Reading Revelation 12:1-6. A cosmic Battle & a baby born!
- Thad DeBuhr
- May 31
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Trying to make sense of the Revelation can sometimes feel like John, the author, was playing a cosmic game of charades, and we're all squinting, trying to guess what he means. Who's that woman? What's with the dragon? And seriously, does anyone else get confused by the lamb with seven eyes? Today, we're diving into Revelation 12:1-6, a passage that's got some truly mind-bending imagery. But don't worry, we're going to break it down so you can actually understand who's who and why they're throwing such a celestial tantrum.
Setting the Scene: Revelation 12:1-6
Today, we're looking at a fascinating part of Revelation, chapters 12:1-6. The writer, John, paints a picture of a huge, cosmic battle with powerful symbols and puzzling characters. It would be a lot easier if John had just given us a simple explanation!
Today, we're looking at a fascinating part of Revelation, chapters 12:1-6. The writer, John, paints a picture of a huge, cosmic battle with powerful symbols and puzzling characters. It would be a lot easier if John had just given us a simple explanation!
However, in this section, John gives us a really important clue. The child born to the woman is described as the one "who is going to rule the nations with a rod of iron" (verse 5). This line comes directly from Psalm 2:9, which is a very old song that Christians, including John, always believed was about Jesus. He is the promised leader, the one meant to bring all people under God's good and fair rule. This key clue immediately tells us that the child is Jesus Himself.
Now, who is this mysterious woman? While you might first think of Mary, Jesus' mother, John clearly says she is a "sign," not a real person in this picture. It's not a simple one-to-one match, but rather a rich picture full of meaning.
Here are two main ideas about who this woman represents:
Option 1: God's Faithful People (Israel). This idea sees the woman as the true, faithful people of Israel. The Bible often calls God's people "the daughter of Israel" or God's bride. This isn't about the people who turned away from God, but the loyal ones who continued to follow Him. It is from this faithful line of people that Jesus, the Anointed One, is born. She stands for the whole story of God's chosen people, who were meant to carry out His plans for everyone and everything. This is beautifully shown by her being dressed in the sun, moon, and stars, which means she has a special job from God and has worldwide importance. It also explains why the forces of evil are so determined to attack her and her child—they are directly fighting against God’s plans.
Option 2: Eve. Another strong idea is that the woman represents Eve, the very first mother of all people. In Genesis 3:15, a passage often called the "first good news," it talks about Eve's "offspring" (or "seed") crushing the serpent's head. In this view, the woman shows humanity's hope for freedom from evil through the promised child.
It's possible that both of these ideas are meant to be understood together. If the woman is "Israel," then she is, in a larger sense, the way through which God’s plans for all people—including defeating evil—come true.
And then, with a grand sweep, the bad guy appears: a great red dragon. This is the enemy we've seen working secretly in earlier parts of Revelation, and now we know who he is. He is the ultimate power of evil, the one behind all the problems in the world. The main conflict of the whole book has now been revealed. The woman and her child are carrying out God's plans for the world, and the dragon is desperately trying to stop those plans before they even start. As the good news of Jesus, the Lion-Lamb, is revealed, the deepest mystery of evil is also shown.
This incredibly powerful dragon, as mentioned in verse 3, represents the deepest evil in the universe. The imagery itself is packed with meaning. As New Testament Scholar N.T. Wright points out, the dragon isn't just some random monster; he is explicitly identified as "that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). This connects him directly back to the serpent in the Garden of Eden from the very beginning of the Bible (Genesis 3). This "ancient serpent" has been at work throughout history, always aiming to accuse, slander, and thwart God's plans. The seven heads and ten horns suggest a twisted, powerful parody of divine authority, indicating his widespread, oppressive power across empires and nations. His "tail swept away a third of the stars out of heaven" (verse 4) hints at the rebellion of angelic beings who fell with him. Wright emphasizes that these are not just fantastical beasts but deeply rooted symbols that expose the true nature of evil forces operating in the world. They reveal the "unseen realities" behind the brokenness and false leadership we see around us.
We can connect the dragon's desire to kill the child with King Herod's attempt to kill Jesus shortly after His birth. In a swift, almost instant description, Jesus' earthly life is summarized, and we see Him safely in heaven, out of the dragon's reach.
The woman, however—God's faithful people—remains in danger. This confirms that the woman is not Mary, but rather all of God's people together. Since John understands that the idea of Israel now includes those who follow Jesus, the woman running away to the desert for 1,260 days (three and a half years) to be cared for by God must represent the Church (God's people today). John isn't just telling a story for his readers to watch; he's inviting them to see their own important part in this grand, cosmic story. They are part of the "woman," promised God's protection even as the dragon relentlessly chases them (Revelation 12:13).
The idea of the woman running to the desert is likely another connection to the story of the Exodus, where the people of Israel escaped from the harsh ruler Pharaoh into the wilderness. There, they faced new challenges but were always under God's care. The stage is set. The woman will be with us throughout Revelation, a stark contrast to another "woman" who will show up later as a terrible imitation. The dragon will also be a constant presence, and a main point of chapters 12-20 is to help the church understand his plans and how his power will eventually be completely destroyed.
The message is clear: the struggles and suffering the church faces now are not signs that God has left them, but rather proof of a significant cosmic battle in which they play a crucial, though difficult, role.
There's more to this Reading Revelation 12:1-6 STUDY GUIDE
BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:
Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)
A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)
Modern Day Application Ideas
Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this blog post? Here you go!
Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss
How does understanding that the "woman" is a symbol (like faithful Israel or Eve, or both) make you appreciate God's ongoing plan to save us throughout history even more?
Revelation 12:1-6 quickly moves from Jesus' birth to Him going back to heaven. How does this short summary of His life and quick return to heaven give comfort and assurance to believers who are facing spiritual struggles?
The dragon is described as a powerful enemy, yet Jesus is quickly put out of his reach. How does this passage challenge or confirm your understanding of the devil's power compared to God's complete control?
Journey Group Discussion Starter
If the woman represents the Church, and she runs to the desert for protection, what "deserts" or challenging times might the Church face today, and how do we see God's care for His people in those times?
Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)
Modern-Day Application: Go from "reading Revelation" to applying the lessons and principles:
For Christians today, this passage offers deep insights and practical ways to live:
See the Bigger Picture: Realize that your everyday struggles are part of a larger cosmic battle. This isn't just about you; it's about God's eternal plans clashing with the forces of evil. This way of thinking can give you strength and determination.
Know Your Enemy: The passage clearly says the dragon is the ultimate source of evil. Understanding who our real enemy is helps us avoid directing our anger or frustration at people, and instead, focus on resisting the spiritual forces behind bad things.
God's Protection: The woman, representing God's people, is cared for in the desert. This is a powerful reminder that even in challenging or "wilderness" times, God provides for and protects His own. Trust in His faithfulness, even when things look bad.
Your Part in the Story: Just as John's first readers were involved, so are we. We are part of the "woman," the Church, called to live out God's purposes in a world that is against Him. This should inspire courage and commitment to our faith.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
If you're tired of facing spiritual battles alone, or just want to understand who that fiery dragon really is (and how to avoid accidentally inviting him to tea), then it's time to join a Journey Group! Don't let your spiritual journey be a solo trek through a wilderness of confusion. Connect with others who are also trying to figure out who's who and what's what in this amazing book. Head over to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn about starting your own!
And while you're at it, come on over to YourJesusJourney.com to learn more about our exciting ministry. We're all about helping you understand the Bible, find Christian friends to study God's word with, and grow as someone who helps others follow Jesus.
Plus, grab your Free Resource: "Stop reading the Bible wrong: 7 Strategic Shifts that Change Everything." Just click the Free Gift button at the top of the website, and we'll send you the free E-Book today!
We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!
Comments