Satan And The People Of God
SATAN AND THE PEOPLE OF GOD
REVELATION 12:1-6
Birth pangs precede the coming of Jesus—but God’s will prevails over the dragon’s designs.
Again a new section begins; “And” (12:1) is only the introduction common in Hebrew narrative. The measure of time (12:6) puts it before 11:3, but we cannot say more. Few passages of Scripture have given rise to more diverse interpretations, so the following must be regarded merely as an effort to take the symbolism seriously.
The section 12:1–14:5 is played out on three levels: the throne of God (Mount Zion), heaven and earth; they are to be understood of spiritual status, not of physical position (see also Ephesians 2:6). The sun, moon and stars link the woman with Israel (Genesis 37:9), to be understood, as elsewhere in Revelation, as the people of God. The “red dragon” (12:3) is identified with the devil (12:9). It is red because Satan is a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). The heads and horns are identical with those of the second beast (13:1); it is easier to explain them in the latter, so we may assume that Satan is pictured in this way to show that the second beast is a real reproduction on earth of Satan and his system. If in the first the diadems are on the heads, in the second on the horns, it shows that the sovereignty is only delegated in the second. In 12:4 we have an intensification of Daniel 8:10; here it probably refers to the seducing of many of the angelic host.
What of the “male child” (12:5)? The apparently obvious meaning is Jesus, but why should there be a reference back to his birth? In addition, 12:5 would be a strange summary of his earthly work. 2:26f.; 20:4 suggest that he personifies the conquerors, the true church within the church that claims the name (see also 14:1-5; Ephesians 5:27).
The woman is seen in heaven and on earth, ie the “wilderness” (12:6). This is the contrast between the people of God as seen by God, and in their humiliation as seen by humanity, as they are judged by God and people to be. When they are most despised by people, they are most in the place prepared by God for them, and where they will find God’s provision.