The Law and the Prophets

Here are clear references to two catastrophes: a drought and a plague. When we think of a drought in Scripture, what often comes to mind is the time that Elijah “prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months” (James 5:17). When we think of a plague in Scripture, we often think of the time when Moses brought a plague upon Egypt, “[striking] the waters that were in the river …. [so that] all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood” (Exodus 7:20). In fact, Moses carried out not one but ten plagues. Both men were God’s messengers. They did not do these feats in their own strength but by the will of God.

Some believe that the two witnesses of Revelation are literally Moses and Elijah. But Moses and Elijah here are symbols. They represent, respectively, the Law and the Prophets: “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD” (Malachi 4:4–6). The Law and the Prophets was a name for the entirety of the Scriptures.

Notice furthermore what Jesus teaches upon distinguishing the Ten Commandments into two parts: love for God and love for people (Matthew 22:37–39): “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (v. 40). And were not the commandments written on “two tablets of stone”? (Exodus 34:4).

When Jesus is transfigured, who appears but Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1–3), visible endorsements of Christ’s declaration: “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (5:17). Jesus, the Word of God incarnate, accomplished all that Scripture foretold. And the same promise is made in Revelation: All that the two witnesses proclaim will indeed come to pass.

Thank You, dear Lord, that You have given us the Bible as our strong foundation, our surety, and our everlasting guide.

For Further Study: Psalm 40:7, 8; John 1:14; Hebrews 4:12

Key Bible Texts

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. (Revelation 11:6 KJV)