The 144,000. The 144,000 (the man-child of Rev. 12:5) are 12,000 men from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. They will be saved and sealed by God so that they are able to endure the Trumpet Judgements of Rev. 8-11. They will be great witnesses for God during the Tribulation and cause millions who missed the Rapture to be saved. (The sealing and beginning of their ministry begins during the initial 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation period).
God’s Two Witnesses. In the last half of the Tribulation, known as the Great Tribulation, God will send two witnesses who will prophesy to the entire world. They will let the world know that the tribulation that they are experiencing is due to the judgment of Almighty God. They will perform many miracles during the final 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation period. Of course, many will oppose them and hate them, but the Two Witnesses will be full of the power of God. They will be able to kill their enemies with fire that blasts out of their mouths (Rev. 11: 5). They will be able to shut up the heavens and stop the rain from falling (Rev. 11:6), just as Elijah did when he was on earth (1 Kings 17:1). They will be able to turn water into blood (Rev. 11: 6) and call plagues upon the earth, just as Moses did in Exodus 7-12.
Many have speculated about who these two witnesses will be. John simply identified them in Rev. 11:4 as the two olive trees and the two candlesticks that stand before the Lord of the earth. Some think that they will be Moses and Elijah for several reasons, including the fact that they both appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus (Matt. 17:1-9) and they both left earth in unusual ways. Moses, according to the Book of Deuteronomy was buried by God Himself (Deuteronomy 34:6) and Elijah left earth on a chariot of fire (2Kings 2:11). However, those who believe that the second witness will be Enoch instead of Moses remind us that both Elijah and Enoch never died. Hebrews 9:27 And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment requires that all men must die as natural men. Regardless of who the Witnesses are, they will be powerful witnesses for the Lord.
At the completion of their assignment, the Two Witnesses will be killed and will lie dead for three and a half days amidst great rejoicing and celebration. Evil men will not even allow them to be buried (Rev. 11:9). Then, in a massive display of supernatural majesty and power, God will raise them up to life again, stand them on their feet, and with His mighty voice call them to Heaven. Fear will fall upon the people as they watch the two Witnesses rise and ascend into Heaven on a cloud. The Bible says their enemies will behold them as they triumph over death (Rev. 11:12). A great earthquake will occur destroying 7000 men, causing many to glorify God.
