Revelation Chapter 12
A. The Woman
1. (1) The Woman is Described in Celestial Images
Revelation 12:1:
"Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars." (NKJV)
a. A Great Sign Appeared
This is the first of seven signs in the book of Revelation, described as "a great sign" (Greek: mega semeion). The chapters of Revelation 12–14 introduce the main figures of the Great Tribulation, beginning with this sign. These figures are:
The Woman: Representing Israel.
The Dragon: Representing Satan.
The Man-Child: Referring to Jesus Christ.
The Angel Michael: The head of the angelic host.
The Offspring of the Woman: Representing Gentiles who come to faith during the Tribulation.
The Beast out of the Sea: Representing the antichrist.
The Beast out of the Earth: Representing the false prophet who promotes the antichrist.
These figures collectively play critical roles in the eschatological unfolding of God’s plan during the Tribulation period.
b. A Woman Clothed with the Sun
Since John explicitly describes this as a sign, we understand that this woman does not literally appear on Earth but represents something significant in God’s redemptive plan. Symbolically, women often represent religious systems or groups in Revelation:
Jezebel: Symbolic of a false religious system promoting heresy (Revelation 2:20).
The Great Harlot: Representing false, apostate religion (Revelation 17:2).
The Bride: Representing the true Church, the Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8).
This woman clothed with celestial imagery conveys a deeper spiritual and prophetic truth. Her description points to Israel as God’s covenant people and their significant role in the eschatological drama.
c. A Woman Clothed with the Sun – Misinterpretations
Many groups and individuals have attempted to interpret the woman in ways that align with their religious beliefs or agendas:
Roman Catholicism: The woman is often identified as Mary, the “Queen of Heaven.” In Roman Catholic art, Mary is commonly depicted standing on a crescent moon with twelve stars around her head, reinforcing this interpretation.
Mary Baker Eddy: The founder of Christian Science claimed she was this woman, equating herself with the figure in this celestial imagery.
While these interpretations may be widespread, they fall short of a scriptural basis. The best interpretation is rooted in the Bible and ties directly to Israel's covenantal and prophetic role.
d. The Woman Identified with Israel
The best scriptural basis for identifying the woman as Israel comes from Genesis 37:9-11, where Joseph’s dream depicts the sun, moon, and stars symbolizing Jacob, Rachel, and the twelve tribes of Israel. The imagery here in Revelation 12:1 mirrors Joseph's dream, except now the twelve stars represent the complete nation of Israel, including Joseph himself.
Genesis 37:9-11:
"Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, 'Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.' So he told it to his father and his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, 'What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall your mother and I and your brothers indeed come to bow down to the earth before you?' And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind." (NKJV)
This connection is reinforced by other Old Testament imagery where Israel (or Zion/Jerusalem) is described as a woman. Consider the following passages:
Isaiah 54:1-6: Israel is described as a barren woman who will rejoice because of her coming restoration.
"Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,' says the Lord." (NKJV)Jeremiah 3:20: Israel is likened to a wife who has turned unfaithful to her husband.
"Surely, as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel,' says the Lord." (NKJV)Ezekiel 16:8-14: The Lord describes Israel as a woman whom He cared for and adorned, only for her to later turn away from Him.
"When I passed by you again and looked upon you, indeed your time was the time of love; so I spread My wing over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore an oath to you and entered into a covenant with you, and you became Mine,' says the Lord God." (NKJV)Hosea 2:19-20: The Lord promises to betroth Israel to Himself in faithfulness.
"I will betroth you to Me forever; yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in lovingkindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the Lord." (NKJV)
The woman in Revelation 12:1 is most accurately identified as Israel, God's chosen covenant people. The celestial imagery—clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and a garland of twelve stars—reflects Israel's special role in God's redemptive plan, particularly during the Tribulation. This symbolism ties directly to Joseph’s dream and reinforces the idea that Israel will play a pivotal role in God’s eschatological timeline. This interpretation aligns with premillennial, pretribulational, dispensational theology, underscoring Israel’s unique place in prophecy and its ultimate restoration in God’s kingdom plan.
2. (2) The Woman Gives Birth
Revelation 12:2:
"Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth." (NKJV)
a. Being with Child
The woman, symbolizing Israel, is described as being "with child." This imagery connects directly to the prophecy of Jesus Christ’s birth. Later in the chapter, the identity of this child is confirmed:
Revelation 12:5:
"She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne." (NKJV)
This male Child is unmistakably Jesus Christ, who is destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron, as prophesied in the Old Testament and confirmed in the New Testament:
Psalm 2:7-9:
"I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’" (NKJV)Revelation 19:15:
"Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." (NKJV)
The birth of this child signifies the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Israel. Jesus, born from the lineage of Israel (both through Abraham and David), fulfills the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.
b. She Cried Out in Labor and in Pain to Give Birth
The "labor and pain" symbolize the suffering and travail of Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth. This was not merely the physical pain of childbirth but represents the national, social, and spiritual anguish of Israel under Roman oppression. The Jewish people endured great hardships leading up to the coming of their Messiah, including:
Roman Occupation and Oppression:
At the time of Jesus' birth, Israel was under the dominion of the Roman Empire, which subjected the Jewish people to heavy taxation, military presence, and political domination.
Luke 2:1-3:
"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city." (NKJV)
Spiritual Longing and Expectation:
Israel was in a state of spiritual longing for the promised Messiah. Generations had passed since the last prophetic voice, and many Jews were eagerly awaiting their deliverance as prophesied in the Old Testament.
Isaiah 9:6-7:
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (NKJV)
Herod’s Persecution:
The labor and pain also reflect Herod’s attempt to kill the Messiah immediately after His birth, as detailed in Matthew 2:16-18:
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 'A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'” (NKJV)
Spiritual Rebellion and Division:
Despite their longing for deliverance, many in Israel were spiritually unprepared for the Messiah. The religious leaders of the time often placed burdensome traditions above true faith in God, as Jesus would later rebuke them:
Matthew 23:23-24:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" (NKJV)
c. Symbolism of Labor Pains in Prophecy
The theme of labor pains often symbolizes suffering that precedes a great deliverance or fulfillment in biblical prophecy. This imagery is consistent throughout Scripture and foreshadows not only the birth of Christ but also the ultimate redemption of Israel in the end times:
Isaiah 26:17-19:
"As a woman with child is in pain and cries out in her pangs, when she draws near the time of her delivery, so have we been in Your sight, O Lord. We have been with child, we have been in pain; we have, as it were, brought forth wind; we have not accomplished any deliverance in the earth, nor have the inhabitants of the world fallen. Your dead shall live; together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead." (NKJV)Matthew 24:8:
"All these are the beginning of sorrows." (NKJV)
The phrase "beginning of sorrows" can also be translated as "birth pains," indicating the tribulation that precedes Christ's return.
The labor and pain of the woman in Revelation 12:2 reflect both the physical and spiritual travail of Israel leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. Her suffering under Roman oppression, coupled with her longing for deliverance, set the stage for the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. The birth of the Messiah, though accompanied by great suffering, is a pivotal moment in God’s redemptive plan and foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and restoration of Israel during the end times. This interpretation is consistent with a premillennial, pretribulational dispensational framework, emphasizing God’s ongoing covenantal relationship with Israel.
B. The Dragon
1. (3) A Fearful, Powerful Dragon Appears
Revelation 12:3:
"And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads." (NKJV)
a. Another Sign Appeared in Heaven
This is the second sign described by John, and we are again reminded that it is symbolic. The creature is not a literal dragon but represents the nature and character of the being it symbolizes—Satan. The description reveals key aspects of his identity:
Great, Fiery Red Dragon:
The dragon is characterized as fiery red, symbolizing his murderous and destructive nature. Jesus described Satan as a "murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44), and the red color aligns with his role as the instigator of death, violence, and destruction throughout history.John 8:44:
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." (NKJV)Symbolism of the Dragon:
The dragon’s form symbolically conveys his fierce power and malicious intent. Leon Morris describes this vision as “a picture of the fullness of evil in all its hideous strength.” (Johnson).
b. Seven Diadems on His Heads
The dragon is depicted with seven heads and ten horns, along with seven diadems (crowns) on his heads. Each element is rich in symbolic meaning:
Seven Heads and Ten Horns:
The seven heads and ten horns signify power, strength, and authority. This imagery ties directly to the description of the beast in Revelation 13:1 and the vision of the fourth beast in Daniel 7:7-8. The dragon's features represent his dominion over earthly kingdoms and his influence in world affairs.Revelation 13:1:
"Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name." (NKJV)Daniel 7:7-8:
"After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words." (NKJV)These passages suggest that the dragon’s heads and horns represent a coalition of earthly kingdoms, particularly the revived Roman Empire, which will play a key role in the Great Tribulation. The "little horn" of Daniel 7 is widely identified as the antichrist, who will arise out of this coalition.
Seven Diadems (Crowns):
The crowns represent the dragon’s presumptive claims of royal authority. By wearing diadems, the dragon asserts himself as a king, counterfeiting the true authority of Jesus Christ, the rightful King. This reflects Satan’s ongoing rebellion and his desire to usurp God’s throne:Isaiah 14:13-14:
"For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’" (NKJV)However, Satan’s claims are both false and temporary, as God alone is sovereign over all creation.
c. Connection to the Revived Roman Empire
John Walvoord explains the relationship between the dragon’s features and the revived Roman Empire:
The seven heads and ten horns correspond to the ten kingdoms mentioned in Daniel 7:7-8. These kingdoms form the backbone of the antichrist’s dominion during the Great Tribulation.
Three of the ten kingdoms are subdued by the “little horn” (the antichrist), leaving seven remaining as part of his empire.
This prophetic imagery highlights Satan’s role in empowering and directing the antichrist’s reign over the earth, culminating in the final rebellion against God.
Conclusion
The dragon in Revelation 12:3 represents Satan in all his destructive power and rebellious authority. The fiery red color symbolizes his murderous nature, while the seven heads, ten horns, and diadems highlight his influence over earthly kingdoms, particularly through the revived Roman Empire. His ambition to claim royal authority and rule the nations reflects his ultimate goal: to counterfeit and oppose the true King, Jesus Christ. However, Scripture assures us that Satan’s authority is temporary, and his defeat is certain, as foretold in the culmination of Revelation. This interpretation aligns with premillennial, pretribulational dispensational theology, emphasizing God’s ultimate sovereignty and the inevitability of Satan’s judgment.
2. (4) The Dragon Looks to the Earth
Revelation 12:4:
"His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born." (NKJV)
a. His Tail Drew a Third of the Stars of Heaven
The dragon's tail is said to have drawn a third of the stars of heaven and thrown them to the earth. This passage is commonly understood to symbolize Satan’s rebellion and the angels who followed him, becoming the demonic forces opposed to God. These fallen angels now make up the demonic realm described throughout Scripture.
Revelation 12:9:
"So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (NKJV)Jude 1:6:
"And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day." (NKJV)
This interpretation aligns with the understanding that one-third of the angelic host chose to align themselves with Satan in his rebellion against God, as implied here in Revelation 12:4.
i. Free Will and Rebellion
As Seiss explains, God created all angelic beings with the capacity for free will. While some, such as Michael and his angels, chose to remain steadfast in truth and obedience, others revolted against God. Satan and his followers exercised their free will to rebel, becoming eternal enemies of God and His kingdom.
John 8:44:
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." (NKJV)2 Peter 2:4:
"For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment." (NKJV)
This rebellion not only highlights the danger of pride and disobedience but also underscores God’s ultimate authority over creation.
b. To Devour Her Child as Soon as It Was Born
The dragon’s intent to devour the Child immediately upon His birth reflects Satan’s relentless opposition to God’s redemptive plan, especially his attempts to thwart the coming and mission of Jesus Christ. This intent has been fulfilled in multiple ways:
Herod’s Attempt to Kill the Infant Jesus
This was initially fulfilled when King Herod sought to kill Jesus shortly after His birth, leading to the massacre of male children in Bethlehem.Matthew 2:16-18:
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 'A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'” (NKJV)
Satan’s Ongoing Opposition Throughout Jesus’ Life
Satan’s attacks against Jesus continued throughout His earthly ministry, as evidenced by various attempts to kill, discredit, or tempt Him.Attempts to Kill Jesus:
John 8:58-59:
"Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.' Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." (NKJV)Mark 4:35-41: Satan attempted to destroy Jesus and His disciples during the storm on the Sea of Galilee.
"And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?' Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, 'Peace, be still!' And the wind ceased and there was a great calm." (NKJV)
Temptation of Jesus:
Satan directly tempted Jesus in the wilderness in an effort to derail His mission before it began.Matthew 4:1-11:
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, 'If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.' But He answered and said, 'It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’’" (NKJV)
The Cross as the Ultimate Victory
Satan’s final and most significant attack came through the crucifixion. However, this act of apparent victory for Satan was turned into his ultimate defeat. Jesus’ death and resurrection provided the means for salvation and secured Satan’s future judgment:Colossians 2:15:
"Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." (NKJV)Hebrews 2:14:
"Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil." (NKJV)
Conclusion
Satan’s rebellion against God and his persistent efforts to thwart God’s plan of redemption are symbolized in Revelation 12:4. His fall, along with one-third of the angels, illustrates his prideful defiance, and his attempts to destroy Jesus, beginning with Herod and continuing throughout Jesus’ earthly ministry, reflect his relentless enmity toward God. Despite Satan’s efforts, Christ’s victory at the cross ensures the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom. This interpretation, grounded in a premillennial, pretribulational dispensational framework, highlights the sovereignty of God and the assured defeat of Satan in God’s redemptive plan.
C. The Child
1. (5) Jesus’ Ministry is Described by its Earthly Beginning and End
Revelation 12:5:
"She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne." (NKJV)
a. A Male Child Who Was to Rule All Nations with a Rod of Iron
This passage clearly identifies the male Child as Jesus Christ, the Messiah. His future reign over all nations with a "rod of iron" is a direct fulfillment of Messianic prophecy found in both the Old and New Testaments:
Psalm 2:9:
"You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel." (NKJV)Revelation 19:15:
"Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." (NKJV)
The "rod of iron" signifies Christ's absolute authority, power, and righteousness in His millennial reign. His rule will be just, swift, and uncompromising, bringing an end to all rebellion against God.
b. She Bore a Male Child
The woman, representing Israel, bore Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This verse connects to the historical reality of Christ's birth and underscores Israel’s role as the nation through which the Savior of the world was born.
The phrase "rule all nations with a rod of iron" refers not to Jesus' earthly ministry but to His future return in glory, when He will establish His righteous rule on Earth during the Millennial Kingdom. This description highlights both the starting point (His birth) and the ultimate culmination (His reign) of His earthly mission.
John’s Allusion to Jesus’ Life and Ministry:
By referring to both the beginning (His birth) and the end (His ascension), John indirectly includes the entirety of Christ’s earthly work—His incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.
The Conflict and Triumph of Jesus:
As Alford notes, Jesus triumphed over the "Prince of this world" (Satan), who tried Him but found no fault in Him:
John 14:30-31:
"I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here." (NKJV)
After this victory, Jesus was "caught up to God and His throne," signifying His ascension:
Acts 1:9-11:
"Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.'” (NKJV)
c. A Male Child – The Identity of the Woman
The identification of the male Child as Jesus makes it clear that the woman in Revelation 12:1 cannot be the Church. This is because Jesus “gives birth” to the Church, not the other way around. The Church is born out of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension.
Ephesians 5:25-27:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (NKJV)
Therefore, the woman in this passage must be either Mary (the earthly mother of Jesus) or Israel (the covenant nation through whom the Messiah was born). The context of Revelation 12 and the surrounding details make it clear that the woman represents Israel, not Mary:
Israel’s Role in God’s Redemptive Plan:
Israel is described as the woman who gives birth to the Messiah in fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Abraham and David. The lineage of Jesus through Israel reflects this covenantal relationship:Genesis 22:18:
"In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." (NKJV)2 Samuel 7:12-13:
"When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." (NKJV)
The Persecution of the Woman:
The events described later in Revelation 12—including the dragon’s persecution of the woman—are symbolic of Israel’s tribulation and ultimate preservation during the Great Tribulation. Mary, as an individual, does not fit this broader eschatological context.Prophetic Imagery of Israel:
Throughout Scripture, Israel is depicted as a woman in labor, travailing to bring forth God’s purposes:Isaiah 66:7-8:
"Before she was in labor, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she gave birth to her children." (NKJV)Micah 5:2-3:
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. Therefore He shall give them up, until the time that she who is in labor has given birth; then the remnant of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel." (NKJV)
Conclusion
The male Child born of the woman is Jesus Christ, who fulfills both His role as the suffering Savior and His future role as the reigning King. The woman who gives birth is best identified as Israel, through whom the Messiah came. This interpretation, rooted in the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament and the eschatological context of Revelation 12, aligns with premillennial, pretribulational dispensational theology. It underscores God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and His ultimate plan to establish Christ’s reign over all nations.
2. (6) The Woman in the Wilderness
Revelation 12:6:
"Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days." (NKJV)
a. Then the Woman Fled into the Wilderness
The woman, representing Israel, flees into the wilderness to escape the persecution of the dragon (Satan). This act of divine protection underscores God’s covenantal faithfulness to Israel, preserving her during a time of great tribulation.
i. Evidence that the Woman Represents Israel, Not Mary
This passage further confirms that the woman is Israel, not Mary. The scope of these events—lasting one thousand two hundred and sixty days—cannot possibly describe Mary. The woman’s flight into the wilderness aligns with Israel’s eschatological experiences during the Great Tribulation, a future event distinct from the historical life of Mary.
b. One Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Days
The specified time period—one thousand two hundred and sixty days (three and one-half years)—is a recurring reference to the Great Tribulation, which constitutes the second half of Daniel's seventieth week (Daniel 9:24-27). This time period also appears elsewhere in Revelation:
Revelation 11:2-3: The ministry of the two witnesses is described as lasting forty-two months (three and one-half years).
Revelation 13:5: The antichrist is given authority for forty-two months.
This timeframe connects these events to Daniel’s prophecy, which speaks of seventy weeks (or seventy "sevens") determined for Israel and Jerusalem:
Daniel 9:24-27:
"Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, and till the end of the war desolations are determined. Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering." (NKJV)
Between Revelation 12:5 (describing the ascension of Jesus) and Revelation 12:6 lies a gap of hundreds of years—our present Church Age. This “near-far” gap in prophecy is common in Scripture, as seen in Daniel’s seventy weeks prophecy, which includes a break between the sixty-ninth and seventieth weeks.
c. Into the Wilderness, Where She Has a Place Prepared by God
The wilderness represents a place of refuge and divine provision. Some scholars speculate that this place may be the ancient rock city of Petra, located south of the Dead Sea in modern-day Jordan. This belief is supported by reports of Christian businessmen stocking Petra with supplies, including food and evangelistic materials written in Hebrew, in anticipation of this event.
While the Bible does not explicitly confirm Petra as the location, it is consistent with the idea that God will protect and sustain Israel during the Great Tribulation.
Isaiah 16:1-4: This passage may allude to the region of Moab (modern-day Jordan) as a refuge for Israel during the time of tribulation:
"Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Sela to the wilderness, to the mount of the daughter of Zion. For it shall be as a wandering bird thrown out of the nest; so shall the daughters of Moab at the fords of the Arnon. Take counsel, execute judgment; make your shadow like the night in the middle of the day; hide the outcasts, do not betray him who escapes. Let My outcasts dwell with you, O Moab; be a shelter to them from the face of the spoiler. For the extortioner is at an end, devastation ceases, the oppressors are consumed out of the land." (NKJV)
d. Prepared in the Wilderness
The word "prepared" (Greek: hetoimazō) is the same word used by Jesus in John 14:2-3:
John 14:2-3:
"In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (NKJV)
This connection demonstrates that God’s preparation is not limited to heaven but extends to Earth. God’s careful planning ensures that Israel will have a safe haven during the intense persecution of the Great Tribulation.
This also illustrates God’s meticulous providence in both physical and spiritual realms, reinforcing His sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises.
Conclusion
The flight of the woman into the wilderness reflects God’s divine protection and provision for Israel during the Great Tribulation. The reference to one thousand two hundred and sixty days ties these events to Daniel’s seventieth week, placing them in the eschatological future. God’s preparation for Israel’s preservation mirrors His preparation for the Church in heaven, showcasing His faithfulness and sovereignty. This interpretation aligns with a premillennial, pretribulational dispensational framework, emphasizing Israel’s central role in God’s prophetic timeline and His ultimate victory over Satan.
D. Conflict in Heaven
1. (7-8) War Between Michael and the Dragon
Revelation 12:7-8:
"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer." (NKJV)
a. War Broke Out in Heaven
This heavenly war takes place at the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation, marking a critical turning point in the eschatological timeline. At this time, God decisively acts to limit Satan’s activities by denying him access to heaven.
This passage reveals the reality of conflict in the spiritual realm. While much of the tribulation involves events on Earth, this moment in heaven has significant ramifications for what will unfold below.
Daniel 12:1 also references this time:
"At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book." (NKJV)
b. Michael and His Angels
Michael is identified as the leader of the faithful angelic forces, engaging in direct conflict with Satan. Some groups, such as the Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses, erroneously teach that Michael is actually Jesus Christ. However, this interpretation is flawed for several reasons:
i. Michael’s Angels
The fact that Michael has angels under his leadership does not imply he is Jesus. Satan, as a fallen angel, also has angels under his command (Revelation 12:7). This simply highlights the leadership role of Michael as one of the chief angels.
ii. Michael’s Name
The name Michael means "Who is like God?" While some argue this title indicates Jesus, it would instead argue against His deity, as it suggests likeness to God rather than being God Himself. This aligns more naturally with Michael’s role as a created, holy angel.
iii. Michael as the Archangel
Michael is explicitly called the archangel in Jude 9, meaning chief angel or leader among angels. However, Scripture indicates there are other archangels:
Daniel 10:13 describes Michael as "one of the chief princes," implying there are others of similar rank.
1 Thessalonians 4:16 refers to the voice of an archangel (not necessarily Michael) at the rapture, suggesting that the archangel’s voice is distinct from Jesus’ own authority.
iv. Michael’s Actions in Jude 9
In Jude 9, Michael does not rebuke Satan by his own authority but says, "The Lord rebuke you!" This stands in stark contrast to Jesus, who rebuked Satan and demons by His own authority:
Matthew 17:18:
"And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour." (NKJV)Mark 1:25:
"But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!'" (NKJV)
Thus, Michael cannot be Jesus, as their actions and authority are distinctly different.
c. Michael and His Angels Fought with the Dragon
This dramatic battle between the faithful angels and the fallen angels demonstrates the real conflict in the spiritual realm.
i. A Battle Between Equals
The dragon (Satan) is not God’s counterpart; God has no equal. If Satan has a counterpart, it would be Michael, who leads the heavenly forces against him. This underscores the reality that the battle in heaven is not a struggle between God and Satan but between faithful and fallen angels.
ii. The Reason for the Battle
This conflict aligns with Satan’s historical attempts to thwart God’s plans. In Jude 9, Michael contends with Satan over the body of Moses, as Satan likely sought to prevent Moses’ future role in God’s plan (Luke 9:30-31). Here, Satan’s goal is to disrupt the fulfillment of God’s prophetic timeline by opposing His purposes for the end times.
iii. The Timing of the Battle
This battle takes place at the midpoint of the tribulation, as referenced in Daniel 12:1. It is at this point that Michael "stands up" on behalf of Israel, ushering in a time of unprecedented trouble but also divine deliverance for God’s people.
iv. The Nature of the Battle
While the details of how angels fight are not explicitly revealed, this is a real conflict, whether material or spiritual. Human spiritual warfare occurs on the battleground of truth and deception, faith and fear (Ephesians 6:12), but this angelic battle may involve elements beyond human comprehension. As Milton poetically described in Paradise Lost, this battle resonates with themes of fiery darts, clashing armor, and cosmic upheaval.
d. Nor Was a Place Found for Them in Heaven Any Longer
The outcome of this battle is Satan’s permanent expulsion from heaven. Until this moment, Satan has had access to heaven, where he accuses God’s people before His throne:
Job 1:6-12:
"Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them." (NKJV)Revelation 12:10:
"For the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down." (NKJV)
This expulsion signifies a dramatic shift. While Satan retains power on Earth (Luke 4:1-13; Ephesians 2:2), his defeat in heaven marks the beginning of his end.
i. Misconceptions About Heaven’s Holiness
Some are troubled by the idea of Satan having access to heaven, believing that God can allow nothing unholy in His presence. However, the Bible consistently shows that while Satan has temporary access to present accusations, God’s ultimate holiness and justice will prevail, as seen in Satan’s eventual casting down.
Conclusion
The war in heaven represents a pivotal moment in the end-times narrative, where Satan and his fallen angels are permanently expelled from heaven. Michael, leading the faithful angelic forces, opposes Satan in a battle that demonstrates God’s sovereignty and the certainty of Satan’s defeat. This event aligns with premillennial, pretribulational dispensational theology, emphasizing the unfolding of God’s prophetic timeline and His faithfulness to Israel and His people. Satan’s expulsion marks a turning point, setting the stage for the final judgments and Christ’s ultimate victory.
2. (9) Satan and His Angels Are Cast Out of Heaven
Revelation 12:9:
"So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (NKJV)
a. So the Great Dragon Was Cast Out
This verse provides a detailed identification of Satan, emphasizing his nature, character, and actions through multiple titles:
Dragon: Symbolizing his vicious, destructive nature.
Serpent of Old: Connecting Satan to the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5), highlighting his cunning and deceptive nature from the beginning of human history.
The Devil (diabolos): Meaning "slanderer" or "accuser," Satan is the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10), consistently defaming God’s people before His throne.
Satan (satanas): Meaning "adversary," he opposes God’s purposes, people, and plan of redemption.
He Who Deceives the Whole World: Satan’s primary tool is deception, leading the world astray through lies, false doctrine, and spiritual blindness.
i. Walvoord on "Devil"
John Walvoord explains that the Greek term diabolos comes from the verb diaballo, meaning "to defame" or "to slander." This title reflects Satan’s primary role as the accuser who seeks to undermine God’s work and people through false accusations and lies.
John 8:44:
"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." (NKJV)
b. He Was Cast to the Earth
This passage marks Satan’s second fall among the four significant falls of Satan described in Scripture:
From Glorified to Profane:
Satan’s initial fall from his position as a glorified angel to being profane and rebellious.
Ezekiel 28:14-16:
"You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones." (NKJV)
From Access to Heaven to Restriction to Earth:
The fall described here in Revelation 12:9, occurring at the midpoint of the tribulation. Satan will lose his access to heaven, where he accuses believers before God (Job 1:12; Zechariah 3:1).
From Earth to Bondage in the Bottomless Pit:
At the Second Coming of Christ, Satan will be bound in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years.
Revelation 20:1-3:
"Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while." (NKJV)
From the Bottomless Pit to the Lake of Fire:
After the millennial reign of Christ, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
Revelation 20:10:
"The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." (NKJV)
i. Jesus on Satan’s Fall
In Luke 10:18, Jesus said, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." This may refer to Satan’s initial fall (Ezekiel 28) or a prophetic reference to the second fall described here in Revelation 12:9.
c. His Angels Were Cast Out with Him
Satan does not act alone; his angels, the fallen beings who joined him in rebellion, are cast out alongside him. This verse provides further clarity about the identity and origin of demonic spirits:
Fallen Angels: These demonic spirits are the same as the "third of the stars of heaven" described in Revelation 12:4, which Satan drew with him in his rebellion.
i. The Ratio of Angels
Satan only drew one-third of the angels into rebellion, meaning two-thirds remained faithful to God. This is a comforting reminder of God’s ultimate power and the overwhelming support of the heavenly host for His purposes.
Revelation 12:4:
"His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth." (NKJV)
ii. Assurance of God’s Sovereignty
While Satan and his angels are powerful and numerous, they are outnumbered and outmatched by God’s faithful angels. Moreover, their power is limited by God’s sovereignty.
2 Kings 6:16-17:
"So he answered, 'Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, and said, 'Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (NKJV)
Conclusion
Revelation 12:9 marks the second fall of Satan, where he is cast out of heaven to the earth along with his angels. This pivotal event highlights Satan’s nature as a deceiver, slanderer, and adversary but also assures believers of God’s ultimate victory. While Satan’s power is real, it is limited and temporary, and his final defeat is guaranteed. This passage reinforces the certainty of God’s sovereignty, the faithfulness of His heavenly host, and the assured triumph of His redemptive plan, consistent with a premillennial, pretribulational dispensational understanding of Scripture.
3. (10-12) A Joyful Declaration in Heaven
Revelation 12:10-12:
"Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, 'Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.'" (NKJV)
a. I Heard a Loud Voice Saying
The loud voice declares the culmination of God’s redemptive plan and Satan’s defeat in heaven. This voice represents redeemed humanity rather than God or an angel. This conclusion comes from the phrase "the accuser of our brethren," identifying the speaker with fellow believers.
The declaration emphasizes:
Salvation: God’s deliverance from the power of sin and Satan.
Strength: God’s might displayed in Satan’s eviction from heaven.
The Kingdom of Our God: The beginning of Christ’s millennial reign (Revelation 20:4-6).
The Power of His Christ: Christ’s authority to rule and His ultimate triumph over Satan.
This marks a critical turning point in the tribulation period, with Satan cast to Earth and the final stages of God’s victory unfolding.
b. The Accuser of Our Brethren, Who Accused Them Before Our God Day and Night, Has Been Cast Down
Satan’s relentless work as the accuser of believers ends here. Scripture consistently portrays him as accusing God’s people:
Job 1:6-12: Satan accuses Job of faithfulness only due to God’s blessings.
Zechariah 3:1: Satan accuses Joshua the high priest before God.
In this role, Satan seeks to undermine the faith and standing of believers, but his accusations ultimately fail because of Christ’s intercessory work:
Hebrews 7:25:
"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." (NKJV)1 John 2:1:
"If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (NKJV)
Satan’s defeat in heaven is a moment of triumph for God’s people, as his accusations are silenced forever.
c. They Overcame Him by the Blood of the Lamb and by the Word of Their Testimony
The saints’ victory over Satan is achieved through three key elements:
By the Blood of the Lamb
The blood of Jesus overcomes Satan’s accusations. Through His death, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, silencing every charge Satan could bring against believers.Ephesians 1:7:
"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (NKJV)Colossians 1:14:
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (NKJV)Hebrews 9:14:
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (NKJV)
i. The Blood Is Not a Superstition
Spurgeon cautions against treating the blood of Jesus as a magical charm or formula. It is not the literal blood itself but the atoning work of Jesus’ death that saves us. The power lies in what the blood represents—the sacrificial, substitutionary death of Christ in our place.If salvation came through the literal blood, the Roman executioners who were splattered with His blood would have been automatically saved.
The blood symbolizes His death and the judgment He bore on behalf of sinners.
ii. The Blood Emphasizes Jesus’ Death
By the blood: Highlights the necessity of His death to atone for sin.
Of the Lamb: Emphasizes Jesus as the sacrificial substitute, just as the Passover lamb died in the place of others (Exodus 12:5-13).
iii. The Blood Heals the Conscience
The blood of Jesus gives believers confidence that their sins are forgiven.Hebrews 9:14:
"Cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." (NKJV)
However, Spurgeon notes that the blood is not merely a comfort but also a weapon for spiritual warfare. The saints used the doctrine of atonement not as a pillow to rest on but as a sword to fight sin.
By the Word of Their Testimony
The testimony of the saints, their witness to God’s work in their lives, overcomes Satan’s deceptions. Their steadfast faith and bold proclamation of the gospel render Satan’s lies ineffective.John 9:25:
"One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see." (NKJV)
Faithful testimony protects believers from doubt and deception, as they stand firm in the truth of God’s work.
They Did Not Love Their Lives to the Death
The saints’ willingness to sacrifice their lives for Christ demonstrates their victory over Satan. If they view death as gain (Philippians 1:21), then Satan’s threats lose their power.Mark 8:35:
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it." (NKJV)
Agape Love
The love mentioned here (agape) is a self-sacrificing, decision-based love. It reflects a conscious choice to prioritize Christ above all else, even life itself.
d. Therefore Rejoice, O Heavens, and You Who Dwell in Them!
Heaven rejoices at Satan’s defeat and eviction. This is a moment of triumph for the heavenly realm, as God’s redemptive plan advances toward its culmination.
e. Woe to the Inhabitants of the Earth and the Sea!
While heaven celebrates, Earth faces intensified opposition from Satan, whose wrath increases as his time grows short.
i. Satan’s Wrath and Depravity
Satan’s fury stems from his awareness of his limited time and inevitable defeat. Like a cornered animal, his attacks are ferocious, targeting humanity with desperate intensity.
How Does the Blood of the Lamb Conquer Satan?
Spurgeon offers several insights into how Jesus’ death brings victory over Satan:
Victory is Already Accomplished
Christ’s victory is the believer’s victory. Satan is already defeated, and believers can fight him as a vanquished foe:Romans 8:37:
"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (NKJV)
The Cross Reveals the True Nature of Sin
Sin is exposed for its destructive nature when viewed through the lens of Jesus’ sacrifice.
“If Jesus died because of sin, men begin to see that sin must be a murderous thing.” (Spurgeon)
The Cross Inspires Holiness
Knowing Christ died for them, believers feel compelled to live for Him:
1 Corinthians 6:20:
"For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (NKJV)
The Blood is a Weapon in Spiritual Warfare
It is not a magical chant but a deep understanding and faith in Christ’s atonement that gives victory over Satan.
v. It Works First Because His Victory Is Our Victory
Christ’s victory over Satan is not just His own but belongs to all who are in Him. Spurgeon emphasizes that Satan is already a defeated enemy due to the work of Jesus on the cross, and believers must recognize and claim this victory as their own.
1 Corinthians 15:57:
"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (NKJV)
When believers accept by faith that Christ’s triumph is their triumph, they can confidently confront Satan as a vanquished foe. Spurgeon encourages believers to fight boldly, knowing the enemy has already been "thrust down."
vi. It Works Because the Work of Jesus on the Cross for Us is the Ultimate Demonstration of God’s Love
The cross is the supreme proof of God’s love, silencing every lie of Satan that causes fear or doubt.
Romans 5:8:
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (NKJV)
Satan thrives on fear, but a constant remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice assures believers of their secure position in God’s love, making Satan’s whispers powerless.
vii. It Works Because the Death of Jesus on the Cross Reveals the True Nature of Sin
Satan deceives by making sin appear pleasurable and harmless, but the cross exposes sin’s true nature as destructive and bitter.
Spurgeon poignantly notes: “If Jesus died because of sin, men begin to see that sin must be a murderous thing.” Understanding the cost of sin—Jesus’ suffering and death—motivates believers to resist sin and pursue holiness.
Romans 6:1-2:
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?" (NKJV)
viii. It Works Because the Death of Jesus Purchases Us as God’s Personal Property
Jesus’ death on the cross paid the ultimate price for believers, making them God’s possession. This truth compels believers to live for Him.
1 Corinthians 6:20:
"For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (NKJV)
Spurgeon reflects: “When a man knows that Jesus died for him, he feels that he is not his own, but bought with a price, and therefore he must live unto Him that died for him and rose again.” This knowledge inspires a life of devotion, service, and holiness.
ix. The Blood of the Lamb in Spiritual Warfare
The blood of Jesus is not a mystical charm or magical incantation but a powerful theological truth that believers wield in spiritual warfare.
Spurgeon warns against reducing the blood of Christ to a Christian “abracadabra.” Victory comes not from chanting phrases but from a deep understanding of Christ’s atoning work, a focus on His substitutionary death, and faith in His finished work on the cross.
Spurgeon says: “We dishonor [the blood] if we do not use it for holy warfare.” Believers must actively confront Satan and sin with the authority and power of the Lamb’s atonement.
Colossians 2:15:
"Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." (NKJV)
x. The Precious Blood of Jesus in Holy Warfare
The blood of Christ must not only be admired but actively used in the fight against sin and Satan. Spurgeon explains:
“This precious blood is to be used for overcoming, and consequently for holy warfare. The dog of hell knows the dread name which makes him lie down: we must confront him with the authority, and specially with the atonement of the Lamb of God.”
Believers overcome by declaring the truth of the cross and standing firm in their identity as redeemed, blood-bought children of God.
e. They Overcame Him by the Word of Their Testimony
The word of the saints’ testimony—what they have seen, heard, and experienced of God’s work—overcomes Satan’s deceptions.
John 9:25:
"He answered and said, 'Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.'" (NKJV)
Faithful testimony is a declaration of God’s faithfulness and truth, which resists Satan’s lies and strengthens the believer’s resolve.
f. They Did Not Love Their Lives to the Death
The saints’ willingness to sacrifice their lives for Christ renders Satan’s violence ineffective. If they view death as gain, then Satan’s threats lose their power.
Philippians 1:21:
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (NKJV)
Agape Love
The Greek word for love here is agape, signifying a self-sacrificing, decision-based love. Believers must decide whether their physical lives are more precious than their commitment to Christ.
Mark 8:35:
"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it." (NKJV)
This kind of love prioritizes Christ and His kingdom above all else, even in the face of death.
g. Therefore Rejoice, O Heavens, and You Who Dwell in Them!
Heaven rejoices at Satan’s defeat and eviction. This victory is celebrated as a crucial step toward the full establishment of God’s kingdom. However, heaven’s gain becomes Earth’s loss.
h. He Knows That He Has a Short Time
Satan’s wrath is not a sign of strength but of desperation. He knows his defeat is certain, and his time is limited.
i. Satan’s Depravity and Insanity
Spurgeon insightfully observes that Satan’s rebellion is irrational and self-destructive. He fights against a God he cannot defeat, likely deceiving himself into thinking he has a chance.
Spurgeon adds: “Our rebellion against God makes even less sense than Satan’s rebellion does.” Humanity’s sin is also irrational, as it rejects the God of infinite love and grace in favor of fleeting, destructive pleasures.
Conclusion
The joyful declaration in heaven celebrates Christ’s victory, Satan’s defeat, and the saints’ faithfulness. Believers overcome through the blood of the Lamb, the word of their testimony, and their willingness to sacrifice their lives for Christ. These truths encourage believers to live boldly, fight sin, and trust in the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.
E. Conflict on the Earth
1. (13-16) Satan Attacks the Woman, and God Protects Her
Revelation 12:13-16:
"Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth." (NKJV)
a. He Persecuted the Woman Who Gave Birth to the Male Child
The dragon (Satan), enraged by his defeat in heaven, turns his attention to persecuting the woman, identified as Israel. Some interpret the woman to represent all God’s people (faithful Israel and the church), but this interpretation creates issues:
If the woman represents all God’s people, including the church, who then are "the rest of her offspring" mentioned in Revelation 12:17?
The woman is better understood as Israel in general or Messianic Jews in particular, as she gave birth to the Messiah (Jesus).
i. Why Does Satan Attack Israel?
Satan’s attack on the Jewish people is a consistent theme in history, not just in the Great Tribulation. His hatred stems from Israel’s critical role in God’s redemptive plan:
Past Role: Israel brought forth the Messiah, fulfilling the promise of redemption (Genesis 12:3).
Future Role: Jesus promised that the Jewish people would exist and welcome Him at His return:
Matthew 23:39:
"For I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’" (NKJV)
If Satan succeeds in destroying the Jewish people, he believes he can thwart God’s eternal plan.
ii. Walvoord on Israel’s Role
“The persecution of Israel is part of the satanic program to thwart and hinder the work of God… Israel is hated by Satan not because of any of its own characteristics but because she is the chosen of God and essential to the overall purpose of God for time and eternity.”
b. The Woman Was Given Two Wings of a Great Eagle
The imagery of the woman being given "two wings of a great eagle" echoes the Exodus, where God delivered Israel from Egypt:
Exodus 19:4:
"You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." (NKJV)
This symbolism ties the events of the Great Tribulation to God’s covenantal relationship with Israel and His pattern of deliverance throughout history.
i. Modern Interpretation of "Eagle's Wings"
Some interpret this imagery as possibly describing modern means of evacuation, such as military transport planes. While this is speculative, it reflects God’s use of both supernatural and practical methods to accomplish His purposes.
c. Where She is Nourished for a Time and Times and Half a Time
This three and one-half year period corresponds to the latter half of Daniel’s seventieth week (Daniel 9:24-27), also known as the Great Tribulation. During this time, Israel will face intense persecution but will be supernaturally preserved and nourished by God.
Daniel 7:25:
"Then the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time." (NKJV)
The phrase "time, times, and half a time" reflects God’s precise control over the timeline of tribulation events.
d. So the Serpent Spewed Water Out of His Mouth Like a Flood After the Woman
The flood from the serpent’s mouth symbolizes an overwhelming attempt by Satan to destroy Israel. This could be interpreted literally or figuratively:
Literal Interpretation: A physical flood used as a means of destruction.
Figurative Interpretation: Represents a massive outpouring of persecution, military campaigns, or propaganda aimed at annihilating Israel.
i. Jesus’ Warning in Matthew 24
This flood-like persecution aligns with Jesus’ warning about the abomination of desolation at the midpoint of the tribulation:
Matthew 24:15-22:
"Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place... then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains... pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath." (NKJV)
Jesus spoke of this event in distinctly Jewish terms, emphasizing the specific danger facing Israel during this time.
e. The Earth Opened Its Mouth and Swallowed Up the Flood
This verse depicts God’s supernatural intervention to protect Israel from Satan’s destructive efforts. Just as He parted the Red Sea to deliver Israel in the Exodus, He will again act to preserve His chosen people.
i. Isaiah 59:19:
"When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." (NKJV)
This protection demonstrates God’s covenantal faithfulness and His power to shield His people even in the most desperate circumstances.
The conflict on Earth during the Great Tribulation highlights Satan’s relentless hatred for Israel and God’s supernatural protection over His chosen people. This passage underscores the centrality of Israel in God’s redemptive plan and His unshakable faithfulness to His covenant promises.
2. (17) The Wrath of the Dragon Is Focused Against God’s People
Revelation 12:17:
"And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." (NKJV)
a. The Dragon Was Enraged With the Woman and Went to Make War With the Rest of Her Offspring
The dragon’s fury intensifies as he shifts his focus from the woman (Israel) to the rest of her offspring. This likely refers to two distinct groups:
The Woman (Israel)
The woman represents Israel, specifically the Jewish people, who play a central role in God’s redemptive plan. Satan’s hatred for Israel is rooted in their role in bringing forth the Messiah and their future role in welcoming Him at His second coming (Matthew 23:39).The Rest of Her Offspring
This group includes Gentile believers who come to faith during the Great Tribulation. These individuals are described as those who "keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
The division between the woman and her offspring highlights Satan’s broader persecution:
Against the Jewish people, due to their covenantal relationship with God.
Against Gentile believers, who become targets for their faith in Jesus during the tribulation.
This fulfills Satan’s role as the adversary, attempting to destroy all who align themselves with God.
b. He Went to Make War With the Rest of Her Offspring
This declaration of war begins or continues Satan’s fierce persecution of God’s people, both Jewish and Gentile believers, during the Great Tribulation. This persecution aligns with other passages in Revelation that describe the martyrdom of believers:
Revelation 6:9-11:
The martyrs cry out for justice:
"When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held." (NKJV)Revelation 7:9-17:
The great multitude of tribulation saints is seen in heaven:
"These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (NKJV)
i. Satan’s Fruitless Persecution
Austin Farrer observes:
"It is precisely when Satan has lost the battle for the souls of saints in heaven that he begins the fruitless persecution of their bodies."
This reveals Satan’s desperation. Unable to accuse believers before God or claim their souls, he focuses on persecuting them physically, trying to discourage, destroy, or silence their witness on Earth.
Key Themes
Satan’s Hatred for God’s People
Satan’s enmity toward the Jewish people and Gentile believers stems from their roles in God’s redemptive plan. His attacks are motivated by his desire to thwart God’s purposes, though he is ultimately powerless to do so.Faithfulness Amid Persecution
Believers during the tribulation remain faithful despite intense persecution, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to Christ. Their testimony and obedience reflect the victory they have through Christ’s atoning work.The Futility of Satan’s Efforts
Satan’s war against God’s people is ultimately fruitless. Though he may inflict physical harm, he cannot overcome the faith and eternal security of believers. As Revelation repeatedly emphasizes, God’s people overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11).
Conclusion
Revelation 12:17 highlights the intensification of Satan’s wrath during the Great Tribulation. His focus on persecuting both Israel and Gentile believers reflects his desperation and hatred for God’s purposes. Despite this, God’s people stand firm, empowered by their faith and testimony.
Key Themes and Insights in Revelation 12:
The Cosmic Conflict:
Revelation 12 paints a sweeping picture of the battle between good and evil, tracing it from heaven to earth. The characters introduced—the woman, the dragon, the male Child, and the offspring—each represent key players in God’s redemptive plan and Satan’s opposition.
Satan’s Persistent Hatred for Israel:
A central takeaway is Satan’s relentless hatred for Israel because of their role in bringing forth the Messiah and their future role in welcoming Him at His return (Matthew 23:39). This hatred drives much of the spiritual and physical conflict described.
God’s Faithfulness to Protect:
Through supernatural protection (e.g., the “wings of a great eagle” and the earth swallowing the flood), God demonstrates His faithfulness to preserve Israel and His people during the Great Tribulation. This is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty even in the midst of Satan’s wrath.
The Overcoming Power of Christ:
The victory of believers—"by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11)—is a timeless encouragement for all Christians. It underscores the centrality of Christ’s atoning work and the importance of personal faithfulness, even in the face of persecution.
The Futility of Satan’s Efforts:
Despite Satan’s ferocity, his ultimate defeat is assured. His desperate attempts to thwart God’s plan—whether through persecution, deception, or destruction—are futile because God’s purposes cannot be stopped.
Additional Points to Consider:
The Role of Angels:
The conflict between Michael and the dragon in Revelation 12:7-8 underscores the reality of spiritual warfare. It is a reminder that angels actively serve God’s purposes and engage in battles unseen to us but with significant implications for human history.
A "Time, Times, and Half a Time":
This phrase (referring to 3.5 years) appears repeatedly in prophetic Scripture (Daniel 7:25; Daniel 12:7; Revelation 12:14), marking the final period of intense tribulation. It is helpful to connect these references to show God’s precision in fulfilling His prophetic timeline.
Satan’s Nature as the Accuser:
Revelation 12:10 reveals Satan’s strategy of constant accusation against believers. This emphasizes the importance of understanding Christ’s role as our Advocate (1 John 2:1) and Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25), providing assurance against Satan’s attacks.
The Significance of the Flood:
The flood spewed from the dragon’s mouth (Revelation 12:15-16) could symbolize overwhelming persecution or deception, but God’s intervention demonstrates His power to nullify Satan’s schemes. This could be a reminder of Isaiah 59:19: "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him."
Encouragement for Believers Today:
Although Revelation 12 focuses on events during the Great Tribulation, its themes are applicable now. Believers today face spiritual opposition but can take courage in the truth that Christ has already defeated Satan (Colossians 2:15), and our victory is secure in Him.
