Revelation 11:3-4

Hailey notes a number of Biblical instances where two witnesses were needed to confirm a fact. (Deuteronomy 17:6; Deuteronomy 19:6; Numbers 35:30; Hebrews 10:28; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17) Summers notes that, "The number (2) in Oriental symbolism carried the idea of strength." Since their testimony continues for the same length of time as the persecution of verse 2, it seems most likely the witnesses would be the word of God and the church, especially as the members' lives testify to the word's power. They prophesy in mourning, as is symbolized by the sackcloth they wear. This may be because of the rejection of their testimony by the world. The two olive trees remind us of Zechariah's vision. (Ezekiel 4:1-6) They, along with seven candlesticks, are identified as the word of the Lord. Perhaps the two candlesticks stand for the faithful church, since only two churches had no criticism from the Lord. (Smyrna and Philadelphia)