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The twelfth chapter of Revelation is very interesting and informative. Not only does it give us details about several past events, it also gives us details regarding some future ones. However, in order to fully understand this chapter, we must understand the symbolism in it.

In the first verse, we are told that "a great sign appeared in heaven". Some Bible translations call this a "wonder" and not a sign. However, this Hebrew word, which is transliterated "semeion", clearly means a "sign". Since the subsequent verses are descriptions of some signs, we can rightfully conclude that the characters and details hold profound symbolism.

The first character mentioned is a woman. She is clothed with the sun, the moon is under her feet and she is wearing a garland with twelve stars. The text also tells us that she is with child.

Some say this woman is Mary or even the church. However, Mary doesn’t fit the description of this woman and her role in future events. Dispelling the other assertion, the woman cannot be the church because Christ gave birth to the church and the church did not give birth to Christ. After considering the context, this woman must be Israel.

In the Old Testament, we see Israel being compared to a woman. This was true from the very beginning. Genesis 3:15 reads, "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." The woman is Israel because she gives birth to the Seed (Jesus Christ) that bruises Satan’s head.

Malachi 4:2a reads, "But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings." This is a prophetic verse about the coming Messiah. Since Jesus Christ fulfilled this prophecy and the woman is clothed with "the sun", we can see the symbolism relating to Jesus Christ.

The woman is pregnant with a male child. By several indicators, we know that this child symbolizes Jesus Christ. First, in verse 5, we see that this child will "rule with a rod of iron". This is a clear, Messianic reference and correlates with Psalm 2:9.

This child is caught up to God and His throne. This occurrence symbolizes Jesus’ ascension. Acts 1:9-11 reads, "Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’"

Hebrews 12:4 indicates that Jesus is indeed by the throne of God. It states, "(He) sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Therefore, we know that this child indicates the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

In order to understand the significance of these stars, we need to turn to Genesis. In Genesis 37:9, Joseph tells his brothers about a prophetic dream he has. It reads, "Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, ‘Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.’" These stars refer to the eleven sons (tribes) of Jacob (Israel). Joseph was the twelfth.

The next sign is a great, red dragon. According to Revelation 12:9, we know this is Satan. This isn’t a description of his appearance, but it is a description of what he is like. "Great" describes his power and influence. Like Jesus states in John 8:44, he is a murderer and "red" symbolizes this fact. In 1 Peter 5:8, the Devil is compared to a prowling lion, so the name "dragon" refers to his vicious nature.

In Revelation 12:4-9, we are given a dynamic passage that refers to three events. First, Satan’s fall from Heaven is illustrated because he takes one third of the angels with him. This fall is evidenced in Jude 1:6, Daniel 8:10, Job 38:7 and Job 1:6. However, since Satan still has access to God and Heaven, as seen in Zechariah 3:1-3, we know this verse refers to more than one event.

The second incident that is symbolized is Satan’s attempt to kill Jesus Christ. This happened before His birth, in His early years and throughout His ministry. In Matthew 2:14-20, Jesus and His parents go to Egypt because Herod’s decree to kill all of the babies. While Jesus was fasting in the wilderness, Satan tempts Him to commit suicide. Several times during His ministry, the Devil tried to have the authorities seize Him, but He escaped.

The last, phenomenal event we see in verses 4-9 is Satan’s future banishment from Heaven. Right now, he is accusing us before God. However, there will come a day when there will be war in Heaven and the Devil will be cast away from God’s presence.

In verse 6, we see that the woman (Israel) flees into the wilderness and is protected for 1260 days. This is exactly 3 ½ years and it is the entire tribulation period: from the time the abomination of desolation enters the temple, to the time of Christ’s Second Coming. This is clearly seen in Daniel 7:25.

Israel’s escape into the wilderness is predicted in the Old Testament. Jeremiah 30:7 reads, "Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it." Consistent with His wonderful character, God saves the ones that love Him and follow Him. This remnant who flees will not be fooled by the abomination of desolation. They will know that he is not God.

After Israel’s escape, the Archangel named Michael will fight the Devil and his fallen angels. All throughout the Old Testament, Michael was the protector of God’s people. His ministry to Israel can be seen in Daniel 10:13, Daniel 12:1 and even Jude 1:9. With at least a 2 to 1 advantage, God’s army overcomes the Devil and his army.

Even though Revelation 12 is full of symbols and prophetic words, it can still be studied and understood. The best way to interpret difficult passages of scripture is to use the clear scriptures to interpret them. As a number of verses from the Bible are studied and considered, Revelation chapter 12, like many other confusing passages, comes into clear view. 1 Corinthians 14:33 reads, "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."