Revelation Part 57

Revelation 12:14 says that the woman is given two wings of a great eagle so that she can fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for "a time and times and half a time" away from the serpent. This expression corresponds to three and a half years, the same general prophetic period described elsewhere in Revelation.

Where will the woman be nourished during this period? Speculation abounds, but the passage itself does not identify a specific location. Daniel 11:41 mentions Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon in connection with the end-time events. These ancient territories correspond broadly to areas in and around modern-day Jordan, including the region south and east of the Dead Sea and the area around present-day Amman. Some research indicates that Edom migrated to present day Turkey.  

Revelation 12 does not explicitly identify the woman's destination, so we should be careful not to present a particular geographical location as certain.

What we do know is that God will provide for His people. He has demonstrated throughout history that He can protect and sustain those who belong to Him. During the Exodus, God brought an enormous population of Israelites out of Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness for forty years. Their clothing and sandals did not wear out, and He provided food, water, guidance, and protection.

The Creator has both a plan and the ability to carry it out. We do not need to know every detail of how He will accomplish His purpose to trust His faithfulness.

1 Corinthians 2:9 reminds us that the things God has prepared for those who love Him are beyond what human beings could discover or imagine on their own. This passage draws on the language of Isaiah and points us toward the greatness of God's purposes. In John 14:2-3, Jesus also promises that He is going to prepare a place for His followers and that He will come again to receive them to Himself.

These promises should strengthen our confidence in God's care. We may not know precisely where the woman will be protected or how every detail will unfold, but we can trust that God is able to provide what His people need.

Revelation 12:15-16 describes another attempt by Satan to destroy the woman. The serpent pours water like a river out of his mouth after her, intending to sweep her away in a flood. But the earth helps the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river.

The imagery describes an overwhelming attack that is thwarted by divine intervention. The flood may represent a literal event such as a military assault, or another form of overwhelming persecution. The passage does not give enough detail to determine exactly how the attack will occur, but the result is clear: Satan's attempt to destroy the woman fails.

There are parallels with God's deliverance of Israel during the Exodus. In Exodus 15:12, Moses' song praises God for His power in causing the earth to swallow the enemy. Numbers 16:31-33 also describes the earth opening and swallowing Korah and those who joined him in rebellion. These passages show that God can use the natural world to bring judgment upon those who oppose Him and to protect His purposes.

The imagery in Revelation 12 therefore reinforces a central theme that Satan may attack God's people with overwhelming force, but his plans remain subject to God's authority. The woman is preserved because God has determined that His purpose will stand.

Revelation 12:17 says, 

"And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

After failing to destroy the woman, the dragon turns his attention toward the rest of her children. These are described by two identifying characteristics: they keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ. Their identity is defined by their relationship with God, their obedience, and their testimony concerning Christ.

One important principle to consider is how persecution can galvanize and strengthen God's people. To galvanize someone is to move that person into action, often through a shocking or challenging experience. Periods of comfort and peace can sometimes lead people to become complacent. When life is easy, it can be tempting to neglect spiritual growth, become distracted, or assume that faithfulness does not require much effort.

By contrast, persecution and adversity can expose what people truly believe and strengthen their dependence on God. Throughout history, the Church has often grown stronger through challenges because believers have had to make deliberate decisions about their allegiance. This does not mean that suffering automatically makes everyone faithful, but it does demonstrate that opposition cannot necessarily destroy God's people. In some cases, it can make their testimony even more evident.

There will also be people who repent during the tribulation. The judgments and warnings described throughout Revelation provide opportunities for people to recognize the truth and turn to God. Even during Satan's most intense opposition, God's purpose continues to move forward.

God will thwart Satan's attempts to overturn His will. Satan cannot prevent Christ from reigning, and he cannot destroy the purpose God has established. His attacks may bring suffering, persecution, and even death, but they will not produce his desired outcome. God's will is going to be accomplished, and His Son will reign.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.