What does Revelation 12:13-17 mean?

“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 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.

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. 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. 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.” Rev. 12:13-17.

Nearly all Christians agree that the only tenable interpretation of the “woman” here mentioned, is that she symbolical the church. And the fact that she gave birth to the man child, Christ, shows that she is therefore symbolical of the church in at least the Christian dispensation.

While the dragon was persecuting her through the deceived Jewish priests who rejected Christ as the Messiah, “there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the Word.” Acts 8:1-4.

To her were therefore given the wings of a great eagle---her means of transport into the wilderness. And being the opposite of the vineyard (“the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant”---lsa. 5:7), the wilderness obviously denotes the Gentile nations. The apostles, therefore, in fulfillment of this prophecy were commanded, and given the wings, speedily to go preach to all nations.

“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

And when the Gentiles, heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.” Acts 13:46-49.

Seeing this, the serpent sought to destroy the woman’s usefulness among the Gentiles: he “cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.” Rev. 12:15.

Anyone can see that this “flood” can represent only the church’s suddenly becoming infiltrated with unconverted pagans who, as in Constantine’s time and for years thereafter, were even taken en masse and forced into baptism.

In the parables of Christ this same “flood” is described, but under the different term, “tares.” And the evident fact that they are still very much in the church, forces the painful realization that the earth has not as yet swallowed up the flood.

“Flood” and “tares” are figurative equivalents. The swallowing of the flood, therefore is the same as the burning of the tares as comprehended in the parable of the harvest (Matt. 13:3).

Besides, the Revelator points out that not until after the flood is swallowed by the earth after the unconverted are “slain” and buried and the church thereby purified, will the dragon wage his fiercest warfare against the remnant of the woman’s seed. Hence, the harvest time in the church, the time the earth swallows the flood, is before the dragon wars against the remnant.

“Fruits” garnered are the result of a harvest. When the 144,000, the first fruits (Rev. 14:4), are garnered in, and the tares (flood) are destroyed (swallowed) from among them, the 144,000 are taken to Mt. Zion, where they then comprise the Mother church, the twelve-star-crowned woman, under the protection of the Lamb, the One with them. Thus protected, she is secure from the dragon’s then making war against her.

So he wars only against her “remnant,” those yet to be garnered-the second fruits still scattered throughout the world, away from Mt. Zion. This climax of the ages was vividly foretold by both Isaiah and Micah:

“But in the last days,” declares Micah, “it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow into it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways and we will walk in His paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Mic. 4:1, 2. (See also Isaiah 2).

From these scriptures, it is plainly seen that Mt. Zion becomes the headquarters for the last gospel work on earth, after the time the 144,000 arrive there, and during the time the dragon wars against the remnant “for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem”-no longer from the General Conference, or from Mt. Carmel Center.

Then shall many nations say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” Mic. 4:2. (SC, vol. 2, Q-26)

Interesting perspective. Time will tell if you or Ellen White was shown the correct interpretation.

Yes, very interesting. If you find anything you have questions about let me know.

Actually this interpretation in important areas is backed up by EGW.
Woman=Church
Flood=Unconverted in church

The "opened it's mouth" obviously is an symbolic act of deliverance by non-human source. This cleansing enrages Satan, just as he was enraged at the pure Apostolic church after Christ's ascension.

For further confirmation we suggest Isaiah 66.

"For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.

For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

And they shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD." (Isaiah 66:15-20)

I don't believe you will find that properly backed up in Mrs. White's writings. We often use the term "flood" in modern English idiomatically to represent too much of something...anything. But the Bible is not using it in this sense, nor does Mrs. White in speaking of the Biblical passages for this.

Let the Bible interpret itself. This means Revelation 17:15 must be given proper consideration in light of Revelation 12:15-17.

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

Is reads as though you are using Mount Zion in a literal sense.

But the beast with lamblike horns was seen "coming up out of the earth." Instead of overthrowing other powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory previously unoccupied and grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities of the Old World--that turbulent sea of "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." It must be sought in the Western Continent. {GC 440.1}

The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet's words: "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." Revelation 12:17. {GC 592.3}

The condition of the world previous to the first appearing of Christ is a picture of the condition of the world just previous to His second advent. The same iniquity will exist, Satan manifests the same delusive power upon the minds of men. He is setting his trained agents at work, and moving them to intense activity. He is securing his army of human agents to engage in the last conflict against the Prince of life, to overthrow the law of God, which is the foundation of His throne. Satan will work with miraculous presentations to confirm men in the belief that he is what he claims to be,--the prince of this world, and that victory is his. He will turn his forces against those who are loyal to God, but though he may cause pain, distress, and human agony, he cannot defile the soul. He may cause affliction to the people of God as he did to Christ, but he cannot cause one of Christ's little ones to perish. The people of God in these last days must expect to enter into the thick of the conflict; for the prophetic Word says, "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" (Letter 43, 1895). {4BC 1153.2}

"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." In the near future we shall see these words fulfilled as the Protestant churches unite with the world and with the papal power against commandment keepers. The same spirit which actuated papists in ages past will lead Protestants to pursue a similar course toward those who will maintain their loyalty to God. {5T 449.2}

Church and state are now making preparations for the future conflict. Protestants are working in disguise to bring Sunday to the front, as did the Romanists. Throughout the land the papacy is piling up her lofty and massive structures, in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions are to be repeated. And the way is preparing for the manifestation, on a grand scale, of those lying wonders by which, if it were possible, Satan would deceive even the elect. {5T 449.3}

"To secure converts, the exalted standard of the Christian faith was lowered, and as the result "a pagan flood, flowing into the church, carried with it its customs, practices, and idols." --Gavazzi, Lectures, page 278. As the Christian religion secured the favor and support of secular rulers, it was nominally accepted by multitudes; but while in appearance Christians, many "remained in substance pagans, especially worshiping in secret their idols."- (Great Controversy, p.385)

EGW under inspiration quotes the above reference with her confirmation as to it's truth , obviously.

"Has not the same process been repeated in nearly every church calling itself Protestant? As the founders, those who possessed the true spirit of reform, pass away, their descendants come forward and "new-model the cause." While blindly clinging to the creed of their fathers and refusing to accept any truth in advance of what they saw, the children of the reformers depart widely from their example of humility, self-denial, and renunciation of the world. Thus "the first simplicity disappears." A worldly flood, flowing into the church, carries "with it its customs, practices, and idols." (GC, p.385)

The flood here in the above ref. talk about those who are carrying their predecessors false customs. They are the people who "carries 'with it it's customs, practices, and idols".

It clearly shows that a "flood" describes those who come into the church, not converted, but rather holding onto sin, thus serving Satan rather than God. A church flood in other words.

"Is reads as though you are using Mount Zion in a literal sense."

This is another subject altogether. Hopefully Lord willing I'd like to address the 'pre-millineal" kingdom. This kingdom is spoken in many many areas of OT. What is so powerful is that God's words are not conditional.(Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.)

"I will" "It shall" etc are the Lord's words concerning this. There are no "if's" or "maybes" in the contexts.There are two promises as we know--conditional and unconditional.

This pre-mil kingdom will not be a "government" kingdom but a theocracy and based on His word (promises).

"Whatever may be man’s intellectual advancement, let him not for a moment think that there is no need of thorough and continuous searching of the Scriptures for greater light. As a people we are called individually to be students of prophecy. We must watch with earnestness that we may discern any ray of light which God shall present to us. We are to catch the first gleamings of truth; and through prayerful study clearer light may be obtained, which can be brought before others" (Testimonies, vol. 5, p.708)

Rev. 12:1-6 -- "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: and she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. 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.

The Great Controversy between Christ and Satan.
A great wonder! The Creator of the Universe descends from heaven to literally dwell with His people in human flesh. But someone else came from heaven as well – the great rebel angel who started the whole mess while he was an exalted angel in heaven. He is now devil, satan and strains every power to destroy His Creator.

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. 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. 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."


But the woman fled into the wilderness to be nourished there for 1260 days.
How do you explain the 1260 days if she fled into the wilderness after the stoning of Stephen?


And what evidence is there that “wilderness” is Gentile nations?

The Greek word “eremos” (translated wilderness in Rev. 12) means “solitary, lonely, desolate, uninhabited” as seen in the following verses.
Matt. 3:1 John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness (eremos)
Matt. 4:1 Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness
(eremos)
Matt. 14:13 he departed thence by ship into a desert (eremas)
Mark 1:35 he went out, and departed into a solitary (eremas) place to pray

The word is used 50 times in the NT and each and every time it means a solitary, desolate, desert, uninhabited place.

Examples of Biblical people in the wilderness:

--David's years in the Judean wilderness as a fugitive from King Saul
--The children of Israel fleeing into the wilderness from Egypt and being sustained there for 40 years.
--The day of atonement sees the Azazel Goat sent into the wilderness, a land uninhabited.

There isn’t the slightest indication that “wilderness” means the inhabited lands and cities of the Gentiles.



In modern speech “a flood of pagans” entering the church sounds reasonable. And we also know the entry into the church of vast amounts of half converted pagans was a very big reason why the main Christian church fell into apostasy.

Yet is this really the Biblical meaning here in Rev. 12?
Again remember the woman fled into the wilderness for the 1260 days (years). What period of history did these 1260 years cover? When did they begin? Which tells us when the woman fled into the wilderness.


It was because the main Christian church had apostatised and was now persecuting the true believers that “the woman” fled into the wilderness (an uninhabited place) for 1260 years, the time period between 538-1798.
The true church was not the church in the inhabited cities, the true church was in the mountains and wilderness areas for safety.

The flood:
How does the bible use that word in symbolic usage?

You will find it is used in terms of “war” with armies coming in like a flood sweeping away civilizations and peoples.

Jeremiah 46:8 “Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof
Jeremiah 47:2 Thus saith the LORD; Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land, and all that is therein; the city, and them that dwell therein: then the men shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall howl.
Nah. 1:8 But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof

It was in the years when the papacy was at its height -- that a ruthless campaign to purge out God's church took place. Many times they were able to escape but by the 1400's the papacy was desperate to rid the world of her opponent.

Revelation 12 tells of these dreadful crusades against the church in the wilderness.

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.


It was the height of the papal oppression and cruelty, as that flood of soldiers and ruffians, urged on by promises of absolution and heaven, swept through the mountain valleys to purge out the hated church, but it's power was soon to be broken.

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.

Not only did the Reformation arise, but also a new land was discovered to which people would soon flee where Roman armies would not pursue them. A new form of government developed – republicanism with protestant ideals, that flourished in the new country and gave rise to era of Religious freedom.
God’s Word was freely studied and taught, truth was found.

But the dragon will make one last terrible campaign against God’s commandment people who have the faith of Jesus.
Revelation 13 discloses the shocking truth that the very land (the beast that rose from the earth) that helped the woman, will yet speak for the dragon and bring deadly persecution.

GL&L, how do you interpret the 1260 days? How do you interpret the "earth"?