Revelation 12:1-2; Travailing in Birth

Revelation 12:1-2 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: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 

The activity of the woman from the time of birth of Abraham to the birth of Christ is described in verse 2. The woman is continuously with child. She is continuously crying. She is continuously in the pain of travail. She is continuously endeavouring to give birth to a child. Herein, she was brought into existence with the call of Abraham until the day of Christ was in Bethlehem. The entire message of the Old Testament from Genesis to Malachi describes what is set forth in this verse. [Hermon A. Hoyt, Studies in Revolution, BMH Books, 1977, 81]

This glorious woman was clothed with the brilliance of the sun as a source of light that was reflected by the moon. She had a crown of twelve stars on her head that symbolized complete victory. She was pregnant and about to give birth, which symbolizes the coming of Jesus in the flesh. Indeed, this verse is a reflection of the entire Old Testament period in which Satan displays his enmity toward God. He attacks the saints whom God places in the world to occupy a central position. They have been and are a source of light that they received from their Maker and Redeemer. Thus, God’s people through His Word reflect His brilliance to dispel the darkness of the world.

 Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of the Book of Revelation (Vol. 20, p. 355). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

Isaiah 54:5-7 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. 

Amen.