The Book Of Revelation (Revelation 12)

We find:

1) A “great wonder” in verse 1;

2) A “great dragon”, in verse 3;

3) A “great wrath” in verse 12,

4) A “great eagle” in verse 14.

But that is not all we find. We also find a great help because we will find a great spiritual insight that will help us know more about our great enemy.

In Revelation 12:1-2 “A great sign appeared in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet. She had a crown of 12 stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in labor and agony to give birth.”

Who is this woman? The Bible tells us this took place “In Heaven”, not on the earth.

(1)Some people believe it is the Virgin Mary.

This is exactly what the Roman Catholic teach.

I cannot agree because I don’t think Mary would be having birth pains or giving birth in the heavenly realms.

(2) Other people believe it is the church, getting ready to give “birth” to Jesus Christ.

Again, I would have to disagree because the church would not be giving birth, or bringing life to Jesus Christ.

It was Jesus who gave birth to the church, not the other way around.

(3) Along with many Bible scholars I personally believe this woman represents Israel. This becomes clearer the further we get into this chapter.

Revelation 12:3 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.

In the Bible, Satan is always referred to as a dragon. Since the beginning of time, the thought or mention of a dragon has produced absolute fear in man’s heart.

Some jump on the words “Red Dragon” to represent Russia. But most likely the red represents the blood this dragon will cause on the earth.

This reference to Satan as a dragon is repeated throughout this book of Revelation.

In verse 3, the seven heads refer to the one world government, which is ruled by Rome.

It has biblically been referred to as the “City of 7 Hills.” As the 7 heads, or Rome, refers to a specific location, the 10 horns refer to the 10 different areas, or divisions, that are put in place around the world that will serve Rome.

Remember in Daniel chapter two Daniel sees this poly-metallic image of Nebuchadnezza’s dream of a tall man statue.

1) The head was gold…Babylonian empire

2) Silver…Medo-Persian Empire

3) Brass…Grecian empire

4) Iron 2 legs…Roman empire

5) 10 toes of iron and clay…ten kinds of a divided kingdom

Note: Notice, the ten toes consist of iron and clay which represent the anti-christ will be able to hold together a coalition for a little while. But after a period of time it all come to pieces.

The first three and a half years of tribulation will be when the anti chirst will gain great favor. In fact, in Rev. 13 the Bible tells us all the world will wonder after him.

Psalms 83:2-8 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate (united) against thee: The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes; Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

The diadems, or crowns, refer to the heads of states in these 10 areas. They will serve Rome and the Antichrist.

Revelation 12:4 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.

When this verse refers to “stars”, it is referring to the biblical reference of the fallen angels.

Lucifer was the chief of all created beings when he was in heaven. When he launched his rebellion against God, he was cast out of heaven along with a third of all the angels. These angels were the ones who had aligned themselves with Lucifer to come against God. They were all thrown out of heaven and hurled to the earth.

Notice, the word “cast” or (Some translations use the word “hurled”) both implies a great force was used to toss them away from God. It was not a “soft” pitch, but a very forceful throwing, such as one would see when done in great anger!