“These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.”
They have authority to shut the sky, so that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have authority over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with any plague as often as they wish — the witnesses' power is comprehensive: Elijah-like authority over rain (1 Kings 17:1), Moses-like power over waters (Exodus 7:17-21), and plague authority (Exodus 7-11). These powers establish them as the eschatological return of Elijah and Moses, the law and prophets.
Church Fathers on Revelation 11:6
“If any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth, and devours their enemies.” That fire proceeds out of the mouth of those prophets against the adversaries, bespeaks the power of the world. For all afflictions, however many there are, shall be sent by their messengers in their word. Many think that there is Elisha, or Moses, with Elijah; but both of these died; while the death of Elijah is not heard of, with whom all our ancients have believed that it was…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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