MPV Commentary

The heavenly conflict between God and Satan is revealed in this passage as a cosmic struggle that affects the Church on earth. The woman represents the people of God, who are being persecuted by the dragon (Satan). This persecution is a result of the woman's role as a witness to the world, proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The dragon's wrath against the woman is a manifestation of his hatred for God and His people. He seeks to destroy her offspring, which represents the Church, but ultimately fails in this endeavor. The woman gives birth to a male child who will rule all nations with an iron rod, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ over Satan.

The passage then shifts its focus to the heavenly conflict between Michael and his angels against the dragon and his angels. This battle is a cosmic struggle that affects the Church on earth, as the dragon's wrath is directed towards her. The woman flees into the wilderness, where she is protected by God for 1,260 days (or three and a half years).

The wilderness represents a time of testing and purification for the Church, similar to Israel's 40-year journey in the desert. During this period, the Church will face intense persecution from Satan, who seeks to destroy her. However, God will provide protection and deliverance to His people.

The passage also describes the help given by earthly powers (those least likely) to the Church against persecutions and heresies. This is seen in the image of the earth swallowing up the flood, which represents the stream of Germanic tribes that threatened to destroy Christianity.

Satan's ultimate goal is to destroy the remnant of the woman's seed, who are true Christians, the elect remnant. He wars against them, seeking to root out their faith and destroy their witness to the world. However, God will ultimately triumph over Satan, and His people will be vindicated.

The passage concludes with a description of the dragon's wrath being directed towards the earth and its inhabitants. This represents the final stage of Satan's rebellion against God, as he seeks to destroy all that is good on earth. However, his time is short, and soon he will be cast down lower, when Christ comes to set up His kingdom.

The woman's flight into the wilderness is a symbol of the Church's transition from one era to another. She flees from Jerusalem, which has become spiritually desolate by crucifying our Lord, to Rome, where she finds protection under the eagle wing of the Roman Empire. This represents the passing of the kingdom of God from the Jews to the Gentiles.

The 1,260 days (or three and a half years) that the woman is protected in the wilderness represent a time of testing and purification for the Church. It is possible that this period may also be fulfilled in the restoration of Israel to Palestine, where Antichrist will have power for seven times before Christ comes again.

The passage ends with a description of the dragon's wrath being directed towards the earth and its inhabitants. This represents the final stage of Satan's rebellion against God, as he seeks to destroy all that is good on earth. However, his time is short, and soon he will be cast down lower, when Christ comes to set up His kingdom.

The Church must understand her role in this cosmic struggle between light and darkness. She must recognize the dragon's wrath against her and prepare for the final battle. The passage encourages believers to persevere in their faith, knowing that God is with them and will ultimately triumph over Satan.