Two Witnesses (Rev 11)
Woman, Child, Satan (Rev 12)

The book of Revelation in order to provide an adequate background to the
end time also provides a broader perspective.


Placed either side of the blowing of the seventh trumpet we encounter the
accounts of the 'TWO WITNESSES' and the 'WOMAN, CHILD AND SATAN', both of
which refer to a preliminary symbolic period of 1,260 days.


The cryptic nature of the 'woman, child and Satan' account is quite
apparent, but unfortunately the surface meaning of the 'two witnesses'
prophecy has deceived many readers.


In both of these cryptic stories the 1,260 days refers to the period of
3,500 years. For both of these accounts this period begins at the time
of the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt. For a fuller
explanation refer to:

The reference to the Exodus highlights the initial creation of the nation
of Israel and enables the reader to gain an appropriate long-term outlook.
Neither story comments upon the appearance of Jesus Christ during this
span of time.

Both narratives present highly stylised stories. Skipping over the history
of Israel and the formation of Judaism and Christianity. Rather the texts
focus on the end-time. Depicting judgment on Judaism, later followed by
judgment on Christian leaderships.

      
Despite their broad perspective both narratives depict the major end-time
periods.


ADMONITION    - The completing of the testimony of the two witnesses.
              - The breaking out of war in heaven.

TRIBULATION   - The symbolic 3.5 days when the two witnesses are
                considered dead.
              - The symbolic 'time and times and half a time' duration
                when Satan persecutes those who dwell on the symbolic
                earth and sea.

RESOLUTION    - The breath of life enters the two witnesses and they
                ascend into heaven. A great symbolic earthquake, a
                tenth of a city falls and 7,000 die (verse 13).
                (A symbolic reference to the judgment on the
                compromised rulerships of the seven churches of
                Christianity.)
              - The dragon wars with Christianity.