A great sign appeared in heaven. It was a woman. What was she clothed with? vs. 1a
What was under the woman's feet? vs. 1b
What was on the woman's head? vs. 1c
How does Joseph's dream in Genesis 37:9 help you understand who the woman is that is being described?
What was notable about the woman? vs.2
Another sign appeared in heaven. It was a red dragon. How many heads did the dragon have? vs. 3a
How many horns did the dragon have? 3b
What were on the heads of the dragon? 3c
Note: In the book of Daniel and later in this book we will see a Beast with seven heads and ten horns that will deceive the whole world. The seven heads represent world kingdoms with kings under the control of Satan and the ten horns represent ten end time world leaders that Satan will control in the last Gentile world empire called “Babylon the Great”
This is further defined by Daniel and in chapter 17 and 18 of Revelation.
- Rev 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
- Dan 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.
- Rev 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
What did the dragon do with his tail? 4a
Note: Stars sometimes are used as symbols for angels in Scripture. Remember how Jesus holds the 7 stars in His hand and we are told that the 7 stars represented the 7 angels? (Rev.1:20) ... This verse is talking about the fall of Satan and his angels.
Satan is referred to as the "star" of the morning in the description of his fall in Isaiah 14:12-14. Satan apparently led a third of the angels in heaven in a rebellion against God, which is how we have demonic spirits today.
Where did the dragon throw the third of the stars that he swept with his tail? vs.4
John sees the dragon (Satan) standing before the woman (we have established as the nation of Israel) who was about to give birth. What did the dragon desire to do to the child when he was born? vs. 4
Note: Satan used Herod to try to kill Jesus the moment He was born. (Matthew 2:12-20). The Lord warned Joseph to take Mary and the child Jesus to Egypt until Herod died and was no longer a threat to them.
John describes to us that the woman gave birth to a son who was a male child. What are we told about this child's future? vs.12
Before this child is a world ruler one day, what happens to the child first? vs. 12
When was Jesus caught up to God and to His throne? Read Acts 1:9-11
Returning to the future of the woman (Israel), she will flee from the dragon again in the future. How will God take care of the nation during that period of 1260 days?
Where have we seen this same reference to days in our reading? Comment from Rev.11:3
Back to Chapter 12 ...
Who waged war with the dragon and his angels in the heavenlies? vs. 7
What happened to the dragon and his angels at that time? vs. 8
The great dragon was thrown down at that time. Who does John tell us the dragon was and what the dragon does? vs. 9 - Name 6 things
What did John hear from a loud voice in heaven when Satan and his angels were thrown down? vs. 10 - Fill in the blanks.
"Now the ______, and the _____, and the _____ of our God and the _____ of His Christ have come, for the _____ of our brethren has been thrown down, he who _____ them before our God _____ and _____."
Note: What rejoicing does this give you that our accuser will be thrown down from his access to God's throne to accuse us of our sins on a daily basis? For now, we have an advocate, a lawyer, who defends us and presents us to God because we have believed upon His Name - our Jesus - our High Priest. One day, we will reign with Him as priests and there will no longer be a need for an advocate because our accuser will be gone. Hallelujah !!
How do the saints overcome Satan, their accuser? vs.11 - Name 3 things
What will heaven and those dwelling there be doing when the accuser is thrown down? vs. 12
What warning is given to the earth and sea and those who dwell there? vs. 12
This is the third "Woe" and from the 7th trumpet will come the final 7 bowls of God's wrath. What will the devil send forth because he knows his time is short? vs. 12
Note: He (the devil) is tossed out once and for all time. His day is over. The last half of the Tribulation will be a time of terrible trouble on earth (Jer. 30:7; Dan 9:27; 12:1; Zeph. 1:15; Matt 24:15-22). It will be Satan's final attempt to prevent the return and the reign of Christ. He has only a short time to try to prevent the establishment of Christ's kingdom so his wrath intensifies of his persecution of Israel, God's chosen nation.
Who did the dragon persecute when he was thrown to the earth? vs. 13
What was given to the woman so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place to be nourished during this time? vs. 14
How long would she be protected and nourished from the presence of the serpent (Satan)? vs. 14
Note: The phrase time and times and half a time is also found in Daniel.
Comment on these verses:
1) Daniel 7:25
2) Daniel 12:7
Note: According to the 70th week of Daniel, it is calculated to be 1 year (time).. 2 years (times) and 1/2 a year (half time) ... or 3-1/2 years, which is the middle of the 7 year peace treaty that is going to be given to Israel by the Antichrist who will break the peace in the middle of the 7 years, which is 3-1/2 years - also stated as 42 months and 1260 days.... The comforting part is that God will protect the remnant of Israel during this time of great wrath from the devil upon them.
How will the serpent (Satan) try to destroy the woman (Israel) as she flees into the wilderness? vs. 15
How will the earth help the woman (Israel) at that time? vs. 16
When this happens, the dragon will be even more enraged with the woman. Who does he go off to make war with? vs. 17
Although the chapters are difficult to understand, we were told in chapter 1 that we are "blessed to read, hear, and heed" the words of this book. Thank you for taking time to read and think through these lessons. How has this lesson helped you understand God's enemy and how determined he is to stop God's plan of redemption? As we know, the victory belongs to Jesus and His followers. How have you seen spiritual warfare in a more serious light and what encouragement do you have to be an overcomer by faith in God and in His Word?
Summarize this chapter and post a prayer if you would like.
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