I have always found that the safest way to interpret difficult apocalyptic and symbolic scripture is to have it point to Christ, and while this may not be the full picture, Christ is definitely the best starting point.
The 2 witnesses that stand before the Lord of the earth, harken back to zechariah 4.
Revelation 11:4 These witnesses are the
two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth
zechariah 4:12-14 And I questioned him further, “What are the two olive branches beside the two gold pipes from which the golden oil
c pours?” “Do you not know what these are?” he inquired.
“No, my lord,” I replied. So he said, “
These are the two anointed ones who are standing beside the Lord of all the earth.”
The 2 witnesses point to the offices of priest/king. The 2 witness point to the Law (Moses) and prophets (Elijah). The 2 witness point to Christ's resurrection of being raised after 3 days and 3 nights in heart of the earth.
As scripture doesn't clearly define what is what in the parable, the safest interpretation is that it points to Christ who established the office of priest/king at his first advent. It points to Christ who fulfilled the law and prophets at his first establishment. It points to Christ who was raised after being in the heart of the earth for 3 days and 3 nights (3.5 days). And because of these fulfillments, the new covenant was established for the body of Christ, who also faces suffering, but has been raised up to the heavenlies because of all that Christ has done.
ephesians 2:5 made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!
6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus
But after the three and a half days a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies watched them.
Revelation 11:11-12 -
Bible Gateway passage: Revelation 11:11-12 - English Standard Version