Revelation 11:10

Context of Revelation 11:10

Revelation 11:10 takes place during a pivotal moment in the apocalyptic narrative, immediately following the death of the two witnesses, who have prophesied for 1,260 days (three and a half years) in sackcloth. Their ministry was marked by powerful miracles and a challenging message that directly confronted the wickedness of the world. This verse describes the global reaction to their demise, highlighting the relief and celebratory spirit among those who rejected their testimony.

Key Themes and Messages

• Rejoicing Over Truth's Suppression: The most striking theme is the widespread celebration at the death of God's prophets. This illustrates humanity's innate rebellion against divine authority and a desire to silence uncomfortable truths that expose sin. The act of "sending gifts one to another" signifies a holiday-like atmosphere, emphasizing the depth of their joy over the witnesses' silence.
• The World's Opposition to God's Messengers: The verse vividly portrays the spiritual conflict between God's kingdom and the fallen world. The witnesses were a source of "torment" because their prophetic declarations and miraculous plagues (as described in Revelation 11:6) disrupted the earth dwellers' comfort and exposed their sin. Their death is seen as a liberation from this divine interference.
• Temporary Triumph of Evil: While the world celebrates, this victory is presented as fleeting within the broader narrative of Revelation. It underscores that evil's triumphs are always temporary, and God's ultimate justice will prevail, often swiftly and unexpectedly, as seen in the subsequent verses of this chapter.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another" uses strong language to convey a sense of public festivity and shared pleasure. It's akin to celebrating a major holiday or a great victory, underscoring the world's intense animosity towards the witnesses and what they represented.
• The word "tormented" (Greek: basanizō) implies severe distress, affliction, or even torture. It suggests that the witnesses' presence, their uncompromising message, and the plagues they brought were not merely annoying but caused deep, painful discomfort and suffering to those who opposed God, leading to their profound relief at the prophets' death.

Practical Application and Reflection

Revelation 11:10 serves as a powerful reminder that God's truth and His messengers often face intense opposition and even celebration in their demise from a world hostile to divine intervention. For believers today, it highlights several points:

• Perseverance in Truth: We should not be surprised when our faithful witness to Christ and His truth is met with scorn, rejection, or even hostility. Jesus Himself warned His disciples that the world would hate them as it hated Him (John 15:19).
• Understanding Spiritual Warfare: The "torment" caused by the witnesses' ministry illustrates that God's presence and truth are inherently uncomfortable for those who prefer to live in darkness. Our lives, if lived according to God's Word, can expose and challenge the world's values.
• Hope in God's Sovereignty: Despite the temporary triumph of evil depicted here, the broader context of Revelation assures us that God remains sovereign. The celebration of the wicked is short-lived, and God's servants will ultimately be vindicated. This verse, therefore, encourages steadfastness and hope in the face of worldly opposition, knowing that God has the final word.