Revelation 12 Commentary

A sign appears in heaven of a woman about to give birth. The woman represents Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as Israel. Israel will ultimately bloom into a Messianic kingdom. Both are prophesied and are part of God’s plan, and both came or will come about through the birth pangs of labor. 

Satan tries to destroy the newborn Child. He is depicted as a dragon who swept away a third of the angels with his tail, indicating that a third of the angels fell with him.  

The woman (Israel) gives birth to the Messiah and then flees to the wilderness to be protected by God for three-and-a-half years. 

John describes a cosmic battle in heaven between Michael and his angels and the dragon. Michael and his angels prevail and Satan is thrown down to earth.

A statement of victory is declared: salvation has come, and the accuser has been thrown down, overcome by the blood of the Lamb. A warning is also issued to the earth, because Satan now dwells on earth for a limited time. 

Satan tries to destroy Israel, but God intervenes to provide a way of escape. Instead, Satan now turns his wrath to the children of the woman, representing Israel, who keep God’s commandments.