How holy was David? How holy was Elijah before the prophets of Baal. I think you have had too much of the sweet love of God. Get real, there is a war going on and the battle isn't pretty. God’s standard is what defines true righteousness; His power is what enables it. It is a battle against the devil and innumerable spiritual forces all set on opposing God and his people. When God calls His two witnesses to stand forth in His strength, it also means He is backing them, and those who oppose will suffer the consequences of getting in God's way. Just as Pharaoh and all of Egypt did. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah did. The consequences of defiance is brutal. God will, for the sake of His people. In the seven day war, people died because they were fighting against God and His Will. God was with Israel as they did what God required of them. That means killing in battle. I am still looking for the two witnesses physically torturing or killing. As far as I can see, they just called it out just before it happened. That is why they are called witnesses and not prophets. Prophets have a time lead, witnesses just describe what they see as it happens.
Rev 11:1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles." And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
Those who are outside the court, outside the temple, are Gentiles {another term for non believers}
3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
So here you have the two witnesses, and what are they doing, prophesying during that same period.
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
That goes to show you just how powerful their words are. They speak and it is done according to the Word of God. Do I believe they become fire breathing dragons? No I do believe they are called to match the real dragon of Revelation, power for power. It is a Moses and the magicians before Pharaoh scenario.
6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.