Join us as we delve into Revelation Chapter 12, exploring the vivid imagery of the woman clothed with the sun and the dragon. This episode navigates through the complex symbolism, examining the consistent biblical usage of women as representations of religious entities. From Genesis to Revelation, these symbols highlight Israel’s unique role and her anticipated challenges during the end times.
When people say that the church is the same as Israel, that the two are one and the same, there are a lot of groups, a lot of denominational groups that make that connection. There are many of us among the evangelicals who do not believe that. We believe that God has a separate program for Israel and a separate program for the church, and they are not one and the same. We believe the church is going to be raptured and not be here during the tribulation. But I think the answer to the question is found in 1 Corinthians 10, verse 32. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 32.
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A woman clothed with a sun, the moon under her feet, a crown of 12 stars upon her head. She cries out in labor, about to give birth. And then a dragon, blood red, seven heads, ten horns, is waiting to devour her child. But the child, the child is caught up to God and his throne. And the woman escapes into the wilderness to a place prepared by God. This is Hope for Today with Bible teacher David Hawking. And on today’s program, David is taking us into Revelation chapter 12 for day one of a lesson that unveils the war in heaven and the purpose of God.
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First, a number of you have told us that our sermon notes outlines are excellent tools for following along as my dad teaches and saving key points, definitions, references, cross-references, and more.
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Look at the complete package of David’s sermon notes for our current radio series in Revelation. Matt, folks tell us these are so helpful as they listen to the messages here on radio. And the complete package is just $10 as a download.
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You can purchase and get it right away or in printed form. You know, all 48 messages in the series, Jim, are included. You can get the most out of our daily study time in Revelation here on radio and online. And again, the sermon notes, the Revelation sermon notes are just $10 by download or PDF CD. Call us in Canada at 1-888-75-BIBLE. In the U.S., call us at 1-800-75-BIBLE. And Bible by the numbers? 242-53. And here’s David.
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Two great wonders or signs in heaven. The sign of the woman and the sign of the dragon. And don’t mix those two up. Okay, let’s get serious. Great signs in heaven, Revelation 12, 1 to 6. And they are indeed spectacular. There appeared a great wonder in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. And she, being with child, cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. And there appeared another wonder in heaven, and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven and did cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered to devour her child as soon as it was born. And she brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up unto God and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness where she had the place prepared by God that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. Let’s start with the sign of the woman, Revelation 12. We read in verse 1 and 2 and verse 5 and 6 some facts that we want to put together for you. And we’re going to list six things about the sign of the woman. It’s called a great wonder or a great sign. The same thing is said in verse 3, another sign. another of the same kind, wander in heaven, meaning a great sign. Look at chapter 13, please, verse 13 and 14. It says of the coming leader we call the false prophet, this beast with two horns like a lamb who spoke like a dragon. It says he doeth great wonders or great signs. In verse 14 it describes him as deceiving the earth by those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast. Great signs. Look at chapter 15 verse 1. And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous. Great in a sense of spectacular and critical and important to the whole message. Chapter 16, verse 14. It says, these are the spirits of demons working miracles, signs that go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Chapter 19, verse 20. 19 verse 20 says, the beast was taken and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast. Great signs, great wonders. And sometimes it’s used in the sense of those on the wrong side doing things to deceive. And other times it’s a message from God about what is fact and what is going to take place. The first thing I’d point out about the sign of this woman is her connection with religion. There appeared a great sign in heaven, a woman. God has chosen the female to represent religion in His Word. It is a consistent illustration and symbolism. Turn back to chapter 2, please. I’ll show you just a couple examples. Chapter 2, verse 20. It says, I have a few things against thee. This is the church of Thyatira. It says, I have a few things against thee because thou sufferest or alloweth that woman, Jezebel, who calleth herself a prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants, to commit fornication, to eat things, sacrifice into idols. So Jezebel represents religion. And that’s true in the case of that message to Thyatira. Go to chapter 17 and look at verse 1. Once again, a woman represents religion. In chapter 17, verse 1, there came one of the seven angels who had the seven vials or bowls and talked with me, saying unto me, come here and I’ll show unto thee the judgment of the great whore or harlot that sitteth upon many waters. The harlot woman of Revelation 17. Again, a symbol of religion. Look over chapter 19, verse 7. On a positive note, it says, 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. The wife of the Lamb of God. Look at chapter 21 and verse 9. The message comes to John, come here and I’ll show thee the bride, the lamb’s wife. And then he shows him the holy Jerusalem, this wonderful new city that comes down out of heaven. So it’s been a very common symbol. Turn back to Jeremiah chapter 3. Jeremiah chapter 3. In the book of Revelation, we have four women. We have two of them representing false or evil religion, and two of them representing that which is good and holy and righteous. The two that are good are the bride that represents the new Jerusalem, the bride that is the Lamb’s wife, the marriage of the Lamb has come. And the second one is the one mentioned in our chapter, the woman who is clothed with the Son. In Jeremiah chapter 3, we have an interesting verse related to the nation of Israel. Will you look, please, at verse 20? Surely as a wife treacherously departed from her husband, so have you dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. Then there’s an appeal for her to return, and he will heal them. Verse 22. Now it’s very clear in Jeremiah 3.20 that Israel is described as the wife of Jehovah. We also have in Revelation 19 what most people feel is a statement about the church being the bride of the Lamb of God. I think the real answer to this question, as far as a simple answer, is found in 1 Corinthians, if you’ll turn there please, chapter 10. There are a lot of groups, a lot of denominational groups that make that connection. There are many of us among the evangelicals who do not believe that. We believe that God has a separate program for Israel and a separate program for the church, and they are not one and the same. We believe the church is going to be raptured and not be here during the tribulation. we believe that God will once again deal with Israel, that Daniel’s 70th week, the tribulation period, really applies primarily to Israel in terms of the people of God, even though there will be a great multitude out of every nation, tribe, tongue, and people who will be saved during the tribulation period. But I think the answer to the question is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, verse 32. It says, “…give no offense, neither to the Jews…” nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God. Now, if God wanted us to connect Israel and the church together, this would have been a good time to do it. Instead, the apostle Paul makes it clear there are three separate groups. There are Jews, there are Gentiles, and then there’s a church of God. Now, the church of God is composed of both Jew and Gentile who have come to know the Lord during the period of time known as the last days. The ancient Hebrew prophets said that they would pour out their spirit upon all flesh during the last days. Now Peter quoted that in Acts chapter 2 on the day of Pentecost. So we know the last days began on the day of Pentecost, and apparently they will not end until the end of the tribulation period. You say, how do you know that? Because God will not pour out his spirit on the house of Israel until he has finished pouring out his spirit on all the Gentiles of the world. We know that according to Zechariah chapter 12, verse 10, God will pour out his spirit on the house of Israel and the inhabitants of Jerusalem at the end of the tribulation period when Christ comes in power and great glory and the nation of Israel will look on him whom they have pierced and mourn for him as one mourns for an only son. So putting this whole package together, we believe that there is a reference to Israel and a reference also to the church, both of whom are indicated to be the wife of the Lord. And that brings us to Revelation 12 again. Women are used as symbols, illustrations of religion. We have in Revelation 4 Jezebel, the harlot woman, as evil, and the bride, Revelation 9, representing the church, and Israel in Revelation chapter 12. Now a lot of people try to make this woman the church, but I don’t think it’s possible. Let me give you a second thing about this woman. Not only her connection with religion, but look at her clothing. It says in verse 1, she is clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet. Now that’s unusual clothing. Amen? Turn to Genesis chapter 37. In Genesis chapter 37, we have the only illustration, the only passage to be compared with Revelation 12. And I think it’s very clear who we’re talking about. Genesis chapter 37 is dealing with the dream of Joseph. Verse 9, And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it to 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. He told it to his father and to his brethren. His father rebuked him and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Now notice his father was not mistaken. Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee on the earth? And his brethren envied him, but his father observed the saying. Now I don’t have to make this up. The Bible’s very clear. The sun and the moon refer to to Jacob and his wife. And the 12 stars, we believe, 11 plus Joseph, refer to the 12 tribes of Israel. But let’s come back again to Revelation 12. The only scripture that connects this is Genesis 37. And that’s why we believe it’s a very strong connection for this woman being a picture of Israel. And if we’re right, then all the rest of the chapter flows from that and we learn that the terrible, terrible holocaust of terror that the ancient Hebrew prophets predicted would come on Israel is in fact going to happen in the last half of the tribulation period. It’s going to be a terrible time. And Satan himself is going to unleash his own wrath against the woman Israel. He hates Israel with a passion. So he will motivate many nations on the face of the earth to also hate her. Jesus, in fact, said, you will be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. Now, the third thing I’d point out in Revelation 12 is her crown. It says, upon her head, a crown of 12 stars. Now, I believe that when you have a number, it’s important to see all that the Now we have two basic possibilities here. One, if I would ask you what does the number 12 refer to, what would you say? Tribes of Israel or 12 apostles. So you see those who hold the 12 apostles view can get the woman representing the church. But you cannot get the illustration from the church. It is applied to Israel in Genesis 37. Go back to Revelation 7. Revelation 7. the number 12 does appear in the book of Revelation. And it’s more important in the immediate context to find our solutions than it is in any other context. In Revelation chapter 7. verses 4 to 8. I heard the number of them which were sealed, and they were sealed 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel. And then it names the 12 tribes and 12,000 from each tribe, making 144,000 who are supernaturally protected by God during the tribulation. Well, what’s the number 12 referred to in Revelation? Twelve tribes of Israel, Revelation chapter 7. So I think that’s another clue to the fact that the woman in chapter 12 is Israel, not the church. The fourth thing I’d have you notice is her cries of labor pain. Her cries of labor pain. Verse 2 says, “…she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” Now what’s this talking about? Turn to Isaiah chapter 26. Isaiah chapter 26. Isaiah chapter 26, verse 17 and 18. Where does this illustration of a woman travailing in pain and about to deliver a child come from? Comes from the prophet Isaiah, chapter 26, verse 17. As a woman with child who draweth near the time of her delivery is in pain and crieth out in her pangs, so have we been in thy sight, O Lord. We have been with child. We have been in pain. We have, as it were, brought forth wind. We have not wrought any deliverance in the earth, neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. This whole message to the nation of Israel makes it very clear that what’s being said in Revelation chapter 12 is connected without question to the nation of Israel. Although the child here is not a particular child. It’s just using the illustration of bearing a child and going through birth pains as what Israel has gone through in her past. Turn over to chapter 66 of Isaiah and look at verses 7 to 11. Chapter 66, verses 7 to 11. Now here it’s discussing how Israel is going to be reborn in a day. It says in verse 7, this is a prophecy of the future. Before she travailed, she brought forth. Before her pain came, she was delivered of a man-child. Same words, Revelation 12, a direct quote. Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth, saith the Lord? Shall I cause to bring forth and shut the womb, saith thy God? Rejoice with Jerusalem, be glad with her, all ye that love her. Rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her. That ye may suck her nurse and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations. that ye may milk out or drink deeply and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. You can’t miss all this illustrative material here in Isaiah. It’s being quoted in Revelation chapter 12. So let’s go back to Revelation 12 and look at that one more time. This woman is Israel. I don’t think there’s any question about it. We see the connection with religion. She’s a woman. That’s a common illustration. Her clothing connects us with Genesis 37. Her crown of 12 stars reminds us it’s either the 12 tribes or the 12 apostles. The 12 tribes are mentioned in chapter 7 of Revelation. The cries of labor pain, these are quotations from the prophet Isaiah that deal with the nation of Israel.
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Well, that’s David Hawking, and this is Hope for Today. David will return shortly to wrap up our time in God’s Word for Today, so do stay right there. First though, David’s son Matt’s here, and together we want to tell you about a powerful resource for your home Bible study library.
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All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That’s 2 Timothy 3.16.
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Well, Matt, this includes each and every book of the Bible. Amen. So this month, we’re focusing a spotlight on your dad’s book, Visions of the Future, which guides readers through a fascinating study of Zechariah.
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You know, Jim, Zechariah is often referred to as the little revelation book. of the Old Testament. The historical background follows Babylon’s destruction of Jerusalem and the return of the Jews to rebuild the temple. Zechariah speaks of the centrality of Jerusalem and God’s prophetic plan and tells us how this city will become a cup of trembling To all the nations. Oh, yeah. It includes prophecy concerning a future invasion of Israel, the Battle of Armageddon, the glorious return of the Messiah to the earth, and the setting up of a kingdom that will never end.
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And David’s book, Visions of the Future, will show you all the vivid details, the historical context, explanations of crucial original text terms, cross-references, and fascinating applications for your life today.
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Amen to you. Dive into Zechariah with Visions of the Future and see the glorious future awaiting all of us who’ve put our faith in the coming Messiah. Amen, amen. Visions of the Future is our featured offer again for the month of September.
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And we have your copy for just $15. Indeed we do. And when you purchase, please consider adding an extra amount as a donation to Hope for Today, or perhaps make a donation by itself. Your gift makes you a part of this ministry.
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And as always, please start by praying for Hope for Today.
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To get your copy of Visions of the Future, visit DavidHawking.org or call us at 1-800-75-BIBLE, that’s in the U.S., or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. Bible is 24253, and the cost is just $15. And before David returns, you know, this ministry isn’t fueled by advertisers or commercials. You don’t hear them on the program. What does fuel the ministry is gifts from listeners, just like you. Every single gift keeps the broadcast on the air, free of compromise, free of apologies, and filled with a pure word of God, the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible. When you give, you’re not just writing a check. You’re putting the gospel into the ears of a teenager who’s streaming David’s teaching in some other part of the world. You’re giving a new believer a Bible study he could never afford otherwise. You’re keeping the message alive on radio stations. Every dollar is a bullet in the fight against deception. Every prayer is a shield in the battle against Satan’s lies. Your gift makes Hope for Today a voice of truth in a world that has sold itself to darkness. We’re standing on the front lines and we need you beside us. So first of all, would you pray? Pray for Hope for Today. And as God might direct, would you give? Stand with us now before the lights go out and the voices of truth are silenced. To give, write to Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, California. That’s in the U.S. Or in Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO, Seven Oaks, Abbotsford, B.C., V2S, 8P1. Or call us in the U.S., 1-800-75-BIBLE, 800-75-24253. Or in Canada, 888-75-BIBLE, again, 888-75-2525. Or you can give safely and securely online at davidhawking.org. That’s davidhawking.org. Let’s return to David for his closing thoughts.
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Well, thanks, friends, for listening. I hope you’ve enjoyed our study. We’re just getting started with chapter 12, trying to handle the opening verses. And the woman clothed with the sun and moon, do you know that that is a dream? mentioned in the book of Genesis at the time of Joseph, and it deals with his relationship to his brothers and even his mom and dad. I believe the woman is referring to Israel, and that she is a wonder in heaven. Wow. Praise the Lord for that. But it also tells us in verse 3, there’s another wonder in heaven, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns upon his head. This is referring to Satan. And Satan is the great attack force on the nation of Israel, and he did his best to kill the Messiah before he got out of Bethlehem. Wow. And he used Herod to do it. We have a lot of things to talk about here. And the red dragon, it’s going to be mentioned several times in the book of Revelation. Satan plays a major role in it, but he, according to the Bible, thank the Lord, is going to be destroyed and killed. and he will share the fires of hell with the Antichrist and the false prophet. Plan to be with us for every one of these studies.
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Well, thank you, David. And folks, be sure to join us next time as we continue in Revelation 12. We’re going to pick up with day two of David’s message in this earth-shaking passage where the dragon makes war in heaven. Michael and his angels fight back. Satan is cast down and the people of God overcome by the blood of the Lamb. You know, it’s a scene of war and victory you can’t afford to miss. So thanks for listening and be sure to join us tomorrow right here on Hope for Today.
