and Joshua the priest, by the shutting up of rain (Elijah) and water turning to blood (Moses).
As Moses was lawgiver, like a governor Zerubbabel, Elijah was a prophet similar to the priestly role of Joshau the high priest. LAw and Prophets. Kings and Priests, Truth and Spirit.
As rain never fell on Israel for 3.5 years, we read about the 3.5 years of ministry by the witnesses, link the picture of Elijah’s ministry to the prophecy in Rev.
When Jerusalem was besieged for 3.5 years, the ministry was GONE. Jerusalem is judged and the ministry RESURRECTS and continues.
The beast is mentioned for the first time in the story of the witnesses… as Adam and Eve were approached by the most subtle beast, the serpent. To become like god, as Nebuchadnezzar demanded for himself, when he later fell to become like an animal with bird claws and feathers for hair. Adam and Eve fell and become like beasts.
Could go on and on….
And Rev said all this would happen SHORTLY after it was written, and WAS AT HAND.