The significance of the two prophets in Rev 11
Rev. 11:3–6. 3 And I will grant my two witnesses power to prophesy for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if any one would harm them, fire pours out from their mouth and consumes their foes; if any one would harm them, thus he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.
The two witnesses are likened to two “olive trees” and two “lamps.” This is probably a reference to Zechariah 4. There, two olive trees continually provide oil for the lamps in the temple. The meaning of the passage is explained to Zechariah: the temple in Jerusalem will be built despite the resistance of those who oppose it because it has God’s anointing (Zech. 4:1–6). These two witnesses, therefore, come to warn of the destruction of the earthly temple. Anyone who clings to it instead of following Christ, refuses to admit that the Spirit has left the earthly temple and anointed a better temple namely Jesus.
The image of the two witnesses who “stand before the Lord” is also taken from Zechariah (4:14). The two witnesses are those who have power to “stop the rain,” “turn water into blood,” and bring forth “plagues.” These images are associated with Moses and Elijah. Moses was able to turn water into blood through the plagues. Fire also came down and consumed Moses’ and Elijah’s enemies (Num. 16:35; 2 Kings 1:12)
Together, Moses and Elijah symbolize the two major parts of the Old Testament—the Law and the Prophets like
Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration of Jesus