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Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 82

"She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations"

Text: Revelation 12:5

THE BIRTH OF THE MESSIAH

The description of the birth of the Messiah is beautifully captured. At the first glance, one may think that this is a description of Mary. But on closer examination, we see a deeper picture.

“She bore a male Child who was
to rule all nations with a rod of iron.
And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
Then the woman fled into the wilderness,
where she has a place prepared by God,
that they should feed her there
one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”
Revelation 12:5-6

1. She bore a male Child.

a) It could be a reference to Mary.

i) Allusions are not uncommon.

ii) Similarities are sometimes, unavoidable.

b) The focus in this text is on the “male Child”.

c) He was destined to rule all nations with a rod of iron (Psalm 2).

d) The context of Psalm 2 focuses on God as the One who had begotten His Son.

2. Her Child was caught up to God and His throne.

a) The first reference is to the birth of the Messiah.

b) The second reference is to His ascension (Acts 1).

c) The Messiah, having finished His work on earth, is seated at the right hand of God.

3. The woman fled into the wilderness.

a) This cannot be a reference to Mary!

b) This would be a reference to Israel fleeing the wrath of Rome.

c) Jerusalem, including the Temple were razed to the ground by Rome in AD 70.

4. A place prepared by God.

a) A city called Petra was the refuge that many from Israel fled to when Rome vented its anger on Israel.

b) Israel was specially protected by the Lord.

c) God provided for its survival for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

d) “The woman” points to Israel rather than to Mary.

e) Mary was entrusted to the care of the Apostle John (John 19:25-27).