Revelation 12:1-17

Revelation 12 opens with a sign that pictures ancient Israel as a woman (Rev. 12:1-2; cf. Gen. 37:9-11). Satan is described as a dragon that wages war against God’s people, and he is said to have seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 12:3). “His seven heads and ten horns probably represent seven nations and ten rulers (17:12). Ten kings will rule under his authority, but when Antichrist rises to preeminence among them he will subdue three of them leaving only seven (Dan. 7:7–8, 20, 24; Rev. 13:1)” (Tom Constable, Expository Notes on the Bible; Rev. 12:3). Satan was thwarted when he tried to destroy Jesus at His birth (Rev. 12:4; Matt. 2:13-16), but after Jesus’ ministry and victory at the cross, He was caught up to heaven where Satan cannot harm Him (Rev. 12:5; cf. Acts 1:9). Unable to defeat Christ, Satan will seek to persecute and destroy Israel, but God will protect her throughout the latter part of the Tribulation (Rev. 12:6). John then tells us about a “war in heaven” (Rev. 12:7), in which Satan is cast out (Rev. 12:8). Here we are given a glimpse into the angelic conflict that wages in unseen realms, in which God directs His holy angels to battle against the forces of darkness that are set against Him and His plan for men. Satan is regarded as the greatest enemy of God’s people, and his power is sufficient to deceive “the whole world” (Rev. 12:9; cf. 13:14; 20:3, 8). John records another proleptic statement concerning the kingdom of God (Rev. 12:10), and states that believers overcome Satan: 1) by the blood the Lamb—that is, the work of the cross applied to those who trust in Jesus for salvation, 2) by the word of their testimony—that is, their faithful adherence to God’s promises and commands, and 3) by loving God more than their own life (Rev. 12:11). This is followed by a command for heaven to rejoice because Satan is cast out, but there is woe to the earth because he is thrown down to them and is full of wrath, knowing he has only a short time (Rev. 12:12). Satan will begin a campaign to destroy Israel (Rev. 12:13), but God will protect her from his attacks (Rev. 12:14-16). Being unsuccessful in his efforts, he will “make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus” (Rev. 12:17). God provides strength for the battle to those who tenaciously hold to their faith and continue in obedience to Him.