Why pre tribulation rapture is correct. Edited 4/15/20. Part 3.
I have been going through a Hebrew to English Dictionary printed and published in 1837, and Gesenus’ Hebrew dictionary to clarify certain words. I would like to compare the word (confirm) used in Daniel 9:27, with the Greek word (power) used in Revelation 11:6, and the Greek word (established) used in 2 Corinthians 13:1.
The Hebrew word is, Confirm, found in Daniel 9:27., means to strengthen, strengthened, confirm, established. He or it abounded, increased, and exceeded, exceled. The old English meant governor, God’s prime minister, chief angel, or he that stands in the presence of God. It also means to choose, select, constitute, appoint. In Chaldean it means strong, powerful or valiant men, an example is a fighting cock; because of its remarkable courage and majestic appearance. In Aramaic it is to make strong, firm, to consolidate.
The Hebrew for Power, is to be strong, firm, to prevail, conquer, subdue. Also might, power, strength, courage: produce or the effect of labor.”
The Greek word power in Revelation 11:6, means to have over persons and things, dominion, authority, rule; as a present participle of a sequel to follow, as in power over, common, and general use.
Our third word is to “establish”. It’s found in 2 Corinthians 13:1. In the Greek it means, to stand fast, to continue, to endure, to persist, as of things. In the sense of to be established, confirmed,
2 Corinthians 13:1, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established,” in allusion to Deuteronomy 19:15, and Numbers 30:5-12.
In Revelation 11:1-3, we read that John was to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those that worship in it, but not the outer court. This was given to the Gentiles. The alter would represent the holy place and the holy of holies, where only the priests and our High Priest (Jesus Christ) came and worshiped. The outer court was still being trampled down by the Gentiles this is the reason John was not to measure it.
Now the question, would it be reasonable for God to send His two witnesses to confirm and establish His covenant, this to be done by the power given them by God?
Are these two living, breathing mortals? Yes, in view of the fact that they are killed, verse 7.
Can they be considered to be martyrs (witnesses) for God and for their testimony? Yes, because they finish the testimony they were sent to testify before they are killed, as was John the Baptist. Their testimony would be in reference to Jesus and His doctrines, to the truth of Christ’s mission and His gospel. As in,
Revelation 11:7, “And when they shall have finished their testimony,”
Revelation 12:11, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (two witnesses,) and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
They were given power to prophesy and finish the testimony. I believe a very important aspect to the who, and why of the two witnesses can be found in the words of Revelation 11:4. The two witnesses are represented, or described as, “Two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.”
Who; why, and what can be found in Zechariah 4:2 thru 14. You can read it yourself. I will brush over it.
The two witnesses are spoken of as representing two olive trees. The two olive trees in Solomon’s temple represented the two oil supplying branches that are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth. The two witnesses will testify (their testimony) and confirm the covenant of Christ and of Messiah as being both Priest and King.
The two candlesticks or lampstands would represent the tabernacle lampstand that was automatically filled with an endless supply of oil, from the Holy Spirit. The lampstands were flanked by two olive trees in the temple (Solomon’s temple) of God.
I believe this may help to fill in another piece of the puzzle concerning the pre-tribulation rapture.
Phillip LaSpino www.seekfirstwisdom.com