DAY THREE (Revelation 10-13)

DAY THREE (Revelation 10-14)

c.Parenthesis – 10:1-11:14

Have we ever wondered what will happen to sin and sinful men when they have committed so many crimes against God and God’s people? Revelation 10 to 11:14 is the interlude before the seventh trumpet is blown which is also the third and final woe. Remember that before the seventh seal was opened there was the interlude of Revelation 7 . It is the same here. It will be the same before the pouring out of the seventh vial judgement later on in Revelation 16 . These interludes seem to teach believers that before the end and start of the next judgement, God is still sovereign. Man is to contemplate and ponder over the horror of the judgement of God upon sinful men because of sin. He is t realize that no man will get away with his sin. They are all accountable to God according to God’s time and will receive their just “rewards. ” Proverbs 11:31 , " Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner . "

Revelation 10 reveals to Christians the answer to their many prayers for the judgement of God to be poured down upon wicked men is now at hand.

i. The Little Book – 10:1-11

* The mighty angel and the little book ( 10:1-2 ) – Who is this mighty angel? Some have identified him as the Lord Jesus Christ because like Christ who descends in the cloud in 1:7 , this angel also came in a cloud. But there are several facts which point to a different conclusion. Firstly the use of “another” [ the Greek word “ allos ” ] which means another of the same kind. This throws us back to the previous angel of Revelation 9 , a reference to the “trumpet angels. ” If it were a different angel from these trumpet angels then the Greek word used would have been “ heteros ” which means another of a different kind. Hence we know that this mighty angel would be an angel similar to the trumpet angels. Secondly in the books of Revelation Jesus Christ is always introduced with an unmistakable title like 1:5 (" And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, "); 1:17 (" And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: "); 1:18 (" I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. "); 2:18 (" And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; ") etc. It is therefore reasonable to assume that if John had wanted to mention the Lord Jesus Christ he would most likely have given Him a title. Thirdly this mighty angel came down from heaven and clothed with a cloud not like Jesus who would “come with clouds. ”

Fourthly it is not inconceivable to find that there are other mighty angels possessing the same splendour. A case in point would be that of Lucifer himself before he fell from heaven. Ezekiel 28:11-15 , " Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God ; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee . "

Daniel saw a vision of an angel with a similar description. Daniel 10:5-6 , " Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude . " Therefore I believe that John saw a mighty angel and not the Lord Jesus Christ.

He comes down from heaven and clothed with a cloud. The drapery of the sky was on him. This perhaps symbolizes power, majesty, splendour and glory. This interpretation is due to the fact that he came with the express purpose of bringing judgement upon sinful men.

A rainbow was upon his head – The word for rainbow is “iris”. Iris was “the Greek goddess who personified the rainbow, and served as a messenger of the gods. In classical Greek iris was used to describe any bright halo surrounding another object, such as the circle surrounding the eyes on a peacock’s tail, or the iris or an eye. ” [ 1 ] The rainbow has been used in the Bible as the covenant mercy of God toward mankind that He will not judge sinful man by a global flood ever again. Just as the cloud symbolizes judgement, this rainbow represents the mercy of God. Perhaps this was to reassure believers that the judgement of God will be tempered with mercy and it will follow after His judgement. This is a very common theme in the whole Bible.

Malachi 3:16-18 ; 4:1-2 , " Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not . For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall . "

His face was as it were the sun – This is the brilliant and radiant glory which of course surpasses that of Moses (cf. Exo 34:29-35 ). This might even speak of purity and holiness. But this brightness pales into nothing when compared to the shekinah glory which God possesses. It was the kind that God had when he told Moses that no man can see Him and live (cf. Exo 33:20 )! And in 1 Timothy 6:15-16 , " Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen . "

His feet as pillars of fire – This points to the unbending righteous and holy judgements when he stamps out the judgements of God upon the earth. Fire has been used as a medium for burning away dross even in the establishment of the works of saints. Fire is also sued to consume the ungodly. In Malachi 4:1 , " For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch . "

In his hand he had a little book open – The Greek word used is “ biblaridion ” which literally means little book ( 10:2 , 8,9 , 10 ). This is different from the book mentioned in 5:1 for book ( biblion ). This little book has a significance in this chapter as John would be asked to eat it. Hence the size is mentioned. The fact that this little book was already opened tells us that once it is opened it remains opened and cannot be closed. This opened book contains the destruction and judgement that are yet to come!

His right foot was upon the sea and his left foot was upon the earth – Both the feet of the mighty angel stand on the sea and the earth revealing to us that the judgement of God will be total. This literally includes every inch of the planet earth.

*The mighty angel’s mighty revelations ( 10:3-8 ) – A series of actions are done by this mighty angel.

He cried with a loud voice like a lion’s roar – His loud cry portrays the power and authority that lies behind the judgement. The OT connects a loud lion-like roaring voice with the judgement of God.

Jeremiah 25:30 , " Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth . " Very often this is the same with us too when we scold our children or someone who has done a great wrong especially in the military.

Hosea 11:10 , " They shall walk after the LORD: he shall roar like a lion: when he shall roar, then the children shall tremble from the west . "

Joel 3:16 , " The LORD also shall roar out of Zion , and utter his voice from Jerusalem ; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel . "

Seven thunders uttered their voices – The number seven speaks of completeness. Thunder has often been used as a harbinger of judgement in the Bible ( cf 8:5 ; 11:19 ; 16:18 ; 1 Sam 2:10 ; 2 Sam 22:14 ; Psalm 18:13 ; John 12:28-30 ).

Exodus 9:23 , " And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt . "

1 Samuel 7:10 , " And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel . "

Isaiah 29:6 , " Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire . "

Whose voice would this be? It definitely could not be the voice of the mighty angel as this voice follows after his. This could very well be the voice of God.

Psalms 18:13 , " The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire . "

John was told to seal up the things the seven thunders uttered and do not write them – What was the content of this message we are not told. Any speculation on our part would be pointless. But one thing is for sure it is some kind of judgement. These words were to be sealed and kept from man. Why?

The mighty angel lifts hand to heaven – The significance of this action is that of making an oath. One of his hands will be up raised heavenward as his other hand is holding the little book. Which hand was it that held the book the left or the right? MacArhur said that it was the left hand that held the book ( vol 1, page 284). What do you think?

The mighty angel swore in the name of God that the time is up – Making a solemn vow that what he had been asked to do he will carry them out to the best of his ability. Truth is also a factor in vow making. What he is about to say is the truth and nothing but the truth. It was a vow made in the name of God Himself.

Would you say that what he did here is against what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount about not make oaths (cf. Matthew 5:34-35 )? The titles used by the mighty angel in his vow making refer the eternality an omnipotence of God over all of His creation. Powerful man comes and powerful man goes but God alone remains forever. Men are great pretenders of God when they think they really wield some real power. All of the kingdoms of mankind have come and have gone no matter how powerful they have appeared to be in the minds of man. But these powers of man are puny in the sight of God.

Man’s day of judgement has come. Man’s existence on earth is about to come to a swift conclusion. This world of ours as we know it now will soon become a thing of the past. It will be become a memory and the new reality will be the new heaven and new earth created by our Heavenly Father.

It is also known as the mystery of God. Mystery is defined as that which was hidden by God and to be revealed in due time, God’s time. Who are those in the OT who wrote about the last days? Daniel, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel, Amos, Zechariah, and Malachi all wrote about the last days.

The voice from Heaven told John to take the little book – John was told to take the book from the hand of the mighty angel. How is he worthy to take this book?

What is he suppose to do with this little book?

*John and the little book ( 10:9-11 ) --The graphic and very symbolic answer to the prayers of the saints of God concerning their prayers for the judgement of God that will come upon sinful men is about to be fulfilled. Revelation 6:9-10 , " And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? "

The cry for justice is very commendable in our age and time where justice has been replaced by a warped sense of sentimentalism. Criminals are released and protected more than victims. Light sentences are dished out for heinous crimes. The law courts all over the world are either an example of under punishment or over punishment. Justice by man that is not based upon the Word of God will not be fair and just. But not so the justice dished out by a sovereign and always just God. He never over or under punishes anyone. Every sin committed by man will be judged perfectly and equitably. No man can hide this evil motives and thought from the all knowing God.

John ate the little book – Now that John is told that the punishment of God will finally be poured down upon sinful man for the last and final time, John and all believers are taught by God to adopt the right attitude. This lesson was taught to John by means of an action. John was told to eat the little book which represents the book of Revelation vis a vis, the final and great judgements of God on sinful man. The cry of the saints will now be finally answer for ever. They can have their last laugh, or so it seems. The book that John ate was sweet as honey in his mouth. Honey was known at that time to be the sweetest thing that the Jews had in Palestine. This means that saints will be very pleased to see the judgement of God vindicating the saints for the great injustice they have to suffer for Jesus sake.

But when the book reaches the stomach, it became bitter. This indicates to the saints that even as they see the wrath of God poured down upon sinful man, it only brings bitterness to the believers’ heart. There is no joy or should there ever be any glee when we see the sinners punish by God and then sent to the lake of Fire for eternity. This must bring bitterness or sorrow to our heart. There must never be a sense of pride or last laugh when sinners lived a life of error and deception, only sadness. This is the heart of God too. The Lord does not delight in sending any man to Hell, and nietehr must the believer.

2 Peter 3:9 , " The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance . "

Uphold justice all the time but always temper justice with mercy. How to do that without compromising?

John must continue to prophesy – Does this means that John were to stop prophesying? No. All the more John must be about God’s business and warn as many as would listen of the impending judgement that would fall upon sinful man when the Lord returns. He must continue to record and keep writing the rest of the book of Revelation for the whole world. This is seen in the use of the word “again. ”

John may be in Patmos but his message will reached millions. The judgement of God will involve the whole world. Our ministry involves the whole world. We must be involved in the affairs of the whole world when it comes to matter of Christianity. We cannot say that it is none of our business. The world is our business!

ii. The Measuring of the Temple – 11:1-2

After receiving the renewed command to record the rest of the book of Revelation, John is now given a reed which is like a rod. “ Kalamos (measuring rod) refers to a reedlike plant that grew in the Jordan valley to a height of fifteen or twenty feet. IT had a stalk that was hollow and lightweight, yet rigid enough to be used as walking staff (cf. Eze 29:6 ) or to be shaved down into a pen ( 3 John 13 ). The stalks, because they are long and light weight, were ideal for use as measuring rods. In Ezekiel’s vision, an angel used such a rod to measure the millennial temple ( Eze 40:3-49 ; 41 ; 42 ; 43:1-17 ) [ MacArthur, vol 1, page 293 ]. ”

Quite obviously John was not asked to take the measurement of the Temple for some architectural purpose. No dimension was given at all. Furthermore the context points to one of impending judgement. ”It could have indicated, as on occasion in the Old Testament, that God sometimes marks things out for destruction (e. g., 2 Sam 8:2 ; 2 Ki 21:13 ; Isa 28:17 ; Lam 2:8 ; Amos 7:7-9 , 17 ). But John’s measuring is better understood as signifying ownership, defining the parameters of God’s possessions ( cf 21:15 ; Zech 2:1-5 ). This measuring signified something good, since what was not measured was evil (v 2 ). It is best to see it as God’s measuring off Israel, symbolized by her temple, for salvation and for His special protection, preservation, and favour. The prophecies yet to be given to John will thus distinguish between God’s favour toward Israel and His wrath on the pagan world [ Ibid 293 ]. ” Do you agree with McArthur’s observations?

John was commanded to measure with the reed. He was to measure the temple, the altar and the ones who were inside worshipping. But the court which was outside and for the Gentiles only was not to be measured. What does this mean?

Also the holy city i. e. Jerusalem will be handed over to the Gentiles to be trodden underfoot for 42 months i. e 3 and ½ years. By this time, about 95 A. D., the temple had already been destroyed by Titus in 70 A. D. This will give John the blessed hope that one day the temple will be rebuilt before the Great Tribulation begins.

The picture is clear. The Temple does not refer to the entire temple complex. The Holy of Holies and the Holy Place and the inner court where the altar of sacrifice is located and only the Jews and worshippers of God are allowed to enter with their offerings, will be “measured” by John. The outer courtyard where the Gentiles are allowed to enter will not be protected by God. The city of Jerusalem will also not be protected but be handed over to the Gentiles.

Gentile believers will be saved during the Great Tribulation but there will also be many will take the side of Satan and attack the city of God. This sharp distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles further points to the fact that after the rapture, the distinction between the Jews and the Gentiles are now pronounced again. This was no to be in the church including the local church before the rapture.

Ephesians 2:14-22 , " For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit . "

The forty two months mentioned here refers to the second half of the Great Tribulation. This is the culmination of the “times of the Gentiles” mentioned in Luke 21:24 .

Luke 21:24 says, " And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. "

For thousands of years, Gentiles have been in one way of another oppressing and occupied Jerusalem. The Assyrians, Babylonians, Medo-Persians, Greeks, Romans, Turks, British and the Arabs have been occupying the holy city of God for centuries in turn. Today Israel’s existence is very fragile that is putting it very mildly. The climatic attack on the holy city by Satan and the antichrist will surpass all that has been done in the past. It will be a devastation that will reduce the city to a city of Sodom and Egypt.

But during this same 42 months, God will shelter His people which will definitely include the 144 000 Israelites of RE 7 . God will prepare a place for His people to flee and hide.

Revelation 12:6 , " 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 . " Some have speculated that the place of wilderness hiding is the rock of Petra, the old home of the Edomites. Many Jews will heed God’s warning and will flee.

Matthew 24:15-20 , " When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day : "

iii. The Two Witnesses – 11:3-14

Two witnesses will be sent by God to prophesy. Why two witnesses? The Bible requires two witnesses for any matter to be confirmed ( Deu 17:6 ; 19:15 ; Matt 18:16 ; Jn 8:17 ; 2 Cor 13:1 ; 1 Tim 5:19 ; Heb 10:28 ). The judgement of God will be confirmed by these two witnesses. They will preach the word f God for the next 3 and ½ years. Power from God will be given to them. Their clothing will be that of sackcloth. Sackcloth has always been used in times of mourning and sadness.

“The two witnesses will put on sackcloth as an object lesson to express their great sorrow for the wretched and unbelieving world, racked by God’s judgement, overrun by demon hordes, and populated by wicked sinful people who refuse to repent. They will also mourn because of the desecration of the temple, the oppression of Jerusalem, and the ascendancy of Antichrist [ Ibid, 299 ]. ”

The identity of the two witnesses has intrigued Bible scholars for centuries. John identifies them here as in Revelation 11:4 , " These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth . " This description is probably drawn form Zech 4:1-14 .

Zechariah 4:1-14 , " And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep, And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof. So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth. Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth . "

Olive trees and candlesticks are symbols of the light of revival. Olive oil was commonly used in lamps. This is a very apt name for the two witnesses as this will be their primary purpose for their existence during the next 42 months. They will be the bearers of the light of Jesus Christ during the darkest hour of man’s history.

Who are these two witnesses? It is not possible to be dogmatic about their identities but there are sufficient reasons to believe that they might very likely be Moses and Elijah.

a. The miracles they will perform in the future are very similar to what these two prophets did in the Old Testament. Revelation 11:5-6 , " And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will . " Moses turned the Nile water into blood in Exo 7:17-21 as the first plague was unleashed upon Egypt. Elijah was known as the prophet of fire because of the many fiery judgements he did in trying to stimulate repentance. He called fire for heaven in 2 Kings 1:10-12 .

b. The second reason why some believe that it might be Moses and Elijah is a both historical and biblical one. Jewish tradition believed that Elijah and Moses would be the ones who will return. Moses is referred to as the prophet in which the Lord will be patterned after in Deu 18:5 , 18 . Elijah was the one prophesied as the prophet who will return before the Lord’s return. Malachi 4:5 , " Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD : "

c. The third reason is that both Moses and Elijah appeared with Christ at the Mount of Transfiguration which was a preview of the second Coming of Christ 9cf. Matt 17:3 ).

d. The fourth reason is that both of them left the earth in very unusual ways. Elijah was taken up by a chariot of fire (cf. 2Ki 2:11-12 ). Moses was supernaturally buried by God in a secret location ( Deu 34:5-6 ; Jude 9 ). [ These reasons are adapted from MacArthur, vol 1, pages 300-301 ]

These are but possible reasons. Without any specific names given by God as to the identity of these two witnesses, our views are at best opinions and must not be taken as absolutes. My own personal view is that based upon Malachi 4:5 , one of the two witnesses is most probably Elijah. As to the other being Moses, I am not so sure. Why would God called Moses back from the dead and to die again?

These two witnesses are very powerful. They will kill and destroy anyone who would stand in their way. Their ministry form God’s perspective must carry on to the end. They must not be stopped. Why are the reactions of these two witnesses so swift and destructive? Whereas today we are told to be mild and subdued like a lamb.

People will hate them and fear them because of the God given power. They will control both fire and water. Famine and the destructive force of fire will fall upon sinful man by the hands of God’s servants.

Upon the completion of their mission they will be killed by the antichrist. Revelation 11:7 , " And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them . " The origin of the beast is the bottomless it. He will be energized by Satan to fight against the two witnesses. The beast will win over the hearts of the evil men by the deaths of the two witnesses.

The dead bodies of the two witnesses will be left in the streets of the great city. Revelation 11:8 , " And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt , where also our Lord was crucified . " Tragically the city of God will be turned into a city of death and destruction and sin. It is called spiritually Sodom and Egypt. Egypt was Israel’s city of bondage for 430 years. Sodom was the city of sin and fornication. Both of them were destroyed by the judgement of God.

The identity of the city is Jerusalem. This was the place where our Lord was crucified implying that these two witnesses of God were killed for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

People from all over the world will see the bodies of the two witnesses. This will be displayed for 3 and ½ days. The people will not allow their bodies to be buried in a tomb. This is to gloat over the dead bodies of God’s witnesses in triumphant. Revelation 11:10 , " And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth . " This will promote the power of the antichrist and his cause. This temporal and momentary victory will again deceive many and their hearts will be hardened to the truth of God even further.

Why three and ½ days? Perhaps this was to show that they are really dead. Just as Jesus delayed his coming to Mary and Martha’s home for 4 days to make sure that Lazarus was really dead before he did the miracle of raising him from the dead. In the case of the two witnesses it was for a public demonstration of their so-called power over God and His servants.

But God will always have the final victory. Revelation 11:11-12 , " And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them . " His servants can rest assured in this wonderful truth that God knows what He is doing. In the darkest moments when evil man thinks that He is defeated, He will demonstrate His mighty power to thwart the puny efforts of man and Satan in trying to prevent or even slow down the works and plan of God. These two witnesses will be resurrected from the dead so that sinful men were given a glimpse of who they are dealing with. They are fighting against God and not mere mortal man.

Will man repent after having seen the miraculous? This was the first and only time where the resurrection was seen by evil men.

This was followed by an earthquake that will kill seven thousand and destroy a tenth part of the city of God. These were perhaps special leaders of antichrist kingdom. The “remnant” who were alive and saw this were frightened. Most probably the Jews are referred to hear. They will be converted as seen by the use of the phrase that they “gave glory to the God of heaven. ” Revelation 11:13 , " And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven . "

Perhaps this “remnant” refers to the 144, 000 Jews.

This was the end of the sixth trumpet which was also the end of the second woe. This lasted 3 and ½ years. The end is indeed very near. The seventh trumpet has yet to be blown. This was the third and last woe.

iv. The Seventh Trumpet is the Third Woe – 11:15-19

The significance of the seventh trumpet is very great. This ushers in the last and final moment of man’s history as he knows it. Man’s rule and reign on earth will be over soon. These are the final moments of man’s existence. The conclusion of the final chapter of mankind is about to occur. The end is near.

This will be the final consummation of the plan of God Almighty. What we read in Genesis was the beginning. A beginning filled with hope for mankind. But this hope was dashed when Adam sinned and plunged the whole of humanity into sin, darkness and death. Here in Revelation we read of the climax of the wrath of God. The final three trumpets will be so horrific that they are referred to as woes. Now we come to the blowing of the last and final trumpet.

Revelation 11:15 , " And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever . "

Notice that what we are reading here is the reaction to the trumpet rather than the events concerning the trumpet. This is interesting because the final words of God for the final part of man’s history begins with a scene in heaven. The great voices form heaven must come from the believers and perhaps the angels too. They rejoice greatly with unrestrained joy that the power of Satan will be broken forever and the plague of death and sin will be cast aside for all eternity. The sovereignty of God over the creation of God will once again be restored back to the days before the Fall. Can I say that the sovereignty of God is now restored back to God?

What does this verse remind us of? It reminds us of the Lord’s Prayer.

The kingdoms of this world will literally become the kingdoms of the Lord Jesus Christ. The realization of Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords will soon be fulfilled.

Explain John 18:36-37 , " Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice . " Here Jesus says that his kingdom is not of this earth but in Revelation the kingdoms of men has become the kingdoms of Christ. Did God change His mind and now wish to make the kingdoms of men His kingdoms? What happened?

The reign of Christ’s kingdom will be forever. Who will reign with Him? 2 Timothy 2:11-13 , " It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself . " And Revelation 20:6 , " Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years . " Will angels reign with Christ?

Two OT passages that describe the kingdom of Christ are found in Daniel 2:34-35 , 44-45 ; 7:13-14 .

The twenty-four elders represent the myriads of raptured saints and they were seated as they reigned with Christ. The left their seats and fell on their faces and worshipped God. Falling on their faces is an acknowledgement of great humility. It also represents the lowliness of man that he is dust before God. Their worship includes ..

Revelation 11:17 , " Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned . "

THANKSGIVING – One of the best demonstration of man’s gratitude is to give thanks to God. What do you have to thank God for beside the hopeful eternity that awaits you? Is there anything you can thank God for today, say right now?

GOD ALMIGHTY IS HIS NAME – “The elders’ praise focused on three of God’s attributes. Pantokrator (Almighty) describes God’s sovereign, omnipotent, irresistible power. Nine of its ten New Testament uses are in Revelation ( cf 1:8 ; 4:8 ; 15:3 ; 16 , 14 ; 19:6 , 15 ; 21:22 21:22 ). It has the sense of God exercising His all-embracing, all-encompassing will by means of His irresistible power [ MacArthur, vol 315 ]. ” The first time God used the term almighty to introduce Himself he demonstrates His awesome power. Where is this found?

The phrase “ which art, and wast, and art to come ” refers to the immutability of God. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. His omnipresence is highlighted here for emphasis, that God is in control of all of man’s history.

The reason, “ because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned ” The sovereignty of God over the affairs of man has always been underrated by man including God’s people. This is seen by the murmurings of the people of Israel in the wilderness as well as the murmurings of the people of God today at the first sign of trouble. Lost of jobs, economic downturn, wars, power of great nations, health, failures in exam, etc. are all factors, that by our reaction and attitudes to them, have demonstrates clearly the kind of concept we have of our God.

The reaction of the unbelieving nations to the Lord will be... Revelation 11:18 , " And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth . "

Anger – an emotion which is part of how God has made us. Here it demonstrates the hardness of man’s heart. This will be a deep seated ongoing hostility against God and His wrath. What a condemnation against sinful man. Instead of pleading for mercy man becomes enraged. God deliberately sued the past tense (proleptic aorist – KJV translates it as “is come”) to describe His wrath as if it has already come. The certainty of God’s wrath must not be doubted by God’s people.

The time of the judgement of the dead has also arrived. He will judge both the quick and the dead. The judgement of God is thorough and complete. No one will be left out. It will be complete in terms of quantity as well as quality. The heart of man will also be judged. Psalms 139:21-24 , " Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting . " And 1 Corinthians 11:30-32 , " For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world . "

Even as the wicked were judged the people of God will be rewarded. The servants (douloi – bondservants) who were God’s prophets will be rewarded. They will not only include the prophets of the OT and NT who performed prophetic ministries but also all who proclaimed God’s truth throughout the centuries. This would include the all the faithful men who stood for God in the Dark Ages against all odds and opposition. They will be revealed and rewarded.

The saints come next for a time of reward. This would include all born again believers. They would also be the same ones who would fear God’s Name.

NOTE: Revelation 21:7-8 , " He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death . " What does it mean to fear God’s name? All will be included, both the small and the great.

God will destroy all who would destroy the world with their sin not the environment. Satan, demons, and all unbelievers will be included here. The last three chapters will elaborates on this.

Revelation 11:19 , " And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail . "

Is this a real temple or an imagery describing Heaven which is the “home” of God?

If it is real then the Ark of the Covenant would be in heaven. If it is an imagery then the understanding of the ark of the covenant would refer to the covenant of God that He has with His people. This reminds the people of the fact that it was based upon God’s suzerainty covenant that they can have their reward and place in Heaven reigning with Jesus Christ. It is all God’s work and none of man. (See Psalm 11:4 )

The “ lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail ” describe the majestic glory that accompanied the glorious place called heaven ( cf 4:5 ). In 8:5 and 16:17-18 though they referred to judgement. It is as if God is teaching us that Heaven is a place of sweet abode for believers but a place also from which the judgement of God emanates.

In light of this sobering revelation how ought we to live our lives? 2 Peter 3:10-12 , " Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ? "

5. The Signs – 12:1-14:20

This was the next level of revelation that John saw. It brought him all the way back to the time of Genesis. This would be the perspective of God’s plan of salvation from the eyes of Satan. He will take center stage in God’s revelation till his demise and destruction in Revelation 20 .

a. The Woman – 12:1-2, 6, 13-16

The identity of the woman was that it has to be Israel. This is the normal use of symbolic language. This woman is not the woman of Rev 17:3,4 . The woman of Rev 12 was clothed with the sun and the moon was under her feet. And on her head was a crown of 12 stars. Do we have a passage in the Bible where this kind of imagery was used before, to represent something or someone? Genesis 37:9-11 says, " And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying . "

The sun was Jacob. The moon was probably Rachel and Leah and the twelve stars were the twelve sons of Jacob. MacArthur comments, “That the woman was clothed with the sun reflects redeemed Israel’s unique glory and brilliance, and dignity because of her exalted status as God’ chosen nation (cf. Deu 7:6 ; 14:2 ; 1Kings 3:8 ; Psalm 33:12 ; 106:5 ; Isa 43:20 ). It also links her with Jacob (the sun in Joseph’s dream), an heir in he Abrahamic covenant; Israel’s continued existence as a nation reflects the ongoing fulfillment of that covenant (cf. Gen 12:1-2 ). The reference to the moon under her feet may be a further description of Israel’ exalted status. It could also include the concept of God’s covenantal relationship with Israel, since the moon was part of the cycle of Israel’s required time of worship (cf. Num 29:5-6 ; Neh 10:33 ; Ps 81:3 ; Isa 1:13-14 ; Col 2:16 ). The crown ( stephanos ; the crown associated with triumph in the midst of suffering and struggle) of twelve stars (Joseph being the twelth) on the woman’s head refers to the twelve tribes of Israel. ” [ MacArthur, vol 2, page 5—emphasis original ] How do you find MacArthur’s interpretation?

The focus shifted immediately to the birth of a child. Just like an ordinary child birthing there was labour pain. This describes the travail of Israel’s long and painful history till the first coming of Jesus Christ. From her wilderness wandering to the crossing of the river Jordan, and right through to the time of Judges where every man did what was right in his own eyes. This was followed by the monarchy where Israel was torn into two by the end of Solomon’s rule. The divided kingdom became the single kingdom after Israel, the northern kingdom, was destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 B. C. Soon after, that in 586 B. C. Judah, the remaining Southern Kingdom, was also destroyed but by the Babylonians. The 70 years of captivity were years of shame and tears where the Land of Promised was destitute of God’s blessing and favour. After their return in the time of Zerubbabel in the 6 ^th century B. C. Israel was never the same again. She became a vassal state, first to the Persians then the Greeks and followed by the Romans. It was still during the dominance of the Romans that this present revelation was given to John and also when the Lord Jesus Christ was born.

After the birth of the child, the journey of the woman continues in 12:6 . She fled into the wilderness where there was a place prepared for her by God. This transports John to the time of the Great Tribulation. The time frame of a thousand two hundred and three scores days (42 months which is also three and a half years) point to this interpretation. This would correspond to the second half of the seven years of great tribulation. When will “the fleeing into the wilderness” begin? It will probably start when the abomination of desolation is placed in the tribulation Temple.

Matthew 24:15-21 , " When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be . "

12:14-16 --While Israel is hiding, God will somehow nourish and protect her so that at the end of the tribulation there will be the restored nation of Israel made up of 144, 000 Jews, 12 thousand from the 12 tribes mentioned in Rev 7 . Eventually despite what Satan and the antichrist will try to do, all Israel will be saved as God had prophesied.

Romans 11:26 , " And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob : "

The emphasis on the woman continues from 12:13 . Satan was cast out of heaven onto the earth, in a state of anger and vengeance he will hurled his wrath onto Israel which was the witness of God on earth. The word “persecuted” means “to chase or to pursue after. ” Israel has been the target of numerous attacks since her beginning in the days of Moses even before they came out of Egypt. These forces that were and are still against Israel are energized by Satan.

“The two wings of a great eagle” depicts the protection of God as Israel fled swiftly from the grasp of Satan.

Exodus 19:4 , " Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself . " Wings in the Bible usually point to some sort of protection.

Deuteronomy 32:9-11 , " For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings : " [ see also Psalm 17:8 ; 36:7 ; 57:1 ; 61:4 ; 63:7 ; 91:4 91:4 ). The LORD always take very good care of His own.

Was Israel a believing nation during this period of God’s protection?

12:14 is a repeat of 12:6 with a slight addition. Israel’s protection was sovereign and even if Satan knew where Israel had hid herself in the wilderness, she will be safe and remain protected by God. Satan cannot touch her. The phrase “a time and times and half a time” refers to the same time period of 12:6 i. e 42 months.

12:5 points to some form of forces hurled by Satan in his onslaught against Israel. “Cast out of his mouth as a flood” would probably refer to the armies that he will send against Israel. It will be swarming like a flood. This flood (Satan’s armies) will try their level best to destroy Israel.

12:6 speaks of the earth. The earth i. e. the literal earth will be used by the LORD to protect Israel. This was done before in the past and will do it again in the future.

Numbers 16:28-33 , " And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation . " The armies sent by Satan will be summarily destroyed by the LORD!

b. The Dragon – 12:3, 4, 7-13, 15-17

12:3 --Another wonder in heaven refers to none other than Satan. This was one of the, if not the, main causes of Israel’s pain, the great red dragon. Satan is symbolically denoted as the red dragon because of the fierce nature of the dragon imagery. The word dragon in the OT as used in Psalm 74:13 ; 148:7 ; and Isa 27:1 and 51:9 and Jer 51:34 ; and Eze 29:3 is also translated as whales in Gen 1:21 ; Job 7:12 ; and Eze 32:2 . This is not to be confused with the dragon of the Chinese mythology or any other mythology.

The colour red depicts a fiery disposition and bloody destruction. In other words Satan is depicted here as a large ferocious blood thirsty monster.

He has seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns (diadems; royal crowns used here to symbolize his power and authority) on his heads. MacArthur wrote, “The seven heads with their seven diadems.. represent seven consecutive world empires running their course under Satan’s dominion: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and Antichrist’s future empire ( 17:9-10 ). The final kingdom, ruled by Antichrist, will be a ten-nation confederacy; the ten horns represent the kings who will rule under Antichrist ( 17:12;13 : 1 ; Dan 7:23-25 ). The shifting of the diadems from the dragon’s heads to the beast’s horns ( 13:1 ) reveals the shift in power from the seven consecutive world empires to the ten kings under the final Antichrist. ” [ MacArthur, vol 2, page 7 ]

Satan’s imitation of Jesus Christ the true King of kings will be complete in the last days. Millions of people will follow him.

12:4 – The dragon’s tail drew not swept because each and very angelic being that followed in Satan’s rebellion against God did it on their own accord. Here the Bible reveals to us that when the fall of Satan occurred in heaven one third of all of God’s created angelic beings fell with him. They too were cast onto the earth by the LORD together with Satan. Jesus said to His disciples in Luke 10:18 , " And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven . "

Satan was watching and waiting like a roaring lion to devour the Lord Jesus Christ the moment He comes into this world and take on bodily form. For the first time in all of eternity, Satan knew that God the Son could be killed for He had taken on the form of a man. His helper was none other than king Herod.

Matthew 2:15-18 , " And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not . "

Some of these demons that followed Satan are now bound. Jude 1:6 , " And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day . " This would be the angels that took them wives of all which they chose from the daughters of men in the days of Noah just before the Flood (see Genesis 6:1-4 ). They are now kept in everlasting chains till the day of Judgement at the end of the millennium.

12:7-9 – There was war in heaven. How could there be war in heaven? Is it not true to say that all the wills of God in heaven are fulfilled? The LORD’s prayer seems to imply this. Yet here the Bible says that there was war in heaven! What does this mean? When did this war begin?

This war began when Satan wanted to be like God. He fell and God had to cast him out of heaven (cf. Isa 14:12-14 ; Ezek 28:11-18 ). Apparently he was still able to come and go in heaven not as he pleases but as the LORD pleases (cf. Job 1 , 2 ).

Although this is true, his dominion is not in heaven but on earth. He is known as the god of this world ( 2 Cor 4:4 ) and the prince of the power of the air in Eph 2:2 . His followers are demons hosts who will be his “spiritual wickedness in high places ( Eph 6:12 ). ”

This means that war still happen in the heavenly realms. Satan together with his fallen angels, have actively opposed both the holy angels and God’s people since the Fall. In the Old Testament, demons sought to hinder the ministry of the holy angels to Israel in Daniel 10:12-13 . In the present age, Satan is said to be like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (cf. 1 Pet 5:8 ). He will continue to oppose the spread of the gospel ( Matt 13:19 , 37-39 ; Acts 13:10 ), oppress individuals ( Lk 13:10-16 ; Acts 10:38 ), and uses sin to disrupt and pollute the local churches (Acts 5:1-11 ).

Michael and his angels will fight against Satan and his demons. This means that in the last days, this battle in the spiritual realm will intensify. How do angels and demons fight? What kind of weapons do they have? Can the weapons of man affect them or hurt them or kill them?

“With what weapons and by what tactics this heavenly warfare will be waged is beyond our understanding. Angels cannot be injured or slain with earthly weapons, and such physical forces as we know about are not able to move spiritual beings. But these beings do operate in a physical universe, so there must exists powerful physico-spiritual energies of which we yet have only vague intimations, energies which can propel angelic bodies at superluminary velocities through space and which can move mountains and change planetary orbits. It is with such energies and powers that this heavenly battle will be waged and the spectators in heaven (including John) will watch in awe. When Michael finally prevails, and Satan is forced forever out of the heavens, a tremendous cry of thanksgiving will resound through the heavens. ” [ 2 ]

Michael the archangel has known Satan since the beginning of time when they were all created by God together. When the Fall took place, Michael and Satan had been at odds against one another. Michael is the defender of God’s people. In Daniel 10 , Michael helped the LORD Jesus Christ in his battle against Satan. Satan delayed the LORD from coming to Daniel when Daniel prayed. This delay lasted three weeks. Daniel 12 also speaks of Michael coming to the defense of God’s people. Daniel 12:1-3 , " And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever . "

In the New Testament, Michael continues to be the defender of God’s people. Jude 1:9 , " Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee . " This reveals to us that after Moses death the evil one contested for the possession of Moses’ body. Why does he want Moses’ body? Perhaps he wanted it for some evil purpose like causing the people of Israel to worship it? In the will and power of the LORD, Michael prevailed.

Deuteronomy 34:5-7 , " So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab , according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab , over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated . "

This war was waged against Satan and his hosts. This verse reveals to us clearly that Satan has in his command the forces of the fallen angels. This is an all out war between the archangel Michael and the good angels and Satan and the demons. The end of it was that Satan and his demons will be permanently cast out of heaven.

“But heaven’s cleansing is earth’s pollution, as Satan’s full fury explodes on humanity when he is cast to the earth ( cf 12:12 ). At exactly what point in the Tribulation Satan and the demons will be evicted from heaven is not revealed, nor is the duration of their battle with Michael and the holy angels. All that can be said with certainty is that Satan and the demons will be cast out of heaven, possibly at the rapture, but no later than the midpoint of the Tribulation. Verse 12 says that Satan and his forces have only “a short time” after they leave heaven, supporting the view that they will have only the last three and a half years of the Tribulation to operate, rather than the full seven years. They will not arrive on earth later than that, since they clearly are present during the terrible events of the last three and a half years, the Great Tribulation ( cf 9:1ff ). During that last period, Satan’s full power will be directed at everyone belonging to God, especially Israel. ” [ 3 ]

Do you agree with MacArthur’s comments?

The great dragon was cast out from heaven to the earth. This is the second and permanent expulsion from heaven. Why was Satan required to be cast out twice? Does it not mean that God’s power is not that powerful that He needed to cast Satan out twice? If not then what is the difference between the first and the second casting out of heaven?

“The old serpent” refers to the serpent that was at the Garden of Eden. This immediately thrusts the reader back to the time of the fall in Genesis. As serpent is subtle and treacherous, perhaps this describes to us that the character of Satan from then till now remains unchanged. His methods will always be subtle and extremely treacherous and deceptive. What is the difference between deception and lying?

2 John 1:7 , " For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist . "

Satan is also called the Devil ( diabolos which means “slanderer, ” “defamer, ” or “false accuser”). He is known as the accuser of the brethren. He will accuse men to God and God to men and men to men. This is his mode of operation. He will level charges especially false ones against God and His people. By his false representation of God he deceives millions of people with the many religions of the world. With his false representation of God’s people before God he attempts to cause us to lose our faith and curse God and die (cf. Job 1 and 2 ). But thanks be to God our salvation is complete and no one can level a charge against anyone who is truly born again because of what Jesus Christ has done.

Romans 8:31-34 , " What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us . "

As Satan he is known as the adversary. This is a very fitting name for the Evil One. He is constantly fighting against God. He attacks God’s people, God, His Son, His Holy Spirit and His Holy Word.

Here he is also called the one “which deceiveth the whole world. ” The extent of his dominion is the whole world. The deception will spread to the four corners of the world. He is known ad the father of lies (cf. Jn 8:44 ). He seduces his victims into believing that they are doing the will of God when in fact they are doing his evil will. Revelation chapters 13 and 17 will elaborate on this domination. All of them will be cast out of heaven permanently.

12:10-12 --When this happens, there will be great rejoicing in heaven. This loud voice declares in Revelation 12:10 , " 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 . "

The climax of man’s salvation has arrived. This must also include the entire earth as the Fall affected all of God’s creation on earth.

Romans 8:19-22 , " For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now . "

The strength of God mentioned here refers tot eh omnipotence of God. The kingdom of our God refers to the ultimate victory that belongs to God and all of God’s people. This is what it means to be a Christian. The moment you are saved you are a soldier of Christ and you are in His kingdom. As you survey the scene around you, do not forget that the kingdom of God almighty will prevail over all kingdoms. This is the fulfillment of Daniel 2 (the image of Nebuchadnezzar) and Daniel 7 (the image of the beasts).

The power of Christ is also mentioned here to complete the whole picture. The power of Christ includes His salvific work and not only His power as God. This is mentioned in great sequential detail in

Revelation 12:11 , " 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 . " Christians are found in heaven not because of the power of Christ per se. But because of the salvific work of Christ on Calvary.

Here Satan is called the accuser of the brethren. He will probably challenge God and say that these are all sinners and they have no right to be in heaven. You cast me out because of my sin you must also cast all of them out because of their sins! None of them deserve to be here in heaven! Do you think that you deserve to be in heaven? This he will do day and night! It is therefore so reassuring and wonderful to now that in heaven the Lord Jesus Christ intercedes for us before the throne of grace. On earth where Satan will be cast down to permanently, we have the Holy Spirit of God interceding for us with groans that cannot be uttered. How complete and great is our protection? Christians who know the truth have no need to fear.

Who are the “they” in 12:11 ? I believe that these refer to the Christians who have received the first resurrection and the rapture. The threefold declaration is:

· overcame him by the blood of the Lamb – the only basis for the believer’s victory and entrance and remaining in heaven. This is so important that the apostle declared that anyone who preaches another gospel will be anathema.

Galatians 1:6-12 , " I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ . " This is one of the items in the believer’s armour that he must have and always keep on his head, the helmet of his salvation.

· overcame him by the word of their testimony – The testimony of the saints of the goodness of God never waned. They kept on trusting in the Lord no matter what the consequences to their lives were. The Bible is crucial in this part of the weapon Christians used against the evil one. They used the Word of God to ward off the attacks of the evil one. The Word of God is the basis for the exercise of their faith which kept them faithful to the end. Therefore this word of God will come under constant attack all the time and till the end of time. With the word of God we will perish.

Ezekiel 7:24-27 , " Wherefore I will bring the worst of the heathen, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be defiled. Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. Mischief shall come upon mischief, and rumour shall be upon rumour; then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do unto them after their way, and according to their deserts will I judge them; and they shall know that I am the LORD . " And

Proverbs 29:18 , " Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he . " The testimony of the saints will always be God’s Word. This is the strength and sword of the Spirit that the Christian wields as part of his spiritual armour from the LORD (cf. Eph 6:17 ).

· they loved not their lives unto death --They never waver and they followed the Lord until death. Is there any other way to serve the LORD other than unto death?

Matthew 16:24-28 , " Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom . "

Are we prepared to give our lives for the LORD? This is what is expected of all Christians by the Lord Jesus Christ. If we all would practice this how abundant and victorious a Christian life we would live. The victory over Satan is found in this verse. The strength of the victory is based upon a threefold cord: Blood of Christ; Word of God; the consecrated life of the believer.

12:12-13 -- The rejoicing – The rejoicing includes the heavens. This would be the three heavens of the Bible: the first heaven (atmosphere), the second heaven (stratosphere), and the third heaven (where God dwells). The inhabitants in these heavens were also asked to rejoice as well. This is amazing for all of God’s creation in the heavens is to rejoice due to the Devil being defeated. Angels and saints would definitely be included here.

Woe on earth – This rejoicing is quickly followed by a sobering warning of woe. The inhabitants on the earth and sea will face the great wrath of the Devil as he comes down.

What does it mean for the Devil to come down?

The great wrath ( thumos ) is not a rational kind of anger but a violent outburst of rage stemming from one who knows his time is nearly up. “Satan is now like a caged lion, enraged beyond words by the limitations now placed upon his freedom. He picks himself up from the dust of the earth, shakes his fist at the sky, and glares around, choking with fury for ways to vent his hatred and his spite upon human kind. ” [ 4 ]

This “short period of time” refers to the last three and a half years of the Great Tribulation as the next three verses reveal.

When Satan cannot take it out on God he takes it out on God’s people. This has always been the case when we are persecuted for Christ. 2 Timothy 3:12 , " Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution . " That is why God says that the Christian is doubly blessed when he suffers for Christ’s sake.

Matthew 5:10-11 , " Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake . "

Romans 8:17-18 , " And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us . " Suffering is part of what it means to be a Christian. If we live for Christ then be prepared for sufferings. They will come.

How should we react to suffering? Acts 5:41 , " And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name . "

Israel will be Satan’s prime target for the simple reason that she was the one through whom the Messiah came the first time. Believers will be persecuted but the wrath of Satan will be on Israel as well. This was prophesied by the Lord in the Olivet Discourse.

Matthew 24:15-22 , " When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened . "

I believe that this persecution will ultimately result in the salvation of the 144, 000 Israelites mentioned in Revelation 7 . Circumstances have to be sufficiently geared toward turning the sinners to Christ. If not for this we would continue in sin and self. This was also the case in the time of Moses when the people of Israel were persecuted by the Egyptians for more than 400 years as slaves. Their departure was based upon the hardship they endured unjustly in the hands of their Egyptian masters. That resulted in their departure.

Satan is here called the serpent. The change in his name is significant. It reveals the character of the evil one as he carries out his evil desires of destruction. As the serpent we are not only brought all the way back to the Garden of Eden but also to the character of a serpent itself. It is sly and cunning and poisonous.. He was there from the very beginning. This will perhaps also cause Israel to see into their origins and their need of the Saviour.

12:14 – The only thing to do in time like persecution is to flee. This was the manner the LORD will protect His people that Israel as a nation might be saved.

Romans 11:24-27 , " For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins . " Israel will be given 2 wings of a great eagle. This is symbolic of the speed of departure and the sure protection that Israel would receive from the LORD.

This was the same symbol the LORD used to describe what He did for Israel in the Exodus.

Exodus 19:4 , " Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself . " The destination of her protection would be the wilderness. The LORD would deal with Israel in the wilderness. She would be fed for the duration of her fugitive years (3 and ½ years). This will keep her from the face of the serpent.

12:15-17 – The serpent will “cast out of his mouth water as a flood” means that he will send forth his large and mighty army to pursue Israel. The purpose was the destruction of Israel.

The earth helped the woman by opening her mouth and swallowed up the “flood. ” The arm would probably be destroyed by a great and mighty earthquake. This is not unusual as the LORD had in the past used this to destroy the enemies of God’s people.

Numbers 16:28-34 , " And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the L </