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Text -- Revelation 12:1 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
The Woman, the Child, and the Dragon
12:1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and with the moon under her feet, and on her head was a crown of twelve stars.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: Women | Sun | Stars | SUN (2) | REVELATION OF JOHN | Moon | Meteorology and Celestial Phenomena | MICHAEL | MARY | Jesus, The Christ | DRAGON | Crown | Angel | Adultery | ASTRONOMY, II | APPEAR | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Defender , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , PBC , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Rev 12:1 - -- A great sign ( sēmeion mega ). The first of the visions to be so described (Rev 13:3; Rev 15:1), and it is introduced by ōphthē as in Rev 11:...

A great sign ( sēmeion mega ).

The first of the visions to be so described (Rev 13:3; Rev 15:1), and it is introduced by ōphthē as in Rev 11:19; Rev 12:3, not by meta tauto or by eidon or by eidon kai idou as heretofore. This "sign"is really a teras (wonder), as it is so by association in Mat 24:24; Joh 4:48; Act 2:22; Act 5:12. The element of wonder is not in the word sēmeion as in teras , but often in the thing itself as in Luk 21:11; Joh 9:16; Rev 13:13.; Rev 15:1; Rev 16:14; Rev 19:20.

Robertson: Rev 12:1 - -- A woman ( gunē ). Nominative case in apposition with sēmeion . "The first ‘ sign in heaven’ is a Woman - the earliest appearance of a ...

A woman ( gunē ).

Nominative case in apposition with sēmeion . "The first ‘ sign in heaven’ is a Woman - the earliest appearance of a female figure in the Apocalyptic vision"(Swete).

Robertson: Rev 12:1 - -- Arrayed with the sun ( peribeblēmenē ton hēlion ). Perfect passive participle of periballō , with the accusative retained as so often (9 time...

Arrayed with the sun ( peribeblēmenē ton hēlion ).

Perfect passive participle of periballō , with the accusative retained as so often (9 times) in the Apocalypse. Both Charles and Moffatt see mythological ideas and sources behind the bold imagery here that leave us all at sea. Swete understands the Woman to be "the church of the Old Testament"as "the Mother of whom Christ came after the flesh. But here, as everywhere in the Book, no sharp dividing line is drawn between the Church of the Old Testament and the Christian Society."Certainly she is not the Virgin Mary, as Rev 12:17 makes clear. Beckwith takes her to be "the heavenly representative of the people of God, the ideal Zion, which, so far as it is embodied in concrete realities, is represented alike by the people of the Old and the New Covenants."John may have in mind Isa 7:14 (Mat 1:23; Luk 1:31) as well as Mic 4:10; Isa 26:17.; Isa 66:7 without a definite picture of Mary. The metaphor of childbirth is common enough (Joh 16:21; Gal 4:19). The figure is a bold one with the moon "under her feet"(hupokatō tōn podōn autēs ) and "a crown of twelve stars"(stephanos asterōn dōdeka ), a possible allusion to the twelve tribes (Jam 1:1; Rev 21:12) or to the twelve apostles (Rev 21:14).

Vincent: Rev 12:1 - -- Wonder ( σημεῖον ) Better, as Rev., sign . See on Mat 24:24.

Wonder ( σημεῖον )

Better, as Rev., sign . See on Mat 24:24.

Vincent: Rev 12:1 - -- Clothed ( περιβεβλημένη ) Rev., better, arrayed. See on Rev 3:5.

Clothed ( περιβεβλημένη )

Rev., better, arrayed. See on Rev 3:5.

Vincent: Rev 12:1 - -- The moon under her feet See Son 6:10. The symbol is usually taken to represent the Church.

The moon under her feet

See Son 6:10. The symbol is usually taken to represent the Church.

Wesley: Rev 12:1 - -- Not only by St. John, but many heavenly spectators represented in the vision. A sign means something that has an uncommon appearance, and from which w...

Not only by St. John, but many heavenly spectators represented in the vision. A sign means something that has an uncommon appearance, and from which we infer that some unusual thing will follow.

Wesley: Rev 12:1 - -- The emblem of the church of Christ, as she is originally of Israel, though built and enlarged on all sides by the addition of heathen converts; and as...

The emblem of the church of Christ, as she is originally of Israel, though built and enlarged on all sides by the addition of heathen converts; and as she will hereafter appear, when all her "natural branches are again "grafted in." She is at present on earth; and yet, with regard to her union with Christ, may be said to be in heaven, Eph 2:6. Accordingly, she is described as both assaulted and defended in heaven, Rev 12:4, Rev 12:7. Clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars - These figurative expressions must he so interpreted as to preserve a due proportion between them. So, in Joseph's dream, the sun betokened his father; the moon, his mother; the stars, their children. There may be some such resemblance here; and as the prophecy points out the "power over all nations," perhaps the sun may betoken the Christian world; the moon, the Mahometans, who also carry the moon in their ensigns; and the crown of twelve stars, the twelve tribes of Israel; which are smaller than the sun and moon. The whole of this chapter answers the state of the church from the ninth century to this time.

JFB: Rev 12:1 - -- In size and significance.

In size and significance.

JFB: Rev 12:1 - -- Greek, "sign": significant of momentous truths.

Greek, "sign": significant of momentous truths.

JFB: Rev 12:1 - -- Not merely the sky, but the heaven beyond just mentioned, Rev 11:19; compare Rev 12:7-9.

Not merely the sky, but the heaven beyond just mentioned, Rev 11:19; compare Rev 12:7-9.

JFB: Rev 12:1 - -- The Church, Israel first, and then the Gentile Church; clothed with Christ, "the Sun of righteousness." "Fair as the moon, clear as the sun." Clothed ...

The Church, Israel first, and then the Gentile Church; clothed with Christ, "the Sun of righteousness." "Fair as the moon, clear as the sun." Clothed with the Sun, the Church is the bearer of divine supernatural light in the world. So the seven churches (that is, the Church universal, the woman) are represented as light-bearing candlesticks (Rev 1:12, Rev 1:20). On the other hand, the moon, though standing above the sea and earth, is altogether connected with them and is an earthly light: sea, earth, and moon represent the worldly element, in opposition to the kingdom of God--heaven, the sun. The moon cannot disperse the darkness and change it into-day: thus she represents the world religion (heathenism) in relation to the supernatural world. The Church has the moon, therefore, under her feet; but the stars, as heavenly lights, on her head. The devil directs his efforts against the stars, the angels of the churches, about hereafter to shine for ever. The twelve stars, the crown around her head, are the twelve tribes of Israel [AUBERLEN]. The allusions to Israel before accord with this: compare Rev 11:19, "the temple of God"; "the ark of His testament." The ark lost at the Babylonian captivity, and never since found, is seen in the "temple of God opened in heaven," signifying that God now enters again into covenant with His ancient people. The woman cannot mean, literally, the virgin mother of Jesus, for she did not flee into the wilderness and stay there for 1260 days, while the dragon persecuted the remnant of her seed (Rev 12:13-17) [DE BURGH]. The sun, moon, and twelve stars, are emblematical of Jacob, Leah, or else Rachel, and the twelve patriarchs, that is, the Jewish Church: secondarily, the Church universal, having under her feet, in due subordination, the ever changing moon, which shines with a borrowed light, emblem of the Jewish dispensation, which is now in a position of inferiority, though supporting the woman, and also of the changeful things of this world, and having on her head the crown of twelve stars, the twelve apostles, who, however, are related closely to Israel's twelve tribes. The Church, in passing over into the Gentile world, is (1) persecuted; (2) then seduced, as heathenism begins to react on her. This is the key to the meaning of the symbolic woman, beast, harlot, and false prophet. Woman and beast form the same contrast as the Son of man and the beasts in Daniel. As the Son of man comes from heaven, so the woman is seen in heaven (Rev 12:1). The two beasts arise respectively out of the sea (compare Dan 7:3) and the earth (Rev 13:1, Rev 13:11): their origin is not of heaven, but of earth earthy. Daniel beholds the heavenly Bridegroom coming visibly to reign. John sees the woman, the Bride, whose calling is heavenly, in the world, before the Lord's coming again. The characteristic of woman, in contradistinction to man, is her being subject, the surrendering of herself, her being receptive. This similarly is man's relation to God, to be subject to, and receive from, God. All autonomy of the human spirit reverses man's relation to God. Woman-like receptivity towards God constitutes faith. By it the individual becomes a child of God; the children collectively are viewed as "the woman." Humanity, in so far as it belongs to God, is the woman. Christ, the Son of the woman, is in Rev 12:5 emphatically called "the MAN-child" (Greek, "huios arrheen," "male-child"). Though born of a woman, and under the law for man's sake, He is also the Son of God, and so the HUSBAND of the Church. As Son of the woman, He is "'Son of man"; as male-child, He is Son of God, and Husband of the Church. All who imagine to have life in themselves are severed from Him, the Source of life, and, standing in their own strength, sink to the level of senseless beasts. Thus, the woman designates universally the kingdom of God; the beast, the kingdom of the world. The woman of whom Jesus was born represents the Old Testament congregation of God. The woman's travail-pains (Rev 12:2) represent the Old Testament believers' ardent longings for the promised Redeemer. Compare the joy at His birth (Isa 9:6). As new Jerusalem (called also "the woman," or "wife," Rev 21:2, Rev 21:9-12), with its twelve gates, is the exalted and transfigured Church, so the woman with the twelve stars is the Church militant.

Clarke: Rev 12:1 - -- There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun - That the woman here represents the true Church of Christ most commentators a...

There appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun - That the woman here represents the true Church of Christ most commentators are agreed. In other parts of the Apocalypse, the pure Church of Christ is evidently portrayed by a woman. In Rev 19:7, a great multitude are represented as saying, "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his Wife hath made herself ready."In Rev 21:9, an angel talks with St. John, saying, "Come hither, I will show thee the Bride, the Lamb’ s wife."That the Christian Church is meant will appear also from her being clothed with the sun, a striking emblem of Jesus Christ, the Sun of righteousness, the light and glory of the Church; for the countenance of the Son of God is as the sun shineth in his strength. The woman has: -

The moon under her feet - Bishop Newton understands this of the Jewish typical worship and indeed the Mosaic system of rites and ceremonies could not have been better represented, for it was the shadow of good things to come. The moon is the less light, ruling over the night, and deriving all its illumination from the sun; in like manner the Jewish dispensation was the bright moonlight night of the world, and possessed a portion of the glorious light of the Gospel. At the rising of the sun the night is ended, and the lunar light no longer necessary, as the sun which enlightens her shines full upon the earth; exactly in the same way has the whole Jewish system of types and shadows has been superseded by the birth, life, crucifixion, death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession of Jesus Christ. Upon the head of the woman is: -

Clarke: Rev 12:1 - -- A crown of twelve stars - A very significant representation of the twelve apostles, who were the first founders of the Christian Church, and by whom...

A crown of twelve stars - A very significant representation of the twelve apostles, who were the first founders of the Christian Church, and by whom the Gospel was preached in great part of the Roman empire with astonishing success. "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."Dan 12:3.

Defender: Rev 12:1 - -- "Wonder" is the same as "sign." By calling this miraculous scene in the heavens a sign, John helps to confirm that the other events described in Revel...

"Wonder" is the same as "sign." By calling this miraculous scene in the heavens a sign, John helps to confirm that the other events described in Revelation should be understood literally if they are not designated as signs. Since the meaning of the sign is not explained in the immediate context, it must be understood in terms of previous revelation. As a matter of fact, the sign is so comprehensive that it embraces the entire plan of redemption, beginning with the Edenic promise. Here, in the middle of the book of Revelation, the Lord has provided several parenthetical revelations, each extending from primeval history up to this climactic point, the midpoint of the seven-year tribulation, and beyond.

Defender: Rev 12:1 - -- While this symbol might at first suggest a connection with Joseph's dream (Gen 37:9, Gen 37:10) in which he saw the sun, moon and eleven stars, repres...

While this symbol might at first suggest a connection with Joseph's dream (Gen 37:9, Gen 37:10) in which he saw the sun, moon and eleven stars, representing his parents and brothers bowing down to him, there are important differences because the sign must go far beyond that. The key is in Rev 12:17, the climactic verse of the chapter, referring to the enmity of the dragon against the woman and her seed. This recalls God's promise in Eden. Speaking to the old serpent, He had said: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; [He] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel" (Gen 3:15). Thus, the woman in the sign must first represent Eve, "the mother of all living," then Israel, the wife of Jehovah and the church, the bride of Christ. Even beyond that, the phrase "woman" must refer to all godly women culminating in Mary, the particular godly woman who was chosen to bring the promised Seed into the world.

The sign will have special application in this context to Israel; the church will have been taken out of the world, and God will be dealing with Israel in a special way once again. The sun may well symbolize Christ Himself, "the light of the world" (Joh 8:12), for the woman has "put on Christ." The moon is a sort of counterfeit light, or false religion, which the woman has put under her feet; and the twelve stars in her crown possibly represent the tribes of Israel, soon to be revived and restored as the special nation of God's election."

TSK: Rev 12:1 - -- there : Rev 12:3, Rev 11:19, Rev 15:1; 2Ch 32:31; Mar 13:25; Act 2:19 wonder : or, sign, Mat 12:38, Mat 24:30; Luk 21:11, Luk 21:25 a woman : Isa 49:1...

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Rev 12:1 - -- And there appeared a great wonder in heaven - In that heavenly world thus disclosed, in the very presence of God, he saw the impressive and rem...

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven - In that heavenly world thus disclosed, in the very presence of God, he saw the impressive and remarkable symbol which he proceeds to describe. The word "wonder"- σημεῖον sēmeion - properly means something extraordinary, or miraculous, and is commonly rendered "sign."See Mat 12:38-39; Mat 16:1, Mat 16:3-4; Mat 24:3, Mat 24:24, Mat 24:30; Mat 26:48; Mar 8:11-12; Mar 13:4, Mar 13:22; Mar 16:17, Mar 16:20; in all which, and in numerous other places in the New Testament, it is rendered "sign,"and mostly in the sense of "miracle."When used in the sense of a miracle, it refers to the fact that the miracle is a sign or token by which the divine power or purpose is made known. Sometimes the word is used to denote "a sign of future things"- a portent or presage of coming events; that is, some remarkable appearances which foreshadow the future. Thus in Mat 16:3; "signs of the times"; that is, the miraculous events which foreshadow the coming of the Messiah in his kingdom. So also in Mat 24:3, Mat 24:30; Mar 13:4; Luk 21:7, Luk 21:11. This seems to be the meaning here, that the woman who appeared in this remarkable manner was a portent or token of what was to occur.

A woman clothed with the sun - Bright, splendid, glorious, as if the sunbeams were her raiment. Compare Rev 1:16; Rev 10:1; see also Son 6:10 - a passage which, very possibly, was in the mind of the writer when he penned this description: "Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?"

And the moon under her feet - The moon seemed to be under her feet. She seemed as if she stood on the moon, its pale light contrasted with the burning splendor of the sun, heightening the beauty of the whole picture. The woman, beyond all question, represents the church. See the notes on Rev 12:2. Is the splendor of the sunlight designed to denote the brightness of the gospel? Is the moon designed to represent the comparatively feeble light of the Jewish dispensation? Is the fact that she stood upon the moon, or that it was under her feet, designed to denote the superiority of the gospel to the Jewish dispensation? Such a supposition gives much beauty to the symbol, and is not foreign to the nature of symbolic language.

And upon her head a crown of twelve stars - A diadem in which there were placed twelve stars. That is, there were twelve sparkling gems in the crown which she wore. This would, of course, greatly increase the beauty of the vision; and there can be no doubt that the number twelve here is significant. If the woman here is designed to symbolize the church, then the number twelve has, in all probability, some allusion either to the twelve tribes of Israel as being a number which one who was born and educated as a Jew would be likely to use (compare Jam 1:1), or to the twelve apostles - an allusion which, it may be supposed, an apostle would be more likely to make. Compare Mat 19:28; Rev 21:14.

Poole: Rev 12:1 - -- Rev 12:1,2 A woman clothed with the sun travaileth, Rev 12:3,4 A great red dragon standeth ready to devottr her child, Rev 12:5,6 She is d...

Rev 12:1,2 A woman clothed with the sun travaileth,

Rev 12:3,4 A great red dragon standeth ready to devottr her child,

Rev 12:5,6 She is delivered, and fleeth into the wilderness,

Rev 12:7-9 Michael and his angels fight with the dragon, who is

cast out of heaven with his angels.

Rev 12:10-12 The victory proclaimed in heaven.

Rev 12:13-17 The dragon, cast down to the earth, persecuteth the woman.

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven: I see no reason to doubt, but that John was all this while in heaven, whither he was taken up, Rev 4:2 , where he saw in a vision a great wonder, or a most remarkable thing.

A woman clothed with the sun I find all valuable interpreters agreeing, that this woman represented the church, well enough compared to a woman;

1. As she is the spouse of Christ (though here expressed as his mother).

2. As the woman is the weaker sex, and the church hath always been the weakest part of the world.

(I look upon the interpretation of it by popish authors, with reference to the virgin Mary, as very idle; for when did she flee into the wilderness? When was she with child, and pained to be delivered?) Interpreters also are as well agreed, that by the sun, with which she is said to be clothed, is meant Christ, called the Sun of righteousness, Mal 4:2 , and he who giveth light, Eph 5:14 ; and believers (of whom the church consists) are said to have put on Christ, Rom 13:14 Gal 3:27 .

And the moon under her feet: by the moon, most understand the world, by reason of its mutability and uncertainty, which the church of Christ despiseth, and hath under her feet, minding heaven and heavenly things. But Mr. Mede rather understands it of the Jewish worship, which, as to its times, was much directed by the moon; which hand-writing which was against us (the apostle tells us, Col 2:14 ) Christ took away, nailing it to his cross; so as the gospel church hath it under her feet. The apostle calls them carnal ordinances, Heb 9:10 , and the rudiments of the world, Col 2:20 , yea, beggarly elements, Gal 4:9 .

And upon her head a crown of twelve stars the ministry of the gospel, preaching and building upon the true foundation, the doctrine of the prophets, and twelve apostles, which is the honour of any church.

PBC: Rev 12:1 - -- Re 12:1 The dragon’s kingdom and The Church Triumphant. {Re 12:1-13:18} A. The wife of God. {Re 12:1-6} Re 12:1, And there appeared a great wond...

Re 12:1

The dragon’s kingdom and The Church Triumphant.

{Re 12:1-13:18}

A. The wife of God. {Re 12:1-6}

Re 12:1, 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:

The interpretation of this passage could be thought to pertain to Mary. She was indeed the earthly mother of the Christ child. Nevertheless, we need to look further into the plan of God and find the figurative language and its meaning. God has spoken in other places concerning this woman.

This woman being clothed with the sun resembles the one referred to by the Psalmist as he speaks of God. " Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment." {Ps 104:2} His Spouse then, must take on this image by association. " Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun."  {Song 6:10}

The twelve stars represent the twelve tribes of Israel which sprang from the sons of Jacob. It was from this human lineage that Jesus sprang. " For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda." {Heb 7:14}

Paul identifies this woman in " But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." {Ga 4:4} Isaiah identifies Israel as the wife of God. " 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." {Isa 54:5} We find more about this woman, in Hosea, " And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD." {Ho 2:19-20}

In His human lineage, Jesus came from Jewish heritage. He, being the promised seed of Abraham, must come from this lineage. This woman then who was clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars must be the chosen Israel, the wife of God, {Isa 54:8} under the law.— Eld. Charles Taylor

Haydock: Rev 12:1 - -- A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet. By this woman, interpreters commonly understand the Church of Christ, shining with the li...

A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet. By this woman, interpreters commonly understand the Church of Christ, shining with the light of faith, under the protection of the sun of justice, Jesus Christ. The moon, the Church, hath all changeable things of this world under her feet, the affections of the faithful being raised above them all. ---

A woman: the Church of God. It may also, by allusion, be applied to our blessed Lady [the Virgin Mary]. The Church is clothed with the sun, that is, with Christ: she hath the moon, that is, the changeable things of the world, under her feet; and the twelve stars with which she is crowned, are the twelve apostles: she is in labour and pain, whilst she brings forth her children, and Christ in them, in the midst of afflictions and persecutions. (Challoner) ---

On her head....twelve stars, her doctrine being delivered by the twelve apostles and their successors. (Witham)

Gill: Rev 12:1 - -- And there appeared a great wonder in heaven,.... This vision begins a new account of things, and represents the church in the apostles' times, and pur...

And there appeared a great wonder in heaven,.... This vision begins a new account of things, and represents the church in the apostles' times, and purer ages of Christianity, and under the Heathen and Arian persecutions; after which an account is given of the beast, mentioned in Rev 11:7, of his rise, power, and reign, and then of the victories of the saints over him and of the vials of God's wrath upon him, and of his utter ruin and destruction; when comes on the marriage of the Lamb, and after that the first resurrection, and the thousand years' reign; and the whole is closed with a most beautiful description of the new Jerusalem state, which is the grand point and utmost period this prophetic book leads unto. This vision was seen "in heavens", whither John was called up to, Rev 4:1; and where the various scenes, in a visionary way, were acted, both before, and after this; and which was an emblem of the state of the church on earth: what was seen is called "a wonder" or "sign", it being very amazing to behold, and very significative of persons and things; and a "great" one, because it respects great affairs, and wonderful events relating to the state of the church in future times, as well as present: and the first thing seen and observed was

a woman: by whom is meant, not the virgin Mary, as highly favoured of God, and big with her firstborn son Jesus; though there may be an allusion to her, and in some things there is a likeness, as is by some observed; as Mary brought forth Christ corporeally, and God in the fulness of time sent forth his Son, made of a woman, so this woman brings forth Christ spiritually, or the manly birth of his kingdom in the world, or one that should be the instrument of enlarging his kingdom; and as Herod sought to destroy Christ in his infancy, and as soon as born, so the dragon here stands watching to destroy the manly birth as soon as brought forth; and as Joseph, with Mary, and her son, by a divine direction, fled into Egypt, where they continued during the reign of Herod, so to this woman are given two wings of an eagle, to flee into the wilderness, where she abides, and is nourished, during the reign of antichrist; and as Herod, after the flight of Mary, killed all the infants of Bethlehem, of two years of age, and under, that he might destroy her son, so the dragon casts out a flood of water after the woman, to carry her away, and makes war with the remnant of her seed; and as the son of Mary, after he had done his work, was taken up to heaven, and made Lord and Christ, so the man child, this woman brings forth, is caught up to God, and his throne, to rule all nations with a rod of iron. But Mary, and the birth of Christ, can never be intended in this vision, that affair being past and over, and would never be represented to John in this manner, who was well acquainted with it: nor is the church of God, among the Jews of the former dispensation, designed; who were highly honoured of God, on whom he shone forth at the giving of the law to them; who had his word and ordinances, to be a light unto them, and had the priests and prophets of the Lord among them; and whose crown and glory it was to descend from the twelve patriarchs; and who were in great expectation of, and most earnestly desired, and longed for, and were, as it were, in pain for the coming of the Messiah; but to what purpose could such a representation of them be made to John now? much less is the church of the Jews, or the Jewish synagogue, as it was at the coming and birth of here designed, which was an evil, wicked, and adulterous generation, and so bad as not to be declared by the tongue and pen of man, and therefore far from answering the description here; but the pure apostolic church is meant, or the church of Christ, as it was in the times of the apostles, and the first ages of Christianity: the description answers to the first of the seven churches, the church at Ephesus, and to the opening of the first seal; and the church apostolical is here called "a woman", because the church was not now in its infancy, in nonage, as under the former dispensation, but grown up, mature, and at full age; and because espoused and married to Christ her husband, to whom she now brought forth many children, in a spiritual sense, as she hereafter will bring forth many more; and, because of her beauty in the eyes of her Lord and husband, which is greatly desired, and highly commended by him; as also because of her weakness in herself her ministers and members, not being able to do anything without her husband, Christ, through whom she can do all things. And who is further described by her habit and attire,

clothed with the sun; which does not point at her future state in glory; see Mat 13:47; but to her then present state on earth; and is expressive of that clear light of Gospel doctrine, which shone out upon her, like the sun in its meridian glory, and of the heat of love to God, Christ, and his people, and zeal for his truths, ordinances, worship, and discipline, which appeared in her; and of that inward holiness of heart which made her all glorious within; and of the outward purity of life and conversation, which greatly adorned her; but, above all, of the righteousness of Christ, who is the sun of righteousness, and the Lord her righteousness; which righteousness, as it was doctrinally held forth by her in the clearest manner, was also as a garment on her, to cover, preserve, and beautify her; and is comparable to the sun for its glory and excellency, outshining that of angels and men; and for its spotless purity, being without any blemish or deficiency; and for its perpetuity, being an everlasting one, and even exceeding the sun in duration.

And the moon under her feet; the church is sometimes compared to the moon herself, because, as the moon receives its light from the sun, so she receives her light from Christ; and as the moon often changes, and has its various "phases" and appearances, so the church sometimes is in the exercise of grace, and sometimes not; sometimes under trials and persecutions, and at other times in rest and peace; one while retaining the doctrines and ordinances of the Gospel in their power and purity, and anon almost overrun with errors and superstition; but this cannot be the sense here. The common interpretation is, that it signifies the church's contempt of, and trampling upon all worldly things, which are changeable, perishing, and passing away; and which very well suits with the primitive saints, who did set their affections on things in earth, but on things in heaven, who sold their worldly possessions, and laid them at the apostles' feet. Brightman thinks, that, as the moon is a luminary, it may denote the light derived from the word of God, which was a lamp to her feet, and a lantern to her paths, by which her discipline and public worship were directed, and all the private actions of life were squared; which is no contemptible sense of the words: but I rather think the ceremonial law is intended, which is very fitly represented by the moon; it consisted much in the observation of new moons, and its solemn festivals were governed and regulated by them; see 2Ch 8:12. There was some light in it, and it gave light to the saints in the night of Jewish darkness; it pointed out Christ to them, and was their schoolmaster to teach and lead them to him; yet, like the moon, it was the lesser light, the light it gave was interior to that which the Gospel now gives; and as the moon has its shots had that its imperfections; had it been faultless, there had been no need of another, and a new dispensation, but that could make nothing perfect; and, as the moon, it was variable and changeable; it was but for a time, and is now done away; it is not only waxen old like the moon in the wane, but is entirely vanished away: and yet, though it was abolished by the death of Christ, it was kept up and maintained by many of the Jews, even of them that, believed: persons are naturally fond of ceremonies; and many had rather part with a doctrine of the Gospel than with an old custom, or an useless ceremony; and this was, in a great measure, the case of the Jews; see Act 21:20; so that it was one of the greatest difficulties the Christian church had to grapple with, to get the ceremonial law under foot; for though it was under the feet of Christ, it was a long time ere it was under the feet of the church; and a wonder it was when it was accomplished. Mr. Daubuz has given a new interpretation of this clause; and by "the moon" he understands the Holy Ghost, the Governor of the church, next to Christ, his successor and Vicar, and the minister of him, the sun of righteousness; who is said to be "under the feet" of the church, to assist her in her labour, and in the bringing forth of her man child; and to support and sustain her followers and members; and to be a luminary to them, to guide them in their ways.

And upon her head a crown of twelve stars; by "stars" are meant the ministers of the Gospel, which Christ holds in his right hand, and the church here bears on her head, Rev 1:20. And these "twelve" have respect to the twelve apostles of Christ; and the "crown", which was composed of these stars, designs the doctrine which they preached; and this being on her "head", shows that it was in the beginning of this church state that the pure apostolic doctrine was embraced, professed, and held forth; for in the latter part of it there was a great decline, and falling off from it; in the times of the Apostle Paul, the mystery of iniquity began to work; and in John's time many antichrists were come into the world: and also this signifies, that the church openly owned the doctrine of the apostles, and was not ashamed of it before men, and publicly preached, and held it forth in her ministers, to all the world; and that this was her crown and glory, so long as she held it in its power, purity, and was both what she gloried in, and was a glory, an ornament to her: and this was also an emblem of her victory over her enemies, and of her future happiness, and pointed at the means of both; that it was by a faithful and steadfast adherence to the doctrine of the apostles that she overcame Satan, and all her spiritual enemies, and came to the possession of the crown of life and glory.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Rev 12:1 Sun…moon…stars. This imagery is frequently identified with the nation Israel because of Joseph’s dream in Gen 37.

Geneva Bible: Rev 12:1 And ( 1 ) there appeared a great wonder in heaven; ( 2 ) a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelv...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Rev 12:1-17 - --1 A woman clothed with the sun travails.4 The great red dragon stands before her, ready to devour her child;6 when she is delivered she flees into the...

MHCC: Rev 12:1-6 - --The church, under the emblem of a woman, the mother of believers, was seen by the apostle in vision, in heaven. She was clothed with the sun, justifie...

Matthew Henry: Rev 12:1-11 - -- Here we see that early prophecy eminently fulfilled in which God said he would put enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent...

Barclay: Rev 12:1-2 - --John saw an amazing vision, like a tableau in the sky, whose details he draws from many sources. The woman is clothed with the sun; the moon is he...

Constable: Rev 4:1--22:6 - --III. THE REVELATION OF THE FUTURE 4:1--22:5 John recorded the rest of this book to reveal those aspects of the f...

Constable: Rev 12:1--13:18 - --H. Supplementary revelation of Satan's activity in the Great Tribulation chs. 12-13 God gave John knowle...

Constable: Rev 12:1-17 - --1. The activity of Satan himself 12:1-17 God gave John revelation of Satan's activity, especiall...

Constable: Rev 12:1-6 - --The dragon's hostility toward the male child 12:1-6 This pericope furnishes the plot for the drama that unfolds in the rest of the chapter. 12:1 John ...

College: Rev 12:1-17 - --REVELATION 12 D. THE THIRD VISION OF THE FUTURE (12:1-22:6) 1. The Structure of the Third Vision John's third vision of the future appears in Revel...

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Commentary -- Other

Evidence: Rev 12:1 They loved not their lives unto death : " Now I have given up on everything else. I have found it to be the only way to really know Christ and to exp...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Revelation (Book Introduction) THE REVELATION OF JOHN ABOUT a.d. 95 By Way of Introduction Difficulty in the Problem Perhaps no single book in the New Testament presents so ...

JFB: Revelation (Book Introduction) AUTHENTICITY.--The author calls himself John (Rev 1:1, Rev 1:4, Rev 1:9; Rev 2:8). JUSTIN MARTYR [Dialogue with Trypho, p. 308] (A.D. 139-161) quotes ...

JFB: Revelation (Outline) TITLE: SOURCE AND OBJECT OF THIS REVELATION: BLESSING ON THE READER AND KEEPER OF IT, AS THE TIME IS NEAR: INSCRIPTION TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: APOSTOL...

TSK: Revelation (Book Introduction) The obscurity of this prophecy, which has been urged against its genuineness, necessarily results from the highly figurative and symbolical language i...

TSK: Revelation 12 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Rev 12:1, A woman clothed with the sun travails; Rev 12:4, The great red dragon stands before her, ready to devour her child; Rev 12:6, w...

Poole: Revelation 12 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 12

MHCC: Revelation (Book Introduction) The Book of the Revelation of St. John consists of two principal divisions. 1. Relates to " the things which are," that is, the then present state of...

MHCC: Revelation 12 (Chapter Introduction) (Rev 12:1-6) A description of the church of Christ and of Satan, under the figures of a woman and of a great red dragon. (Rev 12:7-12) Michael and hi...

Matthew Henry: Revelation (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Revelation of St. John the Divine It ought to be no prejudice to the credit and authority of this b...

Matthew Henry: Revelation 12 (Chapter Introduction) It is generally agreed by the most learned expositors that the narrative we have in this and the two following chapters, from the sounding of the s...

Barclay: Revelation (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE REVELATION OF JOHN The Strange Book When a student of the New Testament embarks upon the study of the Revelation he feels him...

Barclay: Revelation 12 (Chapter Introduction) The Woman And The Beast (Rev_12:1-17) It is necessary to read this chapter as a whole before we examine it in detail. 12:1-17 A great sign appeared ...

Constable: Revelation (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background The opening verses of the book state that "John" wr...

Constable: Revelation (Outline) Outline I. The preparation of the prophet ch. 1 A. The prologue of the book 1:1-8 ...

Constable: Revelation Revelation Bibliography Abbott-Smith, George. A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T. & ...

Haydock: Revelation (Book Introduction) THE APOCALYPSE OF ST. JOHN, THE APOSTLE. INTRODUCTION. Though some in the first ages [centuries] doubted whether this book was canonical, and ...

Gill: Revelation (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION That this book was written by the Apostle and Evangelist John, is clear not only from the express mention of his name, a...

Gill: Revelation 12 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION 12 This chapter contains a vision of two wonders or signs seen in heaven, a woman and a dragon, and an account of what f...

College: Revelation (Book Introduction) PREFACE This commentary on the Revelation of John has been prepared for general readers of the Bible who desire to deepen their understanding of God'...

College: Revelation (Outline) OUTLINE I. PROLOGUE - 1:1-20 A. Introduction to the Prophecy - 1:1-3 B. Sender - 1:4a C. Recipients - 1:4b D. Prescript - 1:4c-5a E. ...

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