v.
1 – Gen. 37:9 – Joseph’s dream – signs are John’s thing and Revelation is full of them.
God works through many signs, but Satan uses many false miracles or signs also. The
Woman here is Israel – not Mary. The 12 stars
are the 12 tribes of Israel – patriarchs. They are set apart by God for this event. O.T – revelation - reflected light
(moon) – N.T. revelation – actual Light (sun – Son).
v.
2 – Is. 66:7,8; Mic. 4:10; 5:3 – Is. 26:17,18
Israel
about to bring forth the Messiah (old Israel
– New Israel, church). Here she is Israel – gives birth to Messiah – Later, she is the church (persecuted
for the faith). It has been accomplished. Old
Israel – could not bring salvation
to the earth, though they wanted to and expected to.
v.
3 – Another sign – (the 2nd) – an enormous Red Dragon – Satan (v. 9 makes it clear).
Red = murderous. Ezek. 29:3; 32:2
– Pharaoh as a dragon – even called a dragon. Dragons and monsters in O.T. (see: Job 26:12,13; Ps. 74:13,14; Is.
27:1; 51:9) – all symbols of evil – Israel’s enemy –
Egypt – evil.
Seven heads – (see: 13:1; 17:3) –
completeness again – wholeness of power and authority. Ten Horns –
strength – mighty power (10) – (Dan. 7:7, 24) – royal, not victors.
Satan’s false claim of royal authority and power against the real – “King of kings and Lord of lords”
– true authority and power. Persistent persecution against the church. His power on earth is terrifyingly real to believers (the church), but not because
he will be triumphant. A battle between Satan and the Messiah – Jesus Wins!
v.
4 – Hurl stars (1/3) to the earth – Dan. 8:10 – 1/3 again – a significant minority – intimidation
– strutting his stuff – real aim? – destroy the “man-child.” Satan
has been hostile toward Jesus from the beginning – Herod? (Mt. 2:13-18). John
is establishing spiritual truth in picture form with words, not talking about the dragon or other bizarre images and symbols.
v.
5 – birth of the “male child” – He is destined to rule the nations – Ps. 2 again –
rod of iron – Jesus – Messiah – the male child. From
birth to ascension in one shot – God has protected the incarnate Son from the grips of Satan and his guest to destroy
him. Focus is on the church. Incarnate
– encouragement and Satan’s attempt to destroy – but God protects His plan.
v.
6 – The woman flees to the wilderness for 1260 days (3 ½ years).
God’s provision not a place of evil
or desolation. Israel’s
wilderness experience…
Food provided
Water provided
Clothing did not wear out
Protection from enemies
God brings them to the Land
So here – woman protected –
and provided for.
1260 days – 3 ½ Years –
the time of the prophesies – two witnesses later on – and heavy persecution.
Time where it seems the enemy is winning
– But is NOT.
A long time – but a specific time
with an end – designed and orchestrated by God! Planned.
A Spiritual refuge – to the church
--- God has a place of refuge prepared for them – Do not fear the persecution to come even martyrdom. They can stand victorious against the enemy – Satan.
