What does Revelation 11:10 mean?

And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. Revelation 11:10

Explanation

Revelation 11:10 speaks of the reaction of the people of the earth following the death of two witnesses sent by God. These witnesses have been prophesying and performing miracles, bringing plagues, and ultimately becoming a torment to those who live on the earth because they are preaching repentance and judgment. The verse conveys that when these two prophets are finally killed, the people of the earth are so relieved that they celebrate by exchanging gifts and rejoicing, as one might do in a festive season. This reaction indicates how opposed the earth dwellers were to the message and ministry of these prophets. On a deeper level, this reflects the human tendency to reject messages that evoke a sense of conviction or call for a change of lifestyle or belief.

Historical Context

The Book of Revelation, also known as the Apocalypse, was written by John the Apostle while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, traditionally dated around AD 95. The book is apocalyptic in nature, filled with vivid imagery and symbolism, and describes the end times and the coming of God’s Kingdom. This verse falls within a passage describing the fate of two witnesses who come to Earth during the end times, empowered by God to perform miracles and provide prophetic testimony. The cultural setting is one rooted in the early Christian expectation of a coming time of tribulation and ultimate divine judgement.

Theological Insights

The two witnesses mentioned in this passage are subject to varied interpretations among scholars. Some see them as literal individuals, potentially representing historical figures like Enoch and Elijah, who will return to fulfill this prophetic role. Others interpret them symbolically, representing the Old and New Testaments or the Church’s prophetic witness throughout the ages. Theologically, the joy and celebration at the death of these witnesses can be seen as a stark example of humanity’s rebellion against God and rejection of His messengers.

Practical Applications

This verse can be viewed as a cautionary tale about the consequences of rejecting truth and divine warning. In practical terms, believers are encouraged to stay true to their faith, even in the face of opposition or when the message of faith becomes unpopular. It also suggests the importance of discernment; while celebrations and merrymaking are not inherently wrong, the reasons behind the rejoicing in this context are misguided.

Cross-References

• Revelation 11:3-7: Describes the authority and power given to the two witnesses and their eventual death at the hands of the beast from the bottomless pit.
• Revelation 13:7-8: Discusses the beast being allowed to make war with the saints and to overcome them, parallel to the notion of God’s messengers being killed.
• Zechariah 4:11-14: References two olive trees that are thought to be symbolic of two anointed ones that stand by the Lord of the whole earth, which some connect to the two witnesses in Revelation.

Language Study

• “Rejoice” (Greek: “chairo”): To be glad or take delight in.
• “Merry” (Greek: “euphraino”): To be cheerful or to celebrate, often with feasting and festivities.
• “Tormented” (Greek: “basanizo”): To torture, vex, or harass thoroughly, a word that is used to describe the profound distress the two witnesses caused to the inhabitants of the earth through their preaching and miracles.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, it was common to celebrate triumph over one’s enemies with festivals and exchanges of gifts. For example, the Persian festival of Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them, as recounted in the Book of Esther. In various myths, the silencing of divine or prophetic voices often leads to momentary respite for those opposed to them, but it typically foreshadows further calamity or judgement.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not lend itself directly to scientific interpretation, as it deals with symbolic or prophetic events of a religious and eschatological nature. However, one could look at the psychology of group dynamics to understand how shared adversarial attitudes can lead to collective actions, such as celebrations in the aftermath of what is perceived as a communal relief.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators provide insights on this verse:

• Matthew Henry views this verse as a depiction of the great ill-will that the corrupted world bears to the faithful servants of God who, by their doctrine and holy lives, torment the consciences of the wicked.
• The Expositor’s Greek Testament sees this as pointing to the moral perversity of mankind, as those who dwell on the earth have been sorely vexed by the presence and preaching of the witnesses.
• Craig S. Keener, in his “Revelation” commentary from the NIV Application Commentary Series, suggests that the celebrations underscore the hardness of human hearts towards God, as they are joyful to be free from conviction and their response is contrasted with the true joy in heaven.