Israel and the Devil
The Book of Revelation is not arranged in a strict chronological order. Instead, it moves through different time periods and perspectives, often overlapping and interweaving visions. One such vision that John receives from God highlights the ongoing spiritual conflict between Israel and the devil, as well as the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
In the Old Testament, Joseph had a dream that involved the sun, moon, and stars. The stars represented the twelve tribes of Israel, and from these twelve, the Messiah would be born. Shortly after his birth, King Herod tried to kill the child, but the Messiah grew, fulfilling God’s plan for humanity’s salvation, and ultimately ascended to heaven.
The Book of Revelation begins with a powerful sign:
“And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.”
(Revelation 12:1-2)
This vision symbolizes the nation of Israel, with the woman representing Israel’s role in bringing forth the Messiah. As the vision continues, it introduces the great red dragon, symbolizing Satan, and his role in the ongoing cosmic battle. Satan and his fallen angels will dominate the world during the Great Tribulation, acting as the driving force behind all evil.
“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child, he might devour it. She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne.”
(Revelation 12:3-5)
John’s vision of the Great Tribulation reveals Satan being finally cast out of heaven. In his fury, he pursues the woman’s descendants—Israel. Many of God’s people will flee into the mountains, where God will supernaturally protect them for 1,260 days, or three and a half years. But Satan, enraged by his defeat, turns his wrath on Christians, seeking to destroy as many as possible.
“And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days. Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”
(Revelation 12:6-9)
After Satan’s defeat in heaven, his fury escalates, and he turns his attention to the woman’s remaining offspring—those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
“Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.”
(Revelation 12:17)
Satan is given 1,260 days to hunt and destroy God’s people during the Great Tribulation, a period of testing and purification. This time of trial is an essential part of God’s ultimate plan for humanity, preparing believers for the final victory of good over evil.