Revelation 12:1-3

A woman and a great red dragon Revelation 12:1-3: Who is this woman? The woman is the true Israel of God. "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54:1)

The woman includes the Old Testament Israel, because through them the Messiah was born. The nation of Israel was laboring to bring forth a godly seed. "And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth." (Malachi 2:15) The woman is the Old Testament Israel and the New Testament church. Later in the chapter Christians are indicated as children of the woman.

Those may look upon the people of God on earth as lowly, persecuted, and hated people. God, from the heavenly viewpoint, sees His people through radiant glory--Arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her and a crown with twelve stars upon her head. God's covenant people will see victory. "And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16) The Devil is a looser man, but the faithful of God always win!

Who is the child that is brought forth? The only logical conclusion is that He is Jesus. He is to rule all nations with a rod of iron. "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God." (Revelation 19:15)

In contrast with the woman and her child is the great red dragon. This can only be Satan. He is pictured with: (1) Seven heads--authority or world dominion, (2) Ten horns--complete destructive power, and (3) Seven crowns--symbolizing a ruler and not victory. This can only be the one first pictured in Genesis 3:15.