Question:
I was wondering if you could give me any information regarding the use of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament in the book of Revelation? It would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
Here is some information to get you started. Compare Rev 11: 3-12…
“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. THESE ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 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. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 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. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.”
…with Zechariah 4: 11-14
“Then answered I, and said unto him, What are THESE TWO OLIVE TREES upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.”
***************************************************
Compare Revelation 1:7…
“Behold, HE COMETH WITH CLOUDS; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”
…with Daniel 7:13,14
“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like THE SON OF MAN CAME WITH THE CLOUDS of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
***************************************************
Compare Revelation 4:5…
“And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and THERE WERE SEVEN LAMPS of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”
…with Exodus 25:37
“And thou shalt make THE SEVEN LAMPS thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.”
…and Zechariah 4:2
“And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and HIS SEVEN LAMPS thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:”
There are many instances of prophecy in the Old Testament being used in the New Testament. Hope these few help you. Remember, there has always only been one way to be saved, whether Old Testament, or New Testament. Acts 10:43 says, “To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Have you seen Jesus Christ as your only hope of heaven, and repented of your sin and received Him?