The Book of Revelation 

Chapter 12

Chapter 12 stands in stark contrast to most of Revelation.  Where the rest of the book deals mostly with future events both in the heavens and on the earth, chapter 12 gives us great insight into events of times past.  When considering the next chapter (thirteen) and the topics discussed, especially in the opening few verses, it becomes easier to understand that John is giving us in chapter 12, a glimpse into this "war of all wars" between Satan and God and of it partial origins.

Revelation 12:1 "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:..."

From Genesis, we understand the sun as being the greater light that rules the day and the moon as the lesser light that rules the night. 

Genesis 1:16 "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also."

The depiction of this woman described in Revelation 12:1 is that of one clothed with glory, ruling both day and night AND as that of being a "light" to the whole earth. 

Keep one thing in mind as we study chapter 12:  There are 3 main characters in this chapter:  (a) The woman, (b) the male child and (c) the dragon.   Much of this is symbolic and references contained in the book of Revelation (and other scriptures) allow us to determine about whom we are speaking.

The symbolism used in verse one is no different than that which has been used throughout scripture:

Job 29:14 "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem."

Psalms 132:9 "Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy."

As saints in the church, we are clothed with the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ and it is his righteousness that covers the nakedness of our sin.

Revelation 12:2 "And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered."

How anyone could possibly apply this term to mean the "church" as a whole escapes me.  The scriptures are clear and it is quite easy to understand that this represents Jesus Christ the Lord.  This can be readily determined by examining not only the remainder of Chapter 12, but also other passages in the bible:

Isaiah 66:7-8  "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children."

Revelation 12:5 "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."

Psalms 2:7-9 "I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Revelation 19:15 "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."

There can be no doubt.  This man child is Jesus!  

Some religious organizations believe the woman of Revelation 12 is speaking of Mary, the mother of Jesus.  This is totally incorrect and should be a notion that is wholeheartedly rejected.   I won't get into the subject of Mary Worship at this time, but I will say with no holds barred:  This woman does not represent Mary and should not be understood or interpreted as such.

The woman represents the nation of Israel.  I realize many of you don't like that idea and don't want to hear it, but you examine the scriptures for yourself!  Revelation 12:6 tells us the "woman fled".  Are we speaking of Mary?  Did Mary flee? 

Revelation 12:13 "And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child."

Again, do you suppose this is speaking of Mary?  No, but it is rather speaking of the nation of Israel.  Hence the original description of the 12 stars in the crown of the woman.  12 stars thus representing the 12 tribes of Israel.

I haven't mentioned the dragon, but as we continue in chapter 12, I will cover the woman still and then cover the dragon.

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