The Main Characters of the Tribulation
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Introduction
Introduction
We are now going to move more towards the actual events of the Tribulation. So far, we have simply laid a foundation for it as we explored several different topics related to this great event. Tonight, I want to begin setting the stage by identifying several key characters of the Tribulation.
One of the main points that must be clarified is the identity of the “woman” in Revelation 12. From Revelation 11:19 until Revelation 20:15, the major emphasis is the attack of Satan the people with whom God is dealing at that time. This attack by Satan is precipitated in three ways. We have the beasts of Revelation 13 who offer a false Messiah and false fufillment of Abraham’s covenant. We have an apostate religious system in Revelation 17 and Revelation 18 which falsely claims to be the Kingdom of God. We have the alliance of nations which is formed and eventually turns against God’s people in Revelation 19. Each of these provide avenues by which Satan moves against the one called the “woman” in Revelation 12. Thus, it is extremely important we identify this major character.
Now, in order to identify this “woman”, we must also understand that Revelation 12 center around three main characters. Identifying them will help us identify the “woman” as well.
Identity of the “Woman” in Revelation 12.
Identity of the “Woman” in Revelation 12.
We see the first of these three characters in Revelation 12:9
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
The Great Red Dragon
The Great Red Dragon
The identity of this character is quite clear. Verse 19 states without any doubt that the “great dragon” is none other than Satan or, as his often called, the Devil. If you look over at Revelation 20:2
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
we have further confirmation that it is indeed Satan. This, as we know, is in keeping with Scriptural teaching. Satan is clearly revealed as God’s great enemy. He is the author and instigator of the attacks against God’s people from Revelation 12 until Revelation 20. The Holy Spirit reveals some additional information about Satan, the great dragon, in Revelation 12:3
3 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.
Note that he has seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. Later, in Revelation 13 and Revelation 17, we see the Beast possesses these same elements. It is also plainly stated in Revelation 13:2 that the Beast derives his authority directly from Satan.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
In doing so, Satan will seek governmental authority over the woman’s remnant according Revelation 13:7
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
By the way, this authority is authority that rightly belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone.
Here is another main character found in Revelation 12.
A Man Child
A Man Child
5 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.
Note that this verse is actually a quote from Psalm 2 which states...
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
You will see the phrase “rod of iron” is used in both texts. Psalm 2 as we know is a Messianic Psalm. Thus, the man child is identified as none other than Jesus Christ. He is the child who will “rule all nations with a rod of iron.” Note also in Revelation 12:5 that He is “caught up unto God, and and to His throne” which relates to the Lord’s ascension.
A Woman Clothed with the Sun
A Woman Clothed with the Sun
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:
2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
When it comes to identifying the first two, the great red dragon and the man child, there is very little disagreement over the fact that they are Satan and the Lord Jesus Christ. As for this “woman clothed with the sun,” there is some controversy. However, as I have already stated, most of that controversy arises from one’s basis of interpretation.
Some outside of us who believe in dispensational premillenialism have suggested several false interpretations.
Some hold that this is Mary. Motherhood is the only feature in these verse to suggest such a claim. Additionally, May was never persecuted and never fled ion the wilderness or cared for for 1260 days.
Others hold that the woman represents a form of universal church. They teach the church is travailing to bring Christ to the nations. As you can imagine, this argument is built on allegorical interpretation and not literal interpretation. And, by the way, the church did not produce Christ, Christ produced the church.
There are also those who hold that the “woman” is the leader of some particular sect. Those who this view are really letting their own imagination run wild and not holding the actual teaching of Scripture.
There are number of considerations that support the fact that this “woman clothed with the sun” in the nation Israel.
The entire context, from Revelation 11 to 14, deals with the nation Israel.
The entire context, from Revelation 11 to 14, deals with the nation Israel.
These chapters lead us prophetically to Israel, Israel’s land, and Israel’s final tribulation which is also known in the Old Testament as the time of Jacob’s trouble. Note that in Revelation 11 we have two major Israeli landmarks identified.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
We have the holy city which is Jerusalem. We have the holy temple. Both related to Isreal and are easily identified with Israel. Thus, the context of this entire section is dealing with Israel.
There are frequent references through the Old Testament of Israel in relation to the sun, moon, and stars.
There are frequent references through the Old Testament of Israel in relation to the sun, moon, and stars.
9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it 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.
This is Joseph’s dream. It is clearly understood that the sun, moon, and eleven stars mentioned are Jacob, his wife, and Jacob’s sons. Now compare these verses.
35 Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, And the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, Which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The Lord of hosts is his name:
36 If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the Lord, Then the seed of Israel also shall cease From being a nation before me for ever.
12 Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon.
13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, Until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, And hasted not to go down about a whole day.
14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel.
20 They fought from heaven; The stars in their courses fought against Sisera.
35 Once have I sworn by my holiness That I will not lie unto David.
36 His seed shall endure for ever, And his throne as the sun before me.
37 It shall be established for ever as the moon, And as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.
The number 12 often signifies Israel.
The number 12 often signifies Israel.
Without any doubt, the number twelves often represented the twelve tribes of Israel. In fact, this is so obvious there is not much more that needs to be said.
The term “woman” is frequently used of Israel in the Old Testament.
The term “woman” is frequently used of Israel in the Old Testament.
In our text, Revelation 12, the term “woman” is used eight times along with the personal pronouns “she” or her” which is used an additional eight times. It is a term used throughout the Old Testament when speaking of Israel.
7 And thou saidst, I shall be a lady for ever: So that thou didst not lay these things to thy heart, Neither didst remember the latter end of it.
8 Therefore hear now this, thou that art given to pleasures, that dwellest carelessly, That sayest in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me; I shall not sit as a widow, neither shall I know the loss of children:
9 But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, The loss of children, and widowhood: They shall come upon thee in their perfection For the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments.
5 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.
6 For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, And a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.
31 For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, The voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, Saying, Woe is me now! for my soul is wearied because of murderers.
9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? Is there no king in thee? Is thy counseller perished? For pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.
10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: For now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, And thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; There the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.
3 Therefore will he give them up, Until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: Then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
7 Before she travailed, she brought forth; Before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.
8 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.
Even though the New Testament references the local church as Christ’s bride, the term “woman” is not used. It is used only of Israel. The Old Testament depicted God’s relationship with Israel as husband and wife, often as a cheating wife. However, in the New Testament, the local church is depicted as a bride waiting for her bridegroom and the approaching wedding day.
The word “dragon” is often used in the Old Testament to depict Israel’s adversary.
The word “dragon” is often used in the Old Testament to depict Israel’s adversary.
In Revelation 12, this term is applied to Satan. However, it was also a familiar term for any adversary of Israel in Old Testament history.
34 Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, He hath made me an empty vessel, He hath swallowed me up like a dragon, He hath filled his belly with my delicates, He hath cast me out.
3 Speak, and say, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lieth in the midst of his rivers, which hath said, My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.
Each use of the word “dragon” was a foreshadowing of Satan and his great persecution to come.
The term “wilderness” was often used of Israel in her national history.
The term “wilderness” was often used of Israel in her national history.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Over in Ezekiel we find a similar picture.
36 Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord God.
As we know, Israel wandered in the wilderness of forty years. Now, Ezekiel proclaims how Israel’s unbelief would once again lead them back into the wilderness.
35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.
The prophet Hosea also used the term “wilderness.”
14 Therefore, behold, I will allure her, And bring her into the wilderness, And speak comfortably unto her.
The association with the “man child.”
The association with the “man child.”
There is a lot of parallels between Revelation 12 and Micah 5 which help us identify the woman as Israel.
2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
3 Therefore will he give them up, Until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: Then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.
As we know, this predicts the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Ruler born of Judah. However, as noted, their rejection of Him as Ruler will result in them being set aside as a nation. They will travail until the accomplishment of God’s purpose. This is the same program outlined in Revelation 12.
The specific statements of Scripture.
The specific statements of Scripture.
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Note that the Holy Spirit say they Israelites are they “whom as concerning the flesh Christ came.” Since know for certain that the “man child” is the Lord Jesus Christ and since the one bearing the man child is said to be Israel, the woman must be identified as Israel.
The 1260 days or 3 1/2 Years.
The 1260 days or 3 1/2 Years.
Two times in Revelation 12 reference is made to this period of three and half years.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
This is also the same amount of time referenced in the week of Daniel’s seventieth week prophecy.
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.
25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Note that this prophecy is specifically addressed to “thy people and thy holy city” in verse 24. Since this is addressed to Daniel, we are safe to assume that it refers to Israel and Jerusalem. Each time this period is mentioned in Scripture, whether as 1260 days, 42 months, or three and half years, it always refers to Israel and a period of time in which God is dealing with that nation.
The reference to Michael.
The reference to Michael.
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Note that Michael is “the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.” Micheal is tied to the destiny of the nation of Israel in this verse. Now note Revelation 12:7
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Here we find Michael appearing again in reference to the warfare in Heaven. The fact that Michael appears on the scene here indicates that God is again dealing with the nation of Israel, and Michael is an actor here because the destiny of Israel is involved.
We can thus safely conclude that “the woman” can be none other than Israel, with whom God has His covenants, and to whom those covenants will be fulfilled.