THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 15 –  A Scene in Heaven

Episode 17

 (These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, ” WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO ME”)

Chapter 14 gave us the pronouncement of doom and the sentencing of Babylon and the worshipers of the Beast and the symbolism of the reapers of the earth and the great wine press from which the blood of the rebellious flowed as deep as a horse’s bridle is high,(about 5 or six feet deep), and sixteen hundred stadia (which is about 180 miles in length). A lake of blood six feet deep and 180 miles long.

 Now the time has come for the final judgements of God to be poured out. The stage is set, and the scene is as spectacular as it is ominous.

No commentary I could offer would be sufficient to describe or explain this chapter. It is self-explanatory. I stand in awe.

The Scene of Heaven

Revelation 15:1, Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and wonderful [a warning of terrifying and horrible events]: seven angels who had seven plagues, (afflictions and calamities), which are the last, because with them the wrath of God is finished, [and is completely expressed and reaches its zenith].

Verse 2. Then I saw something like a sea or large expanse of glass mixed with fire, and those who were victorious over the beast and over his image and over the number corresponding to his name were standing on the sea or large expanse of glass, holding harps of God [worshiping Him]. Verse 3. And they [footnote ‘a’] sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,

“Great and wonderful and awe-inspiring are Your works [in judgement],

O Lord God, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all];

Righteous and true are Your ways,

O King of the [footnote ‘b’] nations!

Verse 4. “Who will not fear [reverently], and glorify Your name, O Lord [giving You honor and praise in worship]?

For You alone are holy;

For ALL THE NATIONS SHALL COME AND WORSHIP BEFORE YOU,

FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS [Your just decrees and judgements] HAVE BEEN REVEALED and DISPLAYED.”

Verse 5. After these things I looked, and the temple, (the sanctuary) of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened, verse 6, and the seven angels who had the seven plagues, (afflictions and calamities), came out of the temple, arrayed in linen, pure and gleaming, and wrapped around their chests were golden sashes. Verse 7. Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath and indignation of God, who lives forever and ever. Verse 8. And the temple was filled with [footnote ‘c’] smoke from the glory and radiance and splendor of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. (End of text for this chapter).

The next chapter, 16, brings the end of God’s judgements on the earth. The horrors of these final judgements are unimaginable, and the intensity is palpable. We must remember that God has been patient and merciful over the millennia, but that He is also just and His Justice must be served. God, over the centuries, has sent thousands upon thousands of messengers to warn of what was coming to those who reject Him. For all these centuries, God has pled to all humanity to be redeemed by the sacrifice of His only Son. But the rebellious continue to defy Him and curse His Name.  Now their end is come.

Author’s Note: Rather than just making a statement about God’s gift of salvation, I would like to ask you a question: How does making a statement or a profession of faith, as found in Romans 10 verses 9 and 10, such as, “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation”, save you?

Similarly, how does praying a small prayer of faith and repentance, you hear in many churches, save you? Prayers such as, “Dear God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I am sorry. I turn away from my former life and ask you to come into my heart and save me. I now believe by faith that you have, and I thank you for saving me.”

The best answer I can give is akin to Psalms 23 verse 7, “As a man thinks within himself or herself, so are they.” Then the proof of that salvation is found in a change of heart, mind and behavior or works.

Please, dear friends, let’s be certain. Let’s work out our salvation with fear and trembling, then rest upon His Word and promise.

 Your Brother and Friend,

 Mike Young

 Previous: THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 14 –  The Lamb, The 144,000, Doom & The Harvest,  – Episode 16

Next: THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 16 – The Bowls of Wrath & Armageddon  – Episode 18

 (Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)

THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 14 –  The Lamb, The 144,000, Doom & The Harvest

Episode 16

 (These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, ” WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO ME?”)

Chapter 13 gave us a look at the two Beasts, one from the sea and one from the earth, making their move to have rule and dominion over the world. Although portrayed as metaphorical beasts, it is an apt description for the real nature and character of these men. And they are real, and horribly authentic. So fantastic, frightening and convincing is their appearance, their powerful acts and behaviors, and their influence that “the saints, God’s people, are overcome, and the Beast  will have the authority and power over every tribe and people and language and nation. All the inhabitants of the earth will fall down and worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the Book of Life of the Lamb who has been slain as a willing sacrifice” (see Revelation 13, verses 7 and 8).

The grip and rule and dominion of this Beast becomes so absolute, that “He compels all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free-men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, signifying allegiance and obedience to this beast, so that no one will be able to buy or sell, unless they have the Mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name (which is six hundred, sixty six)”.

Important Note: The Bible gives us two specific verses, spoken by Jesus, which gives us a mystery: “Whatever is be bound on earth, shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever is loosed on earth, shall have been loosed in heaven”. (see Matthew 16 verse 19 and Matthew 18 verse 18). The meaning behind these verses come from a Chaldean and rabbinical idiom, meaning to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit; to be put under obligation; chained; imprisoned.

Secondly, this mystery is best understood, i.e., revealed, when viewed in the context of 2^nd Corinthians 4 verse 18, which says, “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal”, and again in Hebrews 11 verse 1, “Now faith is the certainty of things confidently expected, (hoped for), the proof (positive, and the absolute conviction) of things not (yet) seen.”

Third, it is of the utmost importance to recognize that this binding and loosing cannot be not random nor serendipitous. In order to understand this mystery, we must first acknowledge that everything that is to take place or that has taken place, is and has been pre-determined by God – even before the foundations of the world.  John 1 verse 3 confirms that ”All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.”

THEREFORE, whatever is bound on earth, is an authority given by God to His elect (in these cases, Peter and the Church), to pray, confirm and bind matters on earth, which then become bound by legal spiritual and heavenly edict. As a result, those things which are not yet seen on earth, having been bound in heaven, will now be manifested upon the earth!

This is important to understand and to know because the things revealed in The Book of The Revelation (the apokalupsis), have been bound in  Heaven and are to be manifested on earth. All of the Revelation, although spoken and written in images, metaphors, similes, analogies, its manifestation is to be physically literal. Don’t underestimate what is coming. Don’t be led astray by the un-enlightened or false prophets who will say otherwise. BEWARE and BE READY.

Now, on to chapter 14, where we will see God’s heavenly counter-offensive, and in fact, the entire world will see the might, the irresistible power and the Glory of our God. Nothing and no one can stand before Him. Read with me.

The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion

Revelation 14:1, Then I looked, and this is what I saw: the Lamb stood [firmly established] on Mount Zion, and with Him a hundred and forty-four thousand who had His name and His Father’s name inscribed on their foreheads, [signifying God’s own possession]. Verse 2. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of great waters and like the rumbling of mighty thunder; and the voice that I heard [seemed like music and] was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. Verse 3. And they sang a new song before the throne [of God] and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased, (ransomed, redeemed) from the earth. Verse 4. These are the ones who have not been defiled [by relations] with women, for they are celibate. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased and redeemed from among men [of Israel] as the first fruits [sanctified and set apart for special service] for God and the Lamb. Verse 5. No lie was found in their mouth, for they are blameless, (spotless, untainted, beyond reproach).

(Commentary Break: These verses speak for themselves. But I would like to draw our attention to the contrast between the counterfeiting by the Beasts of the One True God. Similar but opposite. One works miracles but is domineering, murderous, evil, dark and frightening. This is the way of Satan and his false prophet. They come to steal, kill and destroy.

The other is miraculous and radiant, filled with light; angelic, harmonious and full of beautiful music; blameless, spotless, untainted and beyond reproach. Jesus came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. (see John 10 verse 10). (End Commentary Break).

The Angel with the Gospel

Verse 6. Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an [footnote ‘a’] eternal gospel to preach to the inhabitants of the earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people; verse 7, and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God [with awe and reverence], and give Him glory [and honor and praise in worship], because the hour of His judgment has come; [with all your heart] worship Him who created the heaven and the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”

(Commentary Break: Here we have an angel preaching the Gospel to all the inhabitants of earth – every nation and tribe and language and people.

Remember that the 6^th Tribulation Trumpet has sounded and now the 7^th Tribulation Trumpet is being sounded as these events are taking place. The 6^th Trumpet sounded the ‘last call’ to the inhabitants of earth for salvation. Now, with the 7^th Trumpet sounding, the end of God’s remaining mercies has come. No one else is to be saved from the Wrath of the Lamb. (End Commentary Break).

Doom for Proud Babylon

Verse 8. Then another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her immorality [corrupting them with idolatry].”

Doom for Worshipers of the Beast

Verse 9. Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “Whoever worships the beast and his image and receives the mark [of the beast] on his forehead or on his hand, verse 10, he too will [have to] drink of the wine of the wrath of God, [footnote ‘b’] mixed undiluted into the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone (flaming sulfur) in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb (Christ). Verse 11. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day and night–those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

Verse 12. Here is [encouragement for] the steadfast endurance of the saints (God’s people), those who habitually keep God’s commandments and their faith in Jesus. Verse 13. Then I heard [the distinct words of] a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘[footnote ‘c’] Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes, [blessed indeed],” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest and have relief from their labors, for their deeds do follow them.”

(Commentary Break: The edict is read. The end has come. Those who bear the image of the Beast are sentenced. And to those who habitually keep God’s commandments and their faith in Jesus may rest and have relief from their labors. They are taken away to abide forever with the Lord. It is over.)

The Reapers

Verse 14. Again I looked, and this is what I saw: a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a crown of gold on His head and a sharp sickle [of swift judgment] in His hand. Verse 15. And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to Him who was sitting upon the cloud, “Put in Your sickle and reap [at once], for the hour to reap [in judgment] has arrived, because the earth’s harvest is fully ripened.” Verse 16. So He who was sitting on the cloud cast His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped (and judged).

Verse 17. Then another angel came out of the temple (sanctuary) in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. Verse 18. And another angel came from the altar, the one who has power over fire; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and reap the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe [for judgment].” Verse 19. So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and harvested the grapevine of the earth, and threw the grapes into the great wine press of the wrath and indignation of God [as judgment of the rebellious world]. Verse 20. And the grapes in the wine press were trampled and crushed outside the city, and blood poured from the wine press, reaching up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of [footnote ‘d’] sixteen hundred stadia.

(Commentary Break: It is important to know that this ‘reaping’ is for both the   ‘harvest of souls for righteousness’ of those who were not raptured with the Church at the 6^th Seal Judgement (which comes before the final 7 years of the Great Tribulation). This is the Great Winepress of The Wrath and Indignation of God and His judgement on the rebellious world.

 The severity of this judgement and of the remaining judgements yet to come, is illustrated by the winepress and the volumes of flowing blood. It is deep as a horse’s bridle is high,(about 5 or six feet deep), and sixteen hundred stadia (which is about 180 miles in length). A lake of blood six feet deep and 180 miles long.

 (If one would conjecture the width of an ancient wine press at ten feet, then the volume of blood being squeezed from God’s winepress would be three hundred and fifty five million gallons of blood. The average body contains one point three gallons of blood, so this would be equal to the blood of  two hundred seventy four million people – perhaps the number of people to be slaughtered from God’s judgements (as well as from the battle of Armageddon?)

 This description, of course, implies the terrific nature of the punishment, probably nothing more. In the same way the distance mentioned is no doubt intended to denote the extensive nature of the punishment. (End Commentary Break).

Next, in chapter 15, the scene is set for the pouring out of The final Seven Bowl judgements. Seven angels who have seven plagues, will be the last of the judgements, because in them the wrath of God is finished.

Dear friends and loved ones, please, let’s think and meditate on these things, and pray that God gives us His Wisdom and the courage to stand ready at all times, staying ready to make a defense to everyone who asks, and to give an account for the Hope which is Christ Jesus, Who is in you.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous: THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 13 – The Beast from the Sea, The Beast from the Earth  – Episode 15

Next: THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 15 – A Scene of Heaven  – Episode 17

 (Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes)

THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 13 – The Beast from the Sea, The Beast from the Earth

Episode 15

 (These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, ” WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO ME”)

 If, as I have said previously, that the Book of The Revelation chapter twelve was difficult, with passages of strange imagery, symbolism, metaphors and similes, then let’s prepare ourselves for chapter thirteen.  Chapter 13 is one of the most difficult passages of eschatological scripture to interpret and to understand..

 I have previously stated that I would try to avoid lengthy explanations of symbolisms, the historicity or cultural, political, social, economic backgrounds or traditions. Therefore, I am supplying Text Links to serve those purposes. They are important, and I strongly encourage you to use them.  

 My goal is for us to gain a simple working knowledge, a basic understanding and gain wisdom that comes from God, and from our study of this Book. This is so we can prepare ourselves to be a witness to what we have learned. That said, please watch for and use links to external commentaries. Now to Chapter thirteen.

The Beast from the Sea

Revelation 13:1, And the [footnote ‘a’] dragon (Satan) stood on the sandy shore of the sea.

Then I saw a [vicious] beast coming up out of the sea with ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten royal [footnote ‘b’] crowns (diadems), and on his heads were blasphemous names. Verse 2. And the beast that I saw resembled a [footnote ‘c’] leopard, but his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth was like that of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. Verse 3. I saw one of his heads which seemed to have a fatal wound, but his fatal wound was healed; and the entire earth followed after the beast in amazement. Verse 4. They fell down and worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; they also worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like (as great as) the beast, and who is able to wage war against him?” Verse 5. And the beast was given a mouth (the power of speech), uttering great things and arrogant and blasphemous words, and he was given freedom and authority to act and to do as he pleased for [footnote ‘d’] forty-two months (which is equivalent to three and a half years). Verse 6. And he opened his mouth to speak blasphemies (abusive speech, slander) against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, and those who live in heaven.

(Commentary Break: Please refer to this EXTERNAL LINK: Benson Commentary, Biblehub.com, for the preceding verses.) (End Commentary Break).

Verse 7. He, (the Beast), was also [footnote ‘e’] permitted to wage war against the saints (God’s people) and to overcome them, and authority and power over every tribe and people and language and nation. Verse 8. All the inhabitants of the earth will fall down and worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the Book of Life of the Lamb who has been slain [as a willing sacrifice]. Verse 9. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. Verse 10. If anyone is destined for captivity, he will go into captivity; if anyone kills with a sword, he must be killed with a sword. Here is [the call for] the patient endurance and the faithfulness of the saints [which is seen in the response of God’s people to difficult times].

The Beast from the Earth

Verse 11. Then I saw [footnote ‘f’] another beast rising up out of the earth; he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke like a dragon. Verse 12. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence [when the two are together]. And he makes the earth and those who inhabit it worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. Verse 13. He performs great signs (awe-inspiring acts), even making fire fall from the sky to the earth, right before peoples’ eyes. Verse 14. And he deceives those [unconverted ones] who inhabit the earth [into believing him] because of the signs which he is given [by Satan] to perform in the presence of the [first] beast, telling those who inhabit the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded [fatally] by the sword and has come back to life. Verse 15. And he is given power to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast will even [appear to] speak, and cause those who do not bow down and worship the image of the beast to be put to death.

THE MARK OF THE BEAST

Verse 16. Also he, (the second Beast), compels all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the freemen and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead [signifying allegiance to the beast], verse 17, and that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Verse 18. Here is wisdom. Let the person who has enough insight calculate the number of the beast, for it is the [imperfect] number of a man; [footnote ‘g’] and his number is [footnote ‘h’] six hundred and sixty-six.

 (Commentary Break: It is important to place the timing of this event, the giving of the Mark of the Beast.

WHEN WILL THIS BEAST GIVE HIS MARK?

This is frequently speculated and often hotly debated subject. Specualtions can run a wild gamut from spiritualized metaphors to philosophies and imaginary ideologies to literal markings, tattoos, icons to implanted computer chips or other fantastic technological devices. Regardless of the actual method or identity of this Mark, the popular idea in many church denominations is that the Antichrist will give his “Mark of the Beast” before The Tribulation period but that, he will not be revealed until after the rapture of the Church.

Our text from Revelation 13 verse 16 and 17 says, he will “cause all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the freemen and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.”

HOWEVER, the Bible clearly tells us that *The Antichrist will be revealed BEFORE the rapture of the church and

*He will give his Mark of the Beast AFTER the rapture of the Church.

The Anti-Christ is to be revealed before the rapture

The Apostle Paul informs us, in 2 Thessalonians1:4  that, “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

The beginning of the great apostasy and an escalation of the persecution of the saints occurs sometime during the 5th Tribulation Seal, or just at the beginning of the 6th Tribulation Seal. (Compare Matthew 24 verses 9 and 10 with Revelation 6 verses 9 through12, and you will see the the great persecution of Believers and accompanied by the Great Apostasy)

We are seeing the 5th Tribulation Seal being opened in our lifetime, the great apostasy or falling away from the faith, false messiahs, great deceptions, a.k.a. the ‘deluding influence’ and alienation from one another, and it is become more pronounced as time passes.

As I have proposed on numerous occasions, the Tribulation Seal Judgments One through Four, (wars and rumors of war, famines, plagues, earthquakes, spread of new diseases) began in or around AD 1.  (click this link for “When Does Daniel’s 70th Week, also known as, the 7 Years of Great Tribulation, begin”).

RECAP

First, in Verse 2. “you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

Secondly, in Verse 3.  “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and,

Finally, The man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, Verse 4. who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”

The Mark of the Beast comes AFTER the Rapture

And according to the Bible, the Antichrist gives his ‘Mark’ after the Seal Judgments, after the Rapture, and just after the 6th Tribulation Trumpet Judgment and at the advent of 7th Trumpet Judgment, which is the Mid-Point of the Great Tribulation, which is after three and one half years of the final 7 years of the Great Tribulation period.

Revelation 13:16-17 tells us when the Antichrist “causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the freemen and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, Verse 17. and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.”  

The placement of Mark of the Beast, as mentioned in the scriptures, also tells us it is immediately following the 6^th Judgment Trumpet:

Seven trumpets are sounded (Seen in Revelation Chapters 8, 9, and 12):

(1). First Trumpet: Hail and fire, mingled with blood, are thrown to the earth burning up a third of the trees and green grass. (Revelation 8:6–7)

(2). Second Trumpet: Something that resembles a great mountain, burning with fire, falls from the sky and lands in the ocean. It kills a third of the sea creatures and destroys a third of the ships at sea. (Revelation 8:8–9)

(3). Third Trumpet: A great star, named Wormwood, falls from heaven and poisons a third of the rivers and springs of water. (Revelation 8:10–11)

(4). Fourth Trumpet: A third of the sun, the moon, and the stars are darkened creating complete darkness for a third of the day and the night. (8:12–13)

(5). Fifth Trumpet: The First Woe, (Revelation 9:1–12)

(a). A “star” falls from the sky, (Revelation 9:1).

(b). This “star” is given “the key to the bottomless pit”, (Revelation 9:1).

(c). The “star” then opens the bottomless pit. When this happens, “smoke [rises] from [the Abyss] like smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky [are] darkened by the smoke from the Abyss” (Revelation 9:2).

(d). From out of the smoke, locusts who are “given power like that of scorpions of the earth” (9:3), who are commanded not to harm anyone or anything except for people who were not given the “seal of God” on their foreheads, (from chapter Revelation chapter,7,and Revelation 9:4).

(e). The “locusts” are described as having a human appearance (faces and hair) but with lion’s teeth, and wearing “breastplates of iron”; the sound of their wings resembles “the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle”, (found in Revelation 9:7–9).

(6). Sixth Trumpet: The Second Woe, (found in Revelation 9:13–21)

(a). The four angels bound to the great river Euphrates are released to prepare two hundred million horsemen.

(b). These armies kill a third of mankind by plagues of fire, smoke, and brimstone.

(7). Interlude: The little scroll. (found in Revelation 10:1–11)

(a). An angel appears, with one foot on the sea and one foot on the land, having an opened little book in his hand.

(b). Upon the cry of the angel, seven thunders utter mysteries and secrets that are not to be written down by John.

(c). John is instructed to eat the little scroll that happens to be sweet in his mouth, but bitter in his stomach, and to prophesy.

(d). John is given a measuring rod to measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.

(e). Outside the temple, at the court of the holy city, it is trod by the nations for forty-two months (which is 3 and 1⁄2 years).

(f). Two witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:1–14)

(8). Seventh Trumpet, (found in Revelation 11:15–19): This is the Third Woe which is followed by the Seven Bowls.

(9). This is the point at which the Beast gives his ‘MARK’. so that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the ‘Mark of the Beast’.

(10). The temple of God opens in heaven, where the ark of His covenant can be seen. There are lightnings, noises, thundering, an earthquake, and great hail. (End Commentary Break).

What Does This Mean to You?

What this means to you and to me is that people have been suffering and many people are now suffering the effects of the “Birth Pains Period” of the tribulation, which covers the time period from the Birth of Jesus until this day. These are the stresses and trials of the tribulation Seals 1 through 5. (see Matthew 24 verses 5 through 8).

However, let’s be perfectly clear: No Christian will suffer the Wrath of God, following the rapture of the elect at the 6^th Tribulation Seal, which is the beginning of the beginning of and the final 7 years the Great Tribulation Period, also known as Daniel’s 70^th Week, The Great and Terrible Day of The Lord, and The Wrath of the Lamb. “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1^st Thessalonians 5 verse 9.)

Next, in Chapter 14, we will be brought back into a more chronological view of future events as we move ever closer to the End of This Age.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous: THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 12 – The Two Witnesses – Episode 14

Next:  THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 14 – The Lamb, Babylon & The Harvest,  – Episode 16

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes.)

THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 12 – The Woman Israel, The Dragon, The Male Child, The Angel Michael

Episode 14

 (These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “AND, WHAT? DOES THIS MEAN TO ME”)

We will now get a deeper spiritual perspective of the unfolding events of the Last Days. Chapter 12 gives us a review and an overview from above, of what was, what is and what is to come.

 Please remember and try to understand that “while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” This is the perspective of this Chapter twelve.

 (And, because of the extensive use of symbolism, metaphors and similes, I will comment more than usual, hopefully to give useful insights.)

The Woman, Israel

Revelation 12:1 And a great sign [warning of an ominous and frightening future event] appeared in heaven: a [footnote ‘a’] woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. Verse 2. She was with child (the Messiah) and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.

(Commentary Break: It can be quite obvious that the woman clothed with the sun is Israel. The sun refers to Jacob, (who was also called Israel), and the moon is open to many interpretations, but one is that it possibly refers to Rachel, who is  the younger daughter of Laban and wife of Jacob, and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, who become two of the twelve tribes of Israel. The crown of 12 stars upon the woman’s head refers to the twelve tribes of Israel, originating with the sons of Jacob and Rachel.

 Verse 2 is, of course, referring to the birth of Jesus, which is very descriptive as “she, the woman Israel, cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth”. This is but another important time marker of the beginning to the Tribulation Period, known as the BIRTH PAINS, as spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24, verse 8.

 I am providing a reprint of Matthew 24 verses 3 through 14, below here, to give the full context of (#1), Jesus’ remarks on this matter, and (#2), to show the specific time of the beginning of the BIRTH PAINS segment of The Tribulation, which include the first 5 tribulations, broken at the time of the birth of Christ Jesus! The 6^th Tribulation Seal is not mentioned here, as it is the beginning of Daniel’s 70^th Week, also known as The Great Tribulation and the beginning of the FINAL SEVEN YEARS of the Tribulation!

Matthew 24:3, And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 

And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will mislead many people. And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars, (Tribulation Seals 1 through 2 as described by Jesus in Matthew chapter 24 and Revelation chapter 6). See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,(Tribulation Seals  and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains.

“Then they will hand you over to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name (Third and fourth Tribulation Seals). And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold. (The Fifth Tribulation Seal). But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

To repeat: this is to give the full context of (#1), Jesus’ remarks on this matter, and (#2), to show the specific time of the beginning of the BIRTH PAINS segment of The Tribulation, which include the first 5 tribulations, broken at the time of the birth of Christ Jesus! The 6^th Tribulation Seal is not mentioned here, as it is the beginning of Daniel’s 70^th Week, also known as The Great Tribulation and the beginning of the FINAL SEVEN YEARS of the Tribulation! (End Commentary Break).

The Red Dragon, Satan

Verse 3. Then another sign [of warning] was seen in heaven: behold, a great fiery red dragon (Satan) with [footnote ‘b’] seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven royal crowns (diadems). Verse 4. And his tail swept [across the sky] and dragged away a third of the stars of heaven and flung them to the earth. And the dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

(Commentary Break: The seven heads and ten horns correspond to the heads and horns of the beast in Revelation chapter 17, verse 3 through verse 17, and to those of the beast in Daniel chapter 7, verse 7 through verse 8 and following verses as well. Daniel’s description reveals that the ten horns are ten kings who temporarily reign with the Antichrist during the Great Tribulation. These ten kings, or nations, as found in Ezekiel 38, in Daniel chapter 7 and 9 and again in Revelation chapter 17, as the armies of Armageddon are from the nations of:

1. 1. 1. Gog, also known as Rosh, (Russia) and,
      2. Rosh, (Russia),
      3. Magog, also known as (Russia),
      4. Gomer, also known as (Eastern Europe-Southern Russia),
      5. Put, also known as (Libya),
      6. Cush, also known as (Ethiopia),
      7. Persia, also known as (Iran),
      8. Meshech, also known as (Modern Day Turkey),
      9. Tubal, also known as (an area in central Turkey),
      10. Beth-Togarmah, also known as (Georgia, Chechnya, Turkey/Armenia).

 Next, John sees a sign in heaven: “An enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth.” John then relates that the dragon was hurled down to the earth and positively identifies it as “that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray” (Revelation 12 verse 9). The dragon is not thrown to earth alone, however: “His angels were cast out with him” (verse 9). The angels that are ejected from heaven with Satan we associate with the “third of the stars” that the dragon’s tail swept from heaven to earth in verse 4. If the “stars” of Revelation 12 verse 4 are indeed a symbolic reference to Satan’s “angels” from verse 9, then what we have is a reference to the fall of a portion of the angels, (the heavenly hosts), who followed Satan in his rebellion. Two thirds of the angels remained loyal to God and are called the “holy angels” in Scripture (for example, Mark 8 verse 38); one third of the original angels joined Satan and are called “unclean spirits” or “demons” today (for example, Mark 9:25).

 This section closes with the obvious reference to Satan’s attempts to destroy the Christ Child. (see King Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus in Matthew 2, verses 1 through 18; and the crucifixion of Jesus in Matthew 27, and chapter 28, verses 1 through 15.) (End Commentary Break).

The Male Child, Christ

Verse 5. And she gave birth to a Son, a male Child, who is destined to rule (shepherd) all the nations with a rod of iron; and her Child was [footnote ‘c’] caught up to God and to His throne. Verse 6. Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that she would be nourished there for a thousand two hundred and sixty days (forty-two months; which is three and one-half years).

(Commentary Break:  Jesus is born and “was caught up to God and to His throne” is telling us of the ascension of Christ to heaven following His death and resurrection.

 Verse 6 continues by telling us that the woman, (which is Israel), flees to the wilderness where she had a place to nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, which is 42 months or 3 and one half years. This is a difficult passage, but the woman’s flight into the wilderness for one thousand two hundred and sixty days most likely refers to the future time called the Great Tribulation. Twelve hundred, sixty days is 42 months (of 30 days each), which is the same as 3 and one half years. Halfway through the Tribulation period, the Beast (the Antichrist) will set an image of himself up in the temple that will be built in Jerusalem. This is the abomination that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24 verse 15 and Mark 13 verse 14. When the Beast does this, he breaks the peace pact he had made with Israel, and the nation has to flee for safety, possibly to Petra (also see Matthew 24 and Daniel 9 verse 27). This escape of the Jews is pictured as the woman fleeing into the wilderness.

 More likely however, rather than a literal place, this is ‘a time of relative peace’ for Israel during the first half of the seven year Great Tribulation period, which begins at the breaking of the 6^th Tribulation Seal and will last until the Sounding of the 6^th Tribulation Trumpet.. This is the time that they make the peace treaty as referred to in Daniel 9 verse 27. (End Commentary Break).

The Angel, Michael

Verse 7. And war broke out in heaven, Michael [the archangel] and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels fought, verse 8, but they were not strong enough and did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. Verse 9. And the great dragon was thrown down, the age-old serpent who is called the [footnote ‘d’] devil and Satan, he who continually deceives and seduces the entire inhabited world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Verse 10. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom (dominion, reign) of our God, and the authority of His Christ have come; for the [footnote ‘e’] accuser of our [believing] brothers and sisters has been thrown down [at last], he who accuses them and keeps bringing charges [of sinful behavior] against them before our God day and night. Verse 11. And they overcame and conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, for they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. Verse 12. Therefore rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them [in the presence of God]. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time [remaining]!”

Verse 13. And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who had given birth to the male Child. Verse 14. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time (three and one-half years), away from the presence of the serpent (Satan). Verse 15. And the serpent hurled water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. Verse 16. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon had hurled out of his mouth. Verse 17. So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went off to wage war on the rest of her children (seed), those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus [holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him].

(Commentary Break: Although knowing these things, changes nothing in your life nor in your existence if you have already been Raptured from earth. Nor is there any way you can respond, or need to. But if you have not been saved by faith in Christ Jesus, and do not bear the protective Seal of the Lord, perhaps this is useful. Either way, for your information, Michael the Archangel is described in the Bible, in the books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation, as a warrior angel who engages in spiritual combat. The word archangel means “angel of the highest rank.” Most angels in the Bible are portrayed as messengers, but Michael is described in all three books as contending, fighting, or standing against evil spirits and principalities (Daniel 10 verses 13 and 21; Jude 1 verses 9; and Revelation 12 verse 7). We do not have a full picture of any angel, and only two are named in the Bible. (Gabriel is the other). Scripture only gives us hints of their movements during human events, but it is safe to say that Michael the archangel is a powerful being (see Got Questions.Org).

 We see here that the Dragon and his angels are thrown down but they continue to deceive the whole world for a time. Knowing his time is short he persecutes Israel and the Christ with increasing ferocity, but is overcome and defeated by Christ Jesus and His armies, “by the Blood of the Lamb and because of the Word of their testimony”, and by the fact that they did not love their life and renounce their faith even when faced with death. This is our example and our response in the days leading up to these events.

 Once again we read that the woman (Israel) goes to the wilderness for safety, this time flown away on the two wings of an eagle, These two wings of an eagle are symbolic and used a metaphor of God’s strength and provision to a way of escape. We can see an example of this, which is found in Psalms 34. The Psalmist says, “The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, And His ears are toward their cry for help. The face of the LORD is against evildoers to eliminate the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears and rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The afflictions of the righteous are many, But the LORD rescues him from them all.”

It is also interesting to see that ”the Serpent spews or hurls out water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood”. Three significant floods are mentioned in the Bible.

 The first instance of a flood is found in Genesis 6, verse 17, “Behold, I, even I am bringing the flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish”, in Noah’s day.

 The second instance is found in Daniel 9 verse 26, “Verse 26.  “Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing (see this article on “The Flood in Daniel 9” for details of the 62 weeks), and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood (this flood is a flood of people, of armies); even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined.

The third instance is found in Matthew 24 verses 38 and 39, “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.”

Each instance refers to a catastrophic judgement instituted by God to bring an end to wickedness and to bring His Chosen Elect to Himself, making and forging us, more into the image of Christ, through tribulation. This changes everything for the earth and the people upon the earth. Take heed. Be prepared.

 This section ends with the serpent becoming enraged with the woman, who is Israel, and goes on to make war with her children, (her seed), which are those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him. This is saying not only the Jew, but now includes those who have been grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel – all Christians who carry the Name of Christ.  (End Commentary Break).

There we have it. Chapter 12. An abbreviated but a complete overview of God’s Plan for His creation, from beginning to end, run in a ‘fast forward speed’ so to speak.

God placed this in His Word, not just for your reading entertainment nor just for information, but it is important for our preparation for what is coming and for our understanding as ministers and witnesses of His Plan to this lost world.

Next, in Revelation chapter 13, we learn about the Beast from the Sea and the Beast from the Earth.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

Previous: THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 11 – The Two Witnesses – Episode 13

Next: (coming soon). THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 13 – The Two Beasts – Episode 13

THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 10 – The Angel & The Little Scroll

Episode 12.

 (These Episodes are meant to not only ask and answer the questions, “When, Why, How and What?”, but also the question, “SO WHAT?”)

 I said from the outset of this series of episodes on The Book of The Revelation that it is not my intention to go into any great detail of the symbolisms, the historicity or cultural, political, social, economic backgrounds or traditions. There are ample commentaries for such things, and I am providing links to many of those matters.

Chapter ten speaks to the mystery of God and my intention is to address this mystery and to make this Book of The Revelation, understandable; to point out and to lay out God’s full Plan, from Genesis to The Revelation, with an explanation of His purpose and His methods.

The Purpose of God’s Eternal Plan, His Mystery, is “Perfection”.  He is maturing and perfecting His people into His image, ultimately to live in Perfect harmony with Him and with one another, in a New and Perfect heaven and earth.

And, “Because by a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14

Each and every chapter, verse and word in the Bible, when viewed within this context of  God’s Eternal Plan of Perfection, begins to make perfect sense.

Secondly, as God’s Plan and Purpose unfold over the millennia we can see the purpose of the coming Day of The Lord and the End of the Age as found in Daniel 9 verse 24 through 27. Here, The scriptures give an overview or a panorama of the timing of the events leading to the Last Days.

With this in mind, let’s continue to the text of The Book of The Revelation, chapter 10:

The Angel and the Little Book

Revelation 10:1, Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head; and his face was like the sun, and his feet (and legs) were like columns of fire; verse 2, and he had a little book, (a scroll) open in his hand. He set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land; verse 3, and he shouted with a loud voice, like the roaring of a lion [compelling attention and inspiring awe]; and when he had shouted out, the seven peals of thunder spoke with their own voices [uttering their message in distinct words]. Verse 4. And when the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them down.” Verse 5. Then the angel whom I had seen standing on the sea and the land raised his right hand [to swear an oath] to heaven, verse 6, and swore [an oath] by [the name of] Him who lives forever and ever, WHO CREATED HEAVEN AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE EARTH AND THE THINGS IN IT, AND THE SEA AND THE THINGS IN IT, that there will be delay no longer, verse 7, but when it is time for the trumpet-call of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God [that is, His hidden purpose and plan] is finished, as He announced the gospel to His servants the prophets.

(Commentary Break: The preceding verses are discussed and debated as to their meaning of their imagery in scores of commentaries. I will leave that to you. (See this link to the Bible Hub commentary, as one source).

I do, however, want to draw our attention to, and emphasize, the last few words in verse six and all of verse seven: “there will be delay no longer; but when it is time for the trumpet-call of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished”.

Let me repeat that: then the mystery of God is finished, [that is, His hidden purpose and plan], as He announced the gospel to His servants the prophets. Do you hear that? “As He announced the gospel to His servants, the prophets.”

First, He is saying “the end has come”. God had forbidden the plagues from killing of people, in our previous chapter 9, only allowing them to torment and torture, thereby increasing the pressure on the wicked to repent. Then, in verse 20, God announces that the end has come. It is at this point, Revelation 9 verses 14 and 15, He said to “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates (which is a great army of two hundred million soldiers). So the four angels, who had been prepared for the [appointed] hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind”. The end is now at hand. The final judgments are at hand. (End commentary break).

Verse 8. Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking to me, and saying, “Go, take the book, (the scroll), which is open in the hand of the angel who is standing on the sea and on the land.” Verse 9. So I went up to the angel and told him to give me the little book. And he said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey.” Verse 10. So I took the little book from the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was as sweet as honey; but once I had swallowed it, my stomach was bitter. Verse 11. Then they said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and languages and kings.”

This chapter ends with the command for John to ”prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and languages and kings.” We will see and read this continuation of revelation of prophecy, as John, with his “stomach bitter, but (the words in his mouth) as sweet as honey”.

Please, let’s not get lost in the wonders and marvels of God’s Revealing. Let’s use these prophecies to get prepared and stay ready for the return of Jesus and the coming Day of the Lord. Let’s stay focused and be found doing what Jesus has commanded us: To go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Jesus, to believe in Him, and obey His words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that He has commanded.

NEXT:  THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION – Chapter 11 –The Two Witnesses – Episode 13.

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young

PREVIOUS: The Book of The Revelation – Chapter 9 – The 5^th & 6th Trumpets – Episode 11.

(Please bookmark this page or subscribe for future episodes).