Revelation 12 Explained: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven

Revelation Chapter 12 – Introduction

To understand the Revelation chapter 12, and the entire Book of Revelation, you must discern whether the description is literal or figurative. When the events described are figurative, then we must understand the literal meaning.

The events John saw and recorded in Revelation chapter 12 are figurative. This chapter takes a change of direction. Revelation chapter 12 pauses the description of the plague sequence and explains some of the spiritual backstory. This chapter presents in symbolic pictures events that have spanned centuries, past, present, and future.

Revelation 12:1 – The Woman Clothed With the Sun

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:” (KJV)

God didn’t give John the identity of this woman, but there is a clue with her crown of twelve stars. This adornment shows the lady represents the nation of Israel. The stars being the twelve tribes of Israel (Example: Genesis 37:9).

Revelation 12:2-Labor Pains

“And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” (KJV)

If the woman represents Israel, this lady in about to give birth, is Mary, the mother of Jesus, herself a Jew. Her baby is Jesus Christ.

Revelation 12:3-The Red Dragon

“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” (KJV)

Waiting for her to deliver is a dragon. This red dragon represents Satan.

Revelation 12:4-The Preying Dragon

“And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (KJV)

The stars that Satan drew to himself, only to cast them to the Earth, are angels. This verse shows that one third of the angels God created rebelled with Lucifer after he became Satan. This event, which occurred soon after creation, is also mentioned in Daniel 8:10 “And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.” (KJV)

In the Book of Daniel, Daniel saw “a little horn” that he realized was an individual. This world leader would be empowered by Satan himself.

Whether Satan reveals himself either as a “little horn,” or as a great, red dragon, he is the same maleficent being.

Revelation 12:5-The Birth

“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (KJV)

The identity of the woman’s child is Jesus Christ. The description in this verse, He will rule the world with “a rod of iron,” can only apply to Jesus Christ and His future, worldwide rule. God protected His Son, both when He was on Earth, and, eventually, when He returned to God. This short verse spans at least thirty years from the time of Jesus’ birth to His ascension back to Heaven.

Revelation 12:6-The Woman’s Escape

“And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” (KJV)

Since Satan could not harm or destroy Christ, he still tries to destroy the nation of Israel, here represented as a woman. But God not only protected His Son, He has, and will, protect His people. Symbolically, God led this lady into the wilderness to a prepared and protected place.

Some Bible scholars believe this verse refers to the Tribulation time when God will protect His people, specifically, the Jews, from the Antichrist. Some Bible scholars believe this place will be in Petra, formerly in the biblical nation of Edom, which in now part of the country of Jordan. Nevertheless, wherever this prepared sanctuary will truly be, He will care for His people by feeding them for exactly 1,260 days. One thousand two hundred and sixty days is three and a half years. This time-period seems to imply the last half of the seven-year tribulation.

Revelation 12:7-War In Heaven

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,” (KJV)

The identity of the dragon introduced in verse 3 is identified with Satan. This short verse describes a heavenly battle between Godly angels, led by the angel Michael, against the fallen angels. Scripture seems to indicate that Michael has a special position to protect the nation of Israel. In Daniel 10:21, an angel speaking to the Jewish prophet referred to Michael as “your prince.”

Revelation 12:8 – War in Heaven: Michael vs. the Dragon

“And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.” (KJV)

These verses about the heavenly battle between angelic hosts led by Michael is future. Since these verses describe a war in heaven, the “bad guys” – Satan’s angels- are allowed, at least in a limited way, in heaven.

Therefore it seems that presently Satan has limited access to heaven. In the Book of Job he appeared with “the sons of God” (a reference to angels) before God’s throne (Job 1:6). After this otherworldly battle, Satan and his followers cannot access heaven anymore.

Revelation 12:9-Satan Cast Out

“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (KJV)

Michael and his angels achieved a great and long-awaited victory over the devil. This verse confirms the identity of the dragon, calling him “Satan,” the deceiver of the entire world.

Revelation 12:10-Triumph

“And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (KJV)

John did not identify the heavenly speaker of these words. It seems these words were spoken, perhaps in unison, by the saints. All believers experienced the deceptions of Satan and his final expulsion from heaven, their home, and this is a source of great rejoicing.

Revelation 12:11-Rejoicing in Heaven

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (KJV)

This verse is a reference to saints of God, particularly in this context referring to the tribulation saints, who refused to worship the Antichrist, and in so doing, sacrificed their lives, only to appear in the glory of heaven.

Revelation 12:12-Woe To the Earth

“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (KJV)

The heavens themselves and all those who live in them will rejoice since they will not have to endure any satanic influence. But Satan, since he lost the battle to overthrow God, and will be permanently expelled from heaven and restricted to Earth, will be furious. In his great anger, he will release his fury on the inhabitants of Earth.

Revelation 12:13-The Persecuting Dragon

“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.” (KJV)

The primary target of Satan’s wrath will be inhabitants of the nation of Israel.

Revelation 12:14-Divine Escape of the Woman, Time, Times, and Half a Time Explained

“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” (KJV)

But just as God protected His Son, so, too, will He protect His people. The “two wings” may represent an airplane. But whatever technology God decides to use to protect His people, He will be successful. He knows Satan’s plans, and He will have a place prepared for the safety of His people. The words “time, times and half a time” is another reference to the same three and a half year, 42-month, 1,260-day time. The various expressions describe the same duration: three and a half years. The final three and a half years are the latter part of the seven-year tribulation.

Revelation 12:15-The Flood of the Dragon

“And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” (KJV)

Somehow Satan, in a futile attempt to destroy the Jews, will utilize a massive amount of water.

Revelation 12:16-The Helping Earth

“And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.” (KJV)

Satan’s tactic will not surprise God. God will simply open the earth, the water will disappear, and God’s people will be unharmed.

Revelation 12:17-The Frustrated Dragon

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (KJV)

Unable to destroy the Jewish people directly, Satan, in his fury, will then turn his attention to God’s saints, who, although they are not Jewish, still worship and obey God’s commands. The ending of the chapter sets the stage for the beast introduced in Revelation 13.

Chart of Symbols of Revelation Chapter 12

Symbol	What It Represents
The woman clothed with the sun	The nation of Israel.
Her crown of twelve stars	The twelve tribes of Israel.
The great red dragon	Satan.
The dragon’s seven heads, ten horns, seven crowns	Satan’s counterfeit authority and power over world kingdoms.
The man child	Jesus Christ.
The stars swept away by the dragon’s tail	The one-third of angels who rebelled with Satan.
Michael	The archangel who leads God’s angels and holds a special role protecting Israel.
The woman’s flight into the wilderness (1,260 days)	Israel’s divine protection during the final three and a half years of the Tribulation.
Two wings of a great eagle	The God-given means of Israel’s escape and protection.
The flood from the serpent’s mouth	Satan’s final, futile effort to destroy Israel.
The earth swallowing the flood	God’s intervention through creation itself to protect His people.
The remnant of her seed	Tribulation saints who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Download this chart of the symbols of Revelation chapter 12 here.

Revelation Chapter 12 – Bible Study Questions

Revelation Chapter 12 – Personal Reflection Question

This chapter gives a glimpse into the heavenly battle between good and evil, angels versus devils. How does it make you feel knowing there is a great battle going on in the unseen world, and possibly with you as one of those being fought about?  

Revelation Chapter 12 – Behind the Scenes Stuff

Personally, I found the “time, times and half a time” phrase of this chapter to be the most confusing. I had to do research into what Bible scholars discovered, and, truthfully, I still don’t fully understand how they got 3 1/2 years out of such seemingly vague (At least to me!) wording.

Pin Me For Later!

This chapter of Revelation demonstrates the wise words of my friend who has said many times, “The Bible is written to ask questions.” Despite the name of this book being “Revelation,” the revealing sometimes raises more questions than it answers. But God wants us to both read, and study, His Word. I hope my thoughts from my study is helping you to better understand this wonderful book in God’s Word.

The Complete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible study chapter by chapter guide here.

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