Sound The Trumpet : Revelation 12:3

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Exploring Revelation

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“Revelation 12:3 - Exploring Revelation”
by Art Sadlier
September 17th, 2020

"And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his head."

This is an extremely interesting verse packed with meaning and significance. "Another wonder", remember that the word wonder means sign. The scripture is always to be interpreted literally, unless otherwise indicated, here it is indicated that symbols are signs and are to be taken figuratively. We need to, by comparing scripture, determine what these signs represent.

"A great red dragon", the first question is who is this dragon? Verse 9 makes it clear who the dragon is, "the Devil, and Satan." During this present age, Satan has been allowed by God, to be the god of this world, 2 Cor. 4:4. Paul also called Satan the "Prince of the power of the air" Eph. 2:2.

Satan is called a "red" dragon, this emphasizes his slaughtering of multiplied millions of men and women all down over the long centuries. It also represents his campaign of slaughter during the tribulation period. Jesus said of Satan, "he was a murderer from the beginning" John 8:44.

The "dragon" aspect of this sign speaks of Satan's intense cruelty. Satan was created with great wisdom as a servant of God, but when he sinned and fell from grace he plunged into the depths of depravity and degradation. Hatred and cruelty have filled his heart.

Now we are to learn about Satan's warfare with God. We are to learn about the tools and methods that Satan has used and will use in his war with man, with Israel and with God. "Having seven heads", the seven heads represent seven kingdoms through which Satan has worked to rule this present evil world. In Luke 4:5,6 it states clearly that the kingdoms of this world are delivered unto Satan, he uses them to control and influence men.

Down through history there have been seven world Empires, Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, and the Revived Roman Empire of the last days. Satan has controlled these kingdoms in order to subdue men and women. That has also been the major instrument of Satan in his war against God and his attempt to replace God as the permanent ruler of the world.

"Ten horns", the ten horns clearly speak of the kingdom that Satan will use and work through in the tribulation period. He will work through this final world empire in a last attempt to over throw God and consolidate his rule on earth. Daniel tells us that the ten horns are symbols of the Revived Roman Empire which will arise as the tribulation period begins. The infrastructure of the Revived Roman Empire is now taking shape in the EU today.

"And seven crowns upon his heads", Satan has always been the true king and ruler of these world empires, though he has ruled beyond the sight of men. Satan will be the true ruler and king even while the anti Christ, Satan's man, sits on the throne during last 3 ½ years of the warfare between God and Satan.

That sets the stage for the warfare that will be revealed in the rest of the chapter. The principals are Israel and Satan.

Looking for His glorious appearing! Titus 2:13