Chapters 10-14 of Revelation mark the middle of the tribulation period. At this point one half of the earth’s population is dead (Revelation 6:1-8; 9:13-18). The physical planet has been affected. The question could be asked, “What in heaven’s name is going on?” Revelation chapters 12-15 are answering that question with wonders or signs from heaven (Revelation 12:1,3; 15:1). We are given a heavenly perspective on events that greatly affect the earth.

A Woman: Israel – Revelation 12:1-2,5-6

See how she is clothed in (Revelation 12:1 cp. Genesis 37:9-11). Her child (Revelation 12:2,5) is the Messiah. There are four symbolic women in Revelation. Jezebel (Revelation 2:20) represents paganism. The woman with child (Revelation 12) represents Israel. The harlot (Revelation 17:1-7) represents the apostate church of the antichrist. The bride of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-8) represents the true church. Many think of Israel and the church as being synonymous; that the church took over the promises to Israel and that Israel has no future as a nation. Please consider Romans 11; II Corinthians 3:13-16 cp. Zechariah 12:9-10; Psalm 89:19-37; 94:1-14; Jeremiah 33:19-26.

A Dragon: Satan – Revelation 12:3-4

Consider the names for Satan in Revelation 12:9. He is the great dragon (vs.2 - red, bloody/deadly); the old serpent (from the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3); the Devil (accuser – vs. 10); Satan (enemy).

Chapter 12 is showing us the final stages of what has been Satan’s long war against God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Satan started his war with God when he was Lucifer, chief guardian of God’s throne (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19). The battle focused on God’s Son when God promised, in Genesis 3:15, that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent. Satan can be seen attacking that seed throughout all history. First, a general attack, trying to defile the whole human race (Genesis 6). Then the attacks became more specific, as God gave more definition to the seed of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3). See the attack on all Hebrew baby boys by Pharaoh (Exodus 1). Note: God called Pharaoh a “dragon” in Ezekiel 29:3. He also called Nebuchadnezzar, who was a persecutor of Israel, a dragon in Jeremiah 51:34. There were attacks also on the seed of David (II Kings 11~Joash or Jehoash via Athaliah; Matthew 2 ~ Jesus via Herod). Revelation 12:7-12 shows the war in heaven, where Satan is cast down to earth. Revelation 12:13-17 shows the war on earth, where Satan will try to destroy Israel during the tribulation period.

Overcoming Satan – Revelation 12:11

As the battle rages on earth, God’s people will overcome Satan in three wonderful ways: 1) The blood of the Lamb (I John 4:4; 5:4-5); 2) The word of their testimony (the Gospel – Romans 1:16; II Timothy 2:8-10); 3) They do not love their lives, even unto death (Matthew 16:21-27; I Corinthians 15:51-58; Philippians 1:20-21)