2 Olive Trees, 2 Candlesticks - What are they?

See Zech 4.

 

Hey, I think I know one of those trees

 

it's speaking of the two witnesses.

 

Yes, I agree.

 

Everything in these verses Rev. 11:4-5 kjv is associated with the Old Testament. These two trees immediately suggest the vision in Zechariah 4. There the lampstands are two individuals, Joshua and Zerubbabel, who were enabled by the Ho;y Spirit to stand against insurmountable difficulties. The explanation is found in the words, ". . . Not by might, nor by power { not brain or brawn }, but by my spirit, saith the rd of hosts" {Zech. 4:6}. The Holy Spirit will be present during the Great Tribulation Period.
These two witnesses are lights before the power of darkness. These men are accorded miraculous power to bring fire down from heaven-they are filled with the Holy Spirit. The suggestion is strongly in favor of Elijah [1 Kings 18:38; 2 Kings 1:10}. John made an announcement about One baptizing with fire [Matt. 3:11}.
These two witnesses are immortal and immune to all attacks until their mission is completed. All of God's men are immortal until He has accomplished His purpose through them.

 

I disagree... If Revelations is in the New Testiment, and as far as what I can see, primarily fortells the end of time...then it speaks of things yet to be...not things already past.

 

In Zechariah 4 the context is clear. It is referring to Joshua and Zerubbabel. However, in interpreting prophesy there is a principal called "the law of double reference". This means the verse(s) in question will have an early or partial fulfillment, but a much later and more complete fulfillment.Many examples exist, Joel 2:28-32 is one. The two olive trees in Zech. forshadow the two to come during the Tribulation. One of whom is surely Elijah.

 

This is so interesting!

In both passages it seems that a temple is being built. The one in Zechariah is not nearly so impressive as Solomon's Temple was, but Zerubabble the king and Joshua the priest were promised that they were the ones who started it and would be the ones to see it completed: by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Those were dangerous times because the enemies round about did not want them to rebuild the city or the temple.

What a beautiful picture of the 'living oil' straight from the two olive trees supplying the lampstand.

In Revelation, they are only building the 'naos', the Holy of Holies because the Gentiles are trampling the outer courts. They are also representing the Lord in the most dangerous days of all, and will end up being killed and lying in the streets of Jerusalem while the whole world watches, until the Lord raises them up and raptures them.

The Greek term that is translated 'olive trees' is translated 'sons of oil' in my center column.

Shalom

Alliswell