1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.
4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred [and] threescore days.
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
12 Therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child].
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Overview of Revelation Chapter 12
Revelation Chapter 12 presents a vivid and symbolic narrative that encapsulates the cosmic struggle between good and evil. It introduces key figures and themes that are central to the understanding of the spiritual warfare depicted throughout the book of Revelation.
Key Characters
- The Woman: Represents Israel or the faithful community of God, often interpreted as giving birth to the Messiah.
- The Dragon: Symbolizes Satan, the adversary, who seeks to destroy the Woman’s offspring.
- The Male Child: Represents Jesus Christ, who is destined to rule the nations.
- The Angels: Serve as divine messengers and warriors in the heavenly realm.
Symbolic Elements
- The Great Sign: The chapter begins with a great sign in heaven, depicting a woman clothed with the sun, standing on the moon, and crowned with twelve stars. This imagery conveys glory and divine favor.
- The Birth and Persecution: The Woman is in labor, symbolizing the struggle and suffering associated with the birth of the Messiah. The Dragon’s desire to devour the child highlights the threat posed by evil forces.
- The Ascension of the Male Child: After the child is born, he is caught up to God and His throne, signifying Jesus’ victory over death and His exaltation.
- The War in Heaven: A battle ensues between Michael and his angels against the Dragon and his angels, illustrating the ongoing conflict between good and evil in the spiritual realm.
- The Dragon’s Defeat: The Dragon is ultimately defeated and cast down to the earth, symbolizing the defeat of Satan and his influence over humanity.
- The Earthly Persecution: Following the Dragon’s defeat, he pursues the Woman, representing the persecution of the faithful community. This emphasizes the trials and tribulations faced by believers.
Theological Themes
- Divine Protection: The Woman is given wings to escape into the wilderness, symbolizing God’s protection over His people during times of tribulation.
- Victory of Christ: The ascension of the Male Child signifies the ultimate victory of Christ over sin and death, reassuring believers of their hope in Him.
- Spiritual Warfare: The chapter illustrates the reality of spiritual warfare, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst persecution.
- The Role of the Church: The Woman can also be interpreted as the Church, highlighting its role in God’s redemptive plan and the struggles it faces against evil.
Conclusion
Revelation Chapter 12 serves as a powerful reminder of the cosmic battle between good and evil, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the assurance of victory for those who remain faithful. The imagery and symbolism used in this chapter resonate deeply with the experiences of believers, offering hope and encouragement in the face of adversity.
