I also favor the two witnesses being literal. The testaments have long been fingered as the two but my question is, when they are taken off the earth after they resurrect, what is LEFT on earth? No trace of the word of God?
That's the singular point that cannot be justified. The Two Testaments, or the Law and the Prophets, may sound reasonable, but it does not fit the context of Revelation 11.
The Word of God never leaves the earth. It can never die.
And the Law will never be resurrected. That is the point of Hebrews.
In the Tribulation, in the first half, Judaism will, I believe, be reinstated:
Daniel 9:27
King James Version (KJV)
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The Covenant in view here is not the New Covenant confirmed, or strengthened by Christ, as some of our brethren contend. The Covenant that would be relevant to Daniel's people, even in a prophetic context...would be the Covenant of Law.
Antichrist will confirm the Covenant of Law for Seven years, and in the middle of that period he will reverse his position and it is at that time the worship spoken of here...
Revelation 11
King James Version (KJV)
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.
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.
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
The ministry of the Two Witnesses lasts 3 1/2 years, during which Antichrist is powerless against them. At the mid-point they are killed:
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.
The Antichrist is given space to continue for 3 1/2 years...
Revelation 13:4-5
King James Version (KJV)
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
Both the testimony of Daniel and Revelation indicate seven years. The Lord reiterates that spoken in Daniel...
Daniel 12:6-7
King James Version (KJV)
6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Matthew 24:15-16
King James Version (KJV)
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
We see that here also...
Revelation 12:5-6
King James Version (KJV)
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
That the Two Witnesses are literal men is the only position that stands in accordance with what is actually written in Revelation 11, and is seen in harmony with Biblical Prophecy as a whole.
There is a seven year period yet left to be fulfilled, and it is my view the Two Witnesses minister during the beginnings of sorrows.
God bless.