Rev. 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev. 11:2 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.
“the angel stood” – The word for stood in the Greek indicates “stood, abide, continue, stand by.” In other words, he continued to stand in the position he had assumed in chapter 10.
John is still on the earth as he receives this instruction. The first thing that jumps out to me is that there is a temple to measure. He is told to measure the temple of God and the altar and them that worship therein. The fact that John is told to measure certain things seems to indicate that these items, or what they represent, are treasured by the LORD. The temple was first established to represent God’s presence among His people, His desire to fellowship with them. The altar represents the great sacrifice that He was willing to make to redeem those He loves from sin. The worshippers represent those that have chosen to accept His sacrifice on their behalf and who desire intimate fellowship with Him. Though the physical temple will be desecrated and the sacrifice of Jesus scorned by the Antichrist and those that follow Him, those that worship Him will emerge victorious when He returns to establish His earthly kingdom and build a new and glorious temple.
John was specifically instructed not to measure the outer court because it had been given to the Gentiles for 42 months—3.5 years. It’s like John is being told that although the Gentiles will be in control for that period of time, Jesus will preserve that which is holy and separate to Him—including the worshippers. This seems to infer that Israel is in control of the temple complex during the first 3.5 years and that the antichrist takes control the second 3.5 years. This understanding is supported by the prophet Daniel.
Daniel 9:27 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….
Once the temple is rebuilt, it will be a place of worship to God once again during the first 3.5 years. This will be a time of opportunity for the Jews to turn back to God in faith. After the first 3.5 years, Antichrist will step in to desecrate the holy place. Paul talks about this in his letter to the Thessalonians.
2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
It would seem that there is room for speculation for something unholy to be in the court of the Gentiles during the first 3.5 years.
Rev. 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
Rev. 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.
Rev. 11:5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
Rev. 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
It’s at this point that we are introduced to “two witnesses” who are sent as modern day prophets to witness for a specific time period—1260 days or 3.5 years (based on the biblical use of a 360-day calendar). During their ministry they will be supernaturally protected and will be able to use fire to destroy anyone that threatens them. They will be empowered to stop the rain, to turn water into blood, and cause all types of plague at will.
I think these are the two olive trees first mentioned in Zechariah.
Zechariah 4:2-3 & 11-14 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof: And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof….Then answered I, and said unto him, What are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof? And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves? And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.
In Zechariah the immediate application would seem to be to Joshua and Zerubbabel, but I am sure that they are types of others to come in reference to “the whole earth.” Just as Joshua and Zerubbabel were standing as God’s spirit-filled representatives to Judah at the time of Zechariah’s ministry, these olive trees will be standing as God’s spirit-filled representatives to the whole earth during the first part of that tribulation period. I believe the Spirit will be ministering on earth during the tribulation or 70thweek, just as He did during the first 69 weeks of that time prophesied by Daniel. (See journal on Daniel 9.)
As the two Spirit-filled servants minister before the LORD, they are abundantly supplied to fulfill their responsibilities. It is an important truth to note that God’s call always includes God’s enablement.
Originally, I was hung up on the oil as representing the Holy Spirit. I think the truth is that these two olive trees as the source of oil are the source of spiritual enlightenment to the people to whom they are ministering. The olive trees are to the sides of the bowl, which is on the top of the lampstand.
Oil = Holy Spirit
Trees = prophets/witnesses
The trees will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to produce their fruit—to serve as intended in testimony of the truth of God’s word.
Light = testimony
That we are talking about two special individuals is clear. They are identified as “My” [in reference to Jesus] witnesses; the word for witness includes the implication of being a martyr—which will be true of them as we find out in the next several verses. They will prophesy (foretell and tell forth) the truth of God for 1,260 days or 3.5 years. They will wear the traditional “sackcloth” identified with the Old Testament prophets. Since they are not specifically identified by Jesus, we can only speculate as to their identity. I used to believe that it would be Enoch and Elijah since they are the two men that scripture reveals never saw physical death. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 9:27 that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” This is, of course, excluding the generation that will “not sleep” as identified by Paul.
1Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed….
David Guzik made a point concerning Hebrews 9:27. He stated that this “is a principle rather than an absolute, immutable law. For example, Lazarus and others were raised from the dead and apparently died twice.”
Hebrews 11:5 states that Enoch was translated “that he should not see death.” I was also reminded that Enoch was not a Jew, and it makes better sense that the witnesses in Jerusalem during the 70th week be Jewish. I now think that Enoch is a type of the raptured church who will not die physically.
We are told in Malachi that Elijah will be sent before the Lord Jesus returns.
Malachi 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
I tend to agree with many others that believe that the other witness will be Moses because the powers demonstrated by these two men are very similar to those that Moses and Elijah demonstrated during their time as prophets and because of their appearance together at the transfiguration.
Evidently, the truth that they proclaim will make some people very angry—to the point that they will want to hurt the two witnesses. Anyone that tries to harm them, will be killed by fire that projects from the mouths of the witnesses. The witnesses will also have the power to prevent it from raining on earth, to turn waters into blood, and to strike the earth (including the inhabitants) with all types of plagues/calamities. They will cause these events at their own choosing.
Rev. 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
Rev. 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
The first phrase in verse 7 indicates that the two witnesses will testify for a fixed time (as established in verse 3). At the end of that time they will be killed in a fight with the “beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit.” This is interesting in that so far, the only things we have seen ascend from the bottomless pit are the locusts. I hadn’t noticed this before, but this seems to connect the beast with the king of the locusts and would again connect to Satan.
The dead bodies of the two witnesses will be left on display in the streets of Jerusalem; they won’t even be given a burial. We know it is Jerusalem since it is identified as the place where Jesus was crucified. This verse seems to indicate that Jerusalem will be a big, influential and strong city at that time. Sadly, it is compared spiritually to Sodom and Egypt—both known for worshipping themselves and idols and rejecting the one true God. This seems to indicate that although the Jewish people will experience great awakening and will turn to their Messiah during the tribulation, it will not be as a whole in the land of Israel proper.
Rev. 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
Rev. 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
The wording of this verse seems to indicate that people all over the world will be able to see the dead bodies of the witnesses in the streets of Jerusalem for 3.5 days. This is not at all surprising considering the technology available today. Evidently, the impact of their testimony and supernatural control of weather and nature have been felt worldwide since the people on earth in general will be rejoicing that they have been put out of commission. Their deaths will be celebrated worldwide; people will even send gifts to one another as they celebrate the death of these two individuals. Why? Because they tormented those dwelling on planet earth for 3.5 years.
Rev. 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.
Rev. 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
After the witnesses’ bodies have lain in the streets for 3.5 days, the Spirit of life from God enters into them and they stand up. This makes everyone who sees this happen very afraid. Emphasis is made that God resurrects them to life by His Holy Spirit.
The wording in the next verse is a bit unclear, but I believe it is saying that the witnesses hear a great voice calling out to them from heaven. I don’t believe those on earth hear it—or just like when Jesus called Lazarus from the grave, if He hadn’t specified Lazarus, all the dead in the tomb would have come forth (assuming it to be a family tomb). The wording is very similar to that used in Rev. 1:10 and 4:1, the voice of God. He tells them to “come up hither.” The witnesses immediately ascend up to heaven in a cloud while the people on earth are watching. The ascending and descending to and from heaven often seem to be associated with the clouds.
Rev. 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.
Rev. 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
In the same hour that the witnesses ascend to heaven there is a great earthquake in Jerusalem that destroys 1/10 of the city and kills 7,000 men. The word for “remnant” simply means the rest of the people left. Those left alive were terribly afraid; and, as is often the case when things get really bad, they turn to the God of heaven. We know that God says that all of Israel will one day be saved, and I think this is a major turning point in the faith of many Jews.
We are told that this completes the second woe; and the third woe is coming quickly, soon afterward. This appears to mark the midpoint of the tribulation, since the witnesses are on earth for 3.5 years and Jesus chooses this point to explain to John all that leads up to Satan’s expulsion from heaven to rule on earth through the beast (whom I believe he indwells) for the last 3.5 years.
Rev. 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
When the 7th trumpet is blown, the inhabitants of heaven begin rejoicing in the fact that the eternal Kingdom of God (“our Lord and His Christ”) on earth will soon be established. Never again will Satan be allowed to accuse and reign over mankind. This is, of course, with the perspective of knowing that there are a few battles left in the war; but the victory is sure.
Rev. 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Rev. 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Rev. 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.
John sees the 24 elders fall on their knees in worship before God. Notice what they say. They are giving thanks to the “Lord God Almighty,” who is, always has been, and always will be. They are thankful that He is taking back total control of the universe and planet earth. The wording indicates that He has been the ultimate power all along, but has allowed Satan the fruits of his small victory for a time in order to demonstrate His character and love and to draw out a people unto Himself for His pleasure (Rev. 4:11).
The elders appear to be talking about the saints and prophets and those that fear God’s name in reference to beings distinct from themselves (cf 4:4, 5:9-10) in affirmation of my thoughts on chapters 4-5.
Verse 18 is emphasizing judgment to come—both of believers and “those who destroy the earth.” The judgment of His servants is regarding rewards for service; for unbelievers it refers to eternal condemnation.
This whole section seems to be talking about things that have not yet been completed, but will be “soon.” Those rewarded (given wages) will be the prophets (forth tellers & foretellers), the saints (those who are holy, set apart, sanctified), and those who fear (are in awe of) and reverence God’s name (authority, cause). Those destroyed will be those who are destroyers; they obviously have no respect for God and/or His creation.
Rev. 11:19 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.
Now we are told that there is a temple of God in heaven (which was hinted at earlier by the existence of the altar, candlesticks, etc.) The prophet Isaiah also saw the temple in heaven in a vision.
Isaiah 6:1 “In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.”
There in the temple is the ark of His (God’s) testament/covenant. I personally believe this is the ark that has been missing all these many years. I know that the tabernacle and temple and their contents were patterned on things in the heavens. But I believe the ark that was built during the time of Moses is the one that is associated with the promise of God’s covenant to the Jews and is significant to the fulfillment of promise and prophecy. While on earth, the ark and its mercy seat were representative of God’s throne. God’s throne in heaven is unique. I believe the ark is now in heaven as a testimony to His covenant.
I also thought about the fact that God’s throne on earth now is the heart of believers. The ark is no longer needed to function as originally intended. It’s only validity now is as a testimony to God as a covenant-keeper.
When the temple opens, those on earth experience lightnings, voices, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail. This is the fourth major earthquake brought about by God’s judgment. This is almost identical to what happened with the opening of the 7th seal (and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.) I have heard it explained that the judgments run concurrently with one another, but I do not believe this. The revelation being written by John appears to be a complete narrative of what he witnesses and experiences in the order that he witnesses and experiences them. Scripture is written in accordance with the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. The use of language specifying order is just as significant here as in Genesis 1. I don’t think God is trying to confuse us.
Rev. 12:1 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:
Rev. 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
This chapter opens with another one of those foundational visions that are meant to provide better understanding of what is to follow (similar to what is done in chapters 4-5). It is a summary of primary events that precede Satan being cast out of heaven. This vision will make perfect sense to the Jewish people whose hearts soften and are receptive to the teaching of God’s tribulation witnesses. The key to this vision is found in the Old Testament record of a dream of Joseph.
First John sees a woman clothed with the sun, the moon is under her feet, and she is wearing a crown of 12 stars. We know that Jacob is the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, and his son, Joseph, had a dream that is recorded in Genesis that relates to these verses in Revelation.
Genesis 37:9-10 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. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
Jacob understood that the sun, moon and eleven stars represented Joseph’s family. The woman represents the nation of Israel, the Jews, who suffered much in preparation for the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. The prophet Isaiah uses a similar analogy of the nation of Israel giving birth to a man child.
Isaiah 66:7-8 Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. 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.
Rev. 12:3 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.
Rev. 12:4 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 which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.
The next thing John sees is a great (big and strong) red dragon with 7 heads and 10 horns, and he is wearing a crown on each of his 7 heads. Other passages with reference to this description include Daniel 7:7, Rev. 13:1, and 17:3, 7, 12, 16.
Daniel 7:7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
The tail of the dragon sweeps away or draws with him 1/3 of the stars of heaven and casts them to the earth. I believe this is referring to 1/3 of the angels that were in heaven when Satan chose to rebel against God. I believe this is supported in the following verses (see verse 7). This is the only place in scripture that we are given an indication of the number of angels that rebelled with Satan.
The dragon does everything he can to prevent the birth of the child, Jesus the Messiah—such as Herod’s massacre of the infants of Bethlehem as recorded in Matthew 2—and prevent Him from accomplishing God’s plan of redemption.
Rev. 12:5 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.
The woman, Israel, brought forth a man child who will rule the nations with a rod of iron and is caught up to the throne of God—Jesus. (see Rev. 2:27, 19:15, and the following verses)
Psalm 2:6-9 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Rev. 12:6 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.
At this point in the vision John sees the Jewish remnant fleeing into the wilderness to a special place that God has prepared for her at the time when Satan is cast out of heaven forever and wants to take out his anger to the extreme on the Jewish people. Those who run away to this special place will be fed there for 1,260 days, or 3.5 years. The word for “feed” implies “to pamper, cherish, nourish.” Notice that the place is prepared by God, and they feed her.
This brings to mind some verses in Matthew.
Matthew 24:15-16 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
I’ve often heard that the place God will use to protect the fleeing remnant is Petra, a place in current day Jordan, which is both in the wilderness and the mountains. One verse that gives support to that thought is in Isaiah.
Isaiah 63:1—Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
Why would the Lord be coming from Bozrah (in Edom; Petra was the capital of Edom) if He had not been protecting and rescuing His people there?
Daniel tells us that the antichrist is not allowed to overthrow Jordan.
Daniel 11:41 “He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.” Note: The lands of Edom, Moab and Ammon were located in what is today known as Jordan.
Rev. 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
Rev. 12:8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
Rev. 12:9 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.
At this point there is a great war in heaven. Michael (the warrior angel associated with the protection of the nation of Israel) and his angels fight against the dragon and his angels.
Daniel 12:1 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.
Michael and his angels are victorious, and the great dragon, the old serpent, called the Devil (false accuser, slanderer), and Satan (accuser), the deceiver of the world, is defeated. He and his angels are cast out of the heavens to the earth. This verse identifies the dragon in no uncertain terms.
Rev. 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
Rejoicing is heard in heaven at the approach of the reign of the kingdom of God on earth. The creation will be saved/delivered, and God’s strength will be made manifest. Satan is the accuser. Who is he accusing? The brethren—believers—those who trust Jesus as their Savior. He has been so diligent at his task that he has been accusing them before God “day and night.” The word for accuser is interesting; it indicates “a complainant at law, especially Satan.” Satan is trying to attack us from the point of law, and God is looking at us through the blood of His Son, Jesus, and all He sees is righteousness. Satan has had access all this time to present himself before the Lord and make his accusations (e.g., Job 1:6), but that access has now come to an end.
Job 1:6-7 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
Rev. 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
The men and women of faith defeated the attacks of the enemy through the covering of the blood of Jesus, through the boldness of their testimony (their declaration of the power of God in their lives by the way they lived), and through complete trust in the provision of the Savior—so much so that they were willing to die for their faith. They were confident of the hope within them.
Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
Rev. 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
Those in heaven are encouraged to rejoice because the fulfillment of God’s promise to His Son is at hand. Grief is expressed for those on earth and in the sea. Why? Because the devil/Satan is come down unto you with great wrath (passion, fierceness/indignation). Why is he so intense? Because he knows that he only has a short time left as the god of this world. I often wonder if he actually thinks he has a chance in this war against God. Maybe this is the first time he will actually understand that he is beaten, and he is determined to do as much damage as he can before it’s over.
Rev. 12:13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.
Once Satan is banished to earth, he begins a major persecution of the Jews, the nation that birthed the Christ.
Rev. 12:14 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.
A remnant of the Jewish nation will be nourished/cherished/pampered for 3.5 years in the place prepared by God (Rev. 12:6). I have heard it taught that the eagle is a possible reference to the United States, but I don’t buy it. God’s protection of the Jewish nation is often compared to an eagle.
Exodus 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
Deuteronomy 32:9-12 For the LORD’S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings: So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.
I think verse 14 is a reference to action taken regarding the warning given in Matthew, and those who escape become part of the refined remnant of the Jewish people about which Zechariah prophesied.
Matthew 24:15-16 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains.
Zechariah 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
Rev. 12:15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.
John continues to call Satan by the various names identified with him in verse 9. This time he is a serpent who is trying to prevent the Jews from reaching their haven in the wilderness safely. Maybe he is able to cause an actual flood by diverting the waters of some river, or breaking a dam or something. Then again I am reminded that he has been given temporary ability to perform miracles and has already proven his ability to manipulate the forces of nature (e.g., regarding Job).
Rev. 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.
Whatever he uses, he will be prevented by something miraculous that happens with nature or through the assistance of the people of the land to where the Jews are fleeing. The word for “earth” includes the inhabitants as well as the land.
There is an interesting Psalm for meditation with possible prophetic reference to this verse.
Psalm 124:1-8 If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say; If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us: Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Satan is really angry when he fails to prevent the safe escape of the Jews. Now he turns to the remnant of her seed who keep the commandments of God. Note that they are keeping the commandments and declaring the testimony/witness/truth of Jesus Christ—just as we should be doing today. For some reason we seem to think we can ignore the commandments of God and just embrace the message of love and grace of Jesus. Those who operate with this outlook are ignoring a good portion of God’s word. I believe that the Word teaches that our actions prove our faith.
John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
James 2: 14-17 - What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Matthew 7:17-21 - Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
It’s also interesting that God is always preserving a remnant of His people until the time they turn to Him in repentance and recognition of the Messiah. This is important in fulfilling His promise to Abraham.
Genesis 17:7-8 – And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
2Kings 19:30 And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.
Isaiah 1:9 Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.
Isaiah 10:21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
Isaiah 11:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
Isaiah 65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains: and mine elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.
Jeremiah 23:3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
Zechariah 8:12 For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
Romans 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.