The Book of Revelations Chapter 12
The Woman and the Dragon
Verses 1-4
(1) The Woman-There have been many different ideas about this woman the Roman Catholic Church say this is Marry mother of Jesus (see verse 2/5) and because of this the European Union took the 12 stars on their flag to keep the Catholic Church happy (even though we now have 28 countries in the EU)
Israel is also seen as the women with 12 tribes.
Mary Baker Eddy (the founder of Christian Science) said she was this woman.
NOTE- There are three women mentioned in the book of Revelations and none of them are women.
(2) Later in the chapter, this child is Jesus, the pain described refers to Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth under Roman occupation and oppression.
(3) The dragon- As with the women this is just a symbol, and not a real dragon.
The Seven Heads
(1) Egypt, (2) Assyria, (3) Babylon, (4) Persia, (5) Greece all fell. (6) Rome was the power presently in existence. Later the Roman Empire fell but could be said to rise again in the form of the (7) Roman Catholic church or the (7) EU.
OR
It could be to represent the 7 hills on which Rome was built.
The Ten Horns
Are too represents 10 Kings or rulers (president, prime ministers) who will rule.
(4) Many believe this describes one-third of the angelic host in league with Satan who fell from Heaven. This army of angelic beings in league with Satan makes up the world of demonic spirits.
The dragon is devouring the baby as Satan, and his followers will kill any new Christians made during the tribulation. Or if we look at the historical view the attempt to devour her Child was attempted by Herod’s killing of all the male children under 2 in or around Bethlehem at Christ’s birth.
Verses 5-6
(5) Ruled with Iron Rod this does not mean the modern image of mite and power but something or someone who can’t be swayed bribed or bullied. Snatched up to Heaven again could mean Jesus or Christians being martyred and snatched from Hell to go to heaven.
(6) Fled to the wilderness for 1260 days 3 1/2 years under Gods protection. Many believe this place in the wilderness is the rock city of Petra, south of the Dead Sea. Reportedly several businessmen have stocked the place with food, water supplies and evangelistic tracts written in Hebrew.
(7-9) We now get a glimpse of what is happening on the spiritual realm of heaven.
The final battle is taking place as Satan is allowed into Heaven for the last time as now Arch Angel Michael is at war and with the other 2/3rd of the angels throws Satan and the rest of his demonic army down to earth.
NOTE –Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witnesses insist on saying that Michael is Jesus. This is wrong on every count. In the book of Jude,it says that Michael would not rebuke Satan on His own authority but only say “The Lord rebuke you.” This shows that Michael isn’t Jesus, because Jesus often rebuked Satan and demons in His own authority.
(10-12) But now Satan is really angry and takes it out on the earth! as he knows that his time is over and he has lost the battle to rule in heaven.
The ancient Greek word for love here is agape, which speaks of a self-sacrificing, decision-based love. It is up to each one of us to choose: Will our physical lives be the most precious thing to us, or will we find our life by losing it for Jesus?
(13-14) Eagle’s Wings are an emblem from the Exodus deliverance; some have wondered if the reference to the two wings of a great eagle in fact describe a great military transport plane used to evacuate people in an emergency.
(15-16) As Satan pours out his anger on these people, but God is protecting them.
(17-18) This then begins the fierce persecution of all those who would not submit to and worship this great Satanic dictator as he turns to the rest of the Gentile -Christians.