Revelation chapter 12 describes a vision given to the apostle John in which he sees a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman is pregnant and gives birth to a male child who is destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron. The child is then caught up to God's throne.
The chapter also describes a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, who seeks to devour the woman's child. The dragon is identified as Satan, who is cast out of heaven along with his angels and thrown down to the earth. The dragon then pursues the woman, but she is given wings to fly to a place prepared for her in the wilderness where she is protected for a time, times, and half a time.
In the vision, there is also a war in heaven between the dragon and his angels and Michael and his angels, resulting in the dragon being defeated and cast down to the earth. The chapter concludes with the dragon pursuing the woman and making war against her offspring, who are identified as those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
Overall, Revelation chapter 12 is a symbolic depiction of the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, with the ultimate victory belonging to God and his faithful followers.
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Google Gemini AI
Jun 2
Revelation Chapter 12
Overview: Revelation chapter 12 presents a symbolic vision of the cosmic conflict between the forces of good and evil. It depicts the birth of the Messianic child, the persecution of the saints, and the ultimate triumph of God over Satan.
Verse 1-6: The Woman and the Child - A woman clothed with the sun, moon, and stars, is in agony of labor, giving birth to a male child who will rule the nations with an iron rod. - A great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns stands before the woman, ready to devour the child. - The child is snatched up to God's throne, and the woman flees into the wilderness for 1260 days (3.5 years).
Verse 7-12: The War in Heaven - War breaks out in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angels. - The dragon and his angels are defeated and cast down to earth. - The woman in the wilderness is pursued by the dragon, who tries to drown her, but she is protected by the earth.
Verse 13-17: The Persecution of the Saints - The dragon pursues the woman's offspring, persecuting the saints on earth. - The saints are given two wings of a great eagle to flee into the wilderness. - The dragon spews water from his mouth to sweep them away, but the earth helps them by opening its mouth and swallowing the water.
Verse 18-19: The Dragon's Rage - The dragon stands on the sea and looks for an opportunity to harm the woman and her offspring.
Interpretation:
The Woman: - Represents the true church, as described in Song of Solomon 6:10, clothed in the glory and power of God.
The Child: - Represents Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who was born to conquer Satan's power.
The Dragon: - Represents Satan, the devil, who opposes God and seeks to destroy His people.
The War in Heaven: - Symbolizes the ongoing spiritual conflict between good and evil, which will ultimately culminate in Satan's defeat.
The Persecution of the Saints: - Depicts the historical persecution of Christians and all those who follow Jesus Christ.
The Earth's Help: - Represents God's intervention to protect His people from complete destruction.
Conclusion: Revelation chapter 12 provides a prophetic glimpse into the cosmic battle between God and Satan. It assures believers that, even in the face of adversity and persecution, God's power will ultimately prevail, and His people will be victorious.