The determinetruth Podcast

Rev 17:1-19:10 The Great Prostitute Part 1

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin to look at the 3rd main section of the Book of Revelation--the account of the Great Prostitute. This account does not get enough attention when it comes to understanding the Book of Revelation. Rob argues that this section may be one of the most important parts of the Book of Revelation. Have we been seduced by the Great Prostitute? 

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Show Notes: 

17:1-6

1. 17:18 Great City: Rome

1. Babylon: epitaph for Rome 
2. 17:9 she sits on 7 hills/mountains 

Babylon is materialism; commercialism; food, clothing, shelter; comfort; pleasure

 4 main stories/scenes

• John taken to a new location (Patmos, Heaven, Wilderness, Mountain)
• John is told to “come” 
• John was “in the Spirit” 

The Great Prostitute and the Bride

Contrasting visions of two women 

• The two women are actually cities 
• The Great Prostitute is said to be, “a home of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit and a prison of every unclean bird” (18:2). 
• The Bride, is the Holy City/New Jerusalem into which, “nothing unclean will enter” (21:27). 

• The Great Prostitute, Babylon, a voice says, “Come out of her, My people” (18:4). 
• the Bride, it is affirmed, “Blessed are the ones . . . who enter into the city” (22:14). 

17:1-19:10 is a courtroom scene

• the people of God function as the plaintiffs. 
• The defendant is the Great Prostitute. 
• God: “the One sitting on the throne” (19:4) serves as the judge. 
• The charge against the Prostitute is murder (18:24). 
• The case before the judge is the martyrs’ cry for justice.

Revelation is critiquing empire and offering an alternative kingdom

The book of Revelation must be viewed through the lens of contrasting kingdoms.

Wilderness is where the people of God are! (3x 12:6, 14; 17:3) 

There are 4 women in the book of Revelation: Jezebel (2:20-23); Woman 12:1-17; Great Prostitute (17:1-19:10); Bride (21:9-22:9)

John’s portrait of her suggests that she is attractive and seductive. 

Rev16 The Seven Bowls: Armageddon

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie look at Rev 16:1-21 and discuss the nature of the 7 Bowls and their role in the book of Revelation. This discussion includes an extensive look at the 6th Bowl and the famed "battle of Armageddon." Why do some manuscripts say, "Harmageddon." What is this battle? Well, it is likely not what you think. 

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Show notes: 

There are 2 main stories (4 main scenes: first two are stories)

• 1-3 John on Patmos 
• 4-16 John in Heaven 

16:21 marks the end of the second story (the heavenly vision) which began in 4:1 

This leads to the conclusion that the Seven Bowls are a depiction of the final judgment

16:1 voice from the Temple (15:6; 14:15, 17, 18)

The “it” that became a bad and evil sore I suspect is the Mark of the Beast itself

Sea is a common image of the place of opposition to God

16:5-7 Interjections: God is just

4^th Bowl: see 7:14

5^th Bowl: The Beast’s actions lead to their inevitable consequences–utter darkness 

In both the Sixth Trumpet and the Sixth Bowl, there is an army crossing the “Euphrates” (9:14; 16:12): these are only two references to the “Euphrates” in the book of Revelation

Three unclean spirits like frogs (16:13). Allusion to the Exodus story–plague of frogs

In case we were uncertain as to the nature of the frog-like beings, John adds, “they are the spirits of demons doing signs” (16:14). 

False Prophet: the ability to perform signs was one of its primary features (13:13-14) 

• The signs that he performed were the means by which he “deceives” the nations (13:14).
• 6^th Bowl: the signs are given to “the kings of the inhabited world in order to gather them for the war” (16:14). 

16:15 is a parenthetical insertion

• These words echo the message to the church in Sardis (3:3). 

“Armageddon”—“battle of Megiddo”

“Harmagedon”—“mount of Megiddo.”

Zech 2:11; Ezek 38-39

16:17-21 7^th Bowl 

“It is done” (16:17)

“Theophanic manifestations”

• 4:5 Throne Room
• 8:5 earthquake
• 11:19 hail 
• 16:17-21 nothing is added

A “talent” 

Rev 15:1-8 The Seven Bowls

Join us on a scholarly expedition through Revelation 15 as Rob and Vinnie delve into the introductory passage heralding the Seven Bowls. Delving deep into the nuances of biblical interpretation, we unravel the complexities of eschatological literature with precision and scholarly rigor. Through meticulous examination and scholarly discourse, we illuminate the intricacies of Revelation, shedding light on its profound implications for contemporary understanding. If Revelation is a love story, as Rob proposes, then how do "the Seven Bowls of the wrath of God" fit into this story?

 

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Show Notes Rev 15:1-8

15:1-16:20: third series of seven (Seals; Trumpets; Bowls)

The key is to recognize that God’s delay means 2 things:

1. It was intended to provide the nations with the opportunity to repent. 
2. The delay was in order that the people of God might persevere as faithful witnesses

I Saw 15:1; I heard 16:1 

15:5; 11:19 Temple opened

The seven angels who are given “seven golden bowls” (15:7; cp 5:8) 

The Seven Bowls, the saints’ cry for justice is now being answered. 

Each of the Seven Bowls is “poured out” (16:1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 10, 12, 17). 

16:6: the angel of the waters who cries out “Righteous are you, . . . because they poured out the blood of the holy ones and of the prophets”

15:2 Sea of glass (cp 4:6)

Harps (15:2; 5:8; 14:2) victory after war

 Came out of the temple (15:5-6)

“Bowl” occurs 12x!

“7 Bowls”: 4x 15:7; 16:1; 17:1; 21:9; 

In the OT, smoke is a regular symbol of the presence of God.

• Smoke (12x) 8:4; 9:2**, 3, 17, 18; 14:11; 15:8; 18:9, 18; 19:3

Rev 14:6-20 Announcement of the Final Judgment

Join hosts Rob Dalrymple and Vinny Angelo in an immersive journey through the book of Revelation, focusing on the powerful themes and imagistic richness of Chapter 14. Engage in an in-depth exploration of the prophetic representation of the final judgment, the ideological battles fought by the witnessing saints, and the looming consequences of choosing the wrong side in this cosmic war. Discover the seminal connections between Old Testament prophetic language and Revelation's vivid imagery, shedding new light on ancient prophecy in the context of the New Testament's final book.

Together, let's explore the complexities of Revelation 14 and its timeless teachings.

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Show Notes: 

 

12:1-16:20, John adds more details to the story. 

12:1-18 we learned that the “war” (11:7) against the people of God is none other than that which Satan has waged against the people of God from the beginning. 

13:1-18 we learned that Satan (the Dragon) enlists the aid of two Beasts to do his work for him. 

14:6-20 John begins to bring this section to a close by introducing us to the final judgment

• Section the forms around seven beings: six angels and “One like the Son of Man” (14:14).

 John refers to “another angel” (14:6, 8, 9, 15, 17, 18)

In the first triad, the angels are even counted

The first triad of angels: each of the angels makes a pronouncement: “saying” (14:7, 8, 9).

The second triad of angels: each of the angels either, “came out of the temple” (14:15, 17), or “came out from the altar” (14:18)

The second triad: each either has, “a sharp sickle” (14:17) or commands those who have such a sickle to, “Send your sickle (14:15, 17) 

The first 3 angels: the struggle between true and false worship

Interruption: 14:12-13: “Persevere”

• 13:10 “here is the patient endurance and the faith of the saints” (close of Beast #1)
• 13:18 “here is the wisdom. The one having a mind . . .” (close of Beast #2) 
• 14:12 Here is the patient endurance of the saints, the ones who . . . faith”
• 17:9 “here is the mind, the one having wisdom” (inverted 13:18)

The One like a Son of Man: Jesus

Two distinct harvests:

• In the first harvest (14:14-16), the “One like a Son of Man” is commanded to “reap” (14:15)
• In the second harvest (14:17-20), an angel is commanded to “gather the clusters from the vine of the earth” (14:18) 

1st = is associated with the harvesting of the righteous. 

2nd = is a harvesting of the unrepentant for judgment.

Trampled (3x: 11:2; 14:20; 19:15)

• Lex talionis

 1600 stadia (4x4 x 10x10)

The prayers of the Saints (5:8; 6:10; 8:3-4)

Luke 18:1-8

 

Rev 13:11-14:5 The False Prophet part 2

In today's episode, Rob and Vinnie continue the discussion of the False Prophet and the Mark of the Beast. Who is the False Prophet and what does it look like today? What is the Mark of the Beast and how can we be sure we don't get it? 

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Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on Google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via Zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on the determinetruth.com site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

Show notes: 

The False Prophet appear together in 16:13

The False Prophet’s role as a deceiver: “it deceives those who inhabit the earth” (13:14).

The Greek word for “beast” is therion.

• Therion is a transliteration, or letter-for-letter equivalent, of the Greek word for “beast.” (See 9:11; 16:16)

The number of his name” (13:17): The most widely held conviction is that it refers to Nero.

• one must use the Greek version of Nero’s Latin name (Neron) and then transliterate it into Hebrew

There is little doubt that the Mark on the followers of the Beast mimics the Seal of God on the 144,000.

• The Mark and the Seal are on the foreheads likely connotes a sign of ownership
• The Mark and the Seal represent the name of the Beast or the name of Christ or the Father
• Both the Mark and the Seal entail economic implications (13:17; 14:3, 4)

“Zion” often becomes synonymous with Jerusalem.

Like the voice of many waters (14:2)

• Jesus’ “voice was like the voice of many waters” (1:15)
• In 19:6 it is the voice of the Great Multitude

 

Rev 13:11-18 The False Prophet

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie discuss Beast #2 (aka the False Prophet) and his/its relationship to the Beast. They discuss the importance of understanding the Beasts and the Mark of the Beast for today. The Mark is about "allegiance": to whom do we give our allegiance: Christ or the Beast? 

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show notes: 

The second Beast corresponds to the religious elements within the empire

Matt 6:19-34

The small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, so that a Mark is given to them on their right hand or on their forehead” (13:16)

1 Kings 10:14 notes that Solomon received 666 talents of Gold yearly

• See Deut 17:14-17

Rev 13:1-10 The Beast part 2

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie take a deep dive into Rev 13:1-10 in order to discern who or what is the Beast. They examine the context of the book of Revelation and remind us of the importance of Daniel 7--see last week's episode--for discerning the nature of the Beast. They they ask: "What does this mean for us today?" If, after all, the Beast represents all empires/nations in history, does this mean that the US is a beast? Furthermore, they discuss what this means for the people of God (the church) today. After all, contrary to popular opinion, the Beast does not represent the nations of the world waging war against Israel but the people of God (Rev 13:7). 

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Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on Google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via Zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on the determinetruth.com site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

 

Show notes: 

Since John combines all 4 of Daniel’s beasts into 1, then John’s 1 beast represents all empires

The Sea and the Abyss (13:1; 11:7)

Horns are a common symbol of power, 

The Beast’s ten horns correlate with the “ten horns” of Daniel’s fourth beast (Dan 7:7)

In Daniel the 10 horns are 10 kings (7:24)

Beast wears his 10 diadems on his horns

The Dragon who has “seven diadems” (12:3)

The only other use of diadem in the book of Revelation is of Christ (19:12)

• Christ’s diadems are not numbered—they are simply “many” (19:12)

The means by which Satan wages his “war” against the people of God is by empowering the Beast to do his work for him

The Beast was like a leopard, a bear, and a lion: 

• This also connects John’s beast to Daniel’s 4 beasts 
• The Beast combines attributes from the first three beasts of Daniel 7

“These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth” (Dan 7:17) 

“One of his heads was as if it had been slain to death” (13:3)

• The next clause in 13:3, in fact, mentions, “the plague of his death” (13:3, 12)
• The Beast is said to be the one who had the wound of the sword and “came to life” (13:14)

The language that one of the heads of the Beast was, “as if it had been slain” (13:3) is intended as a parody of the Lamb (5:6)

• Slain; Beast’s death is similar to Christ’s (13:3, 14; 5:6; 13:8)
• Both rise to new life
• Followers names written on foreheads; People follow the beast ‘who was slain’ (13:3) but they reject Christ ‘who was slain’ (13:8)
• The Beast has horns (13:1) provides is a blasphemous imitation of Jesus who has seven horns (5:6) 2^nd Beast has 2 horns like a lamb (13:11; 5:6)

“‘Who is like the Beast and who is able to wage war with him?’” (13:4; Isa 40:18)

Beast blasphemes, “His [God’s] name and His dwelling place” (13:6)

• “that is, those who are dwelling in heaven” (13:6) 

Who are “those who dwell in heaven”?

• Heaven dwellers contrasts with earth dwellers 

This relates to the promise in Gen 12:1-3 that God will bless those who bless Abraham and his seed and curse those who curse them

The focus of his deceptive aims is the people of God 

The Beast wages “war” against them (13:7)

The Beast not only wages war against the people of God but is able to “overcome” them This statement would be truly shocking if it were not for the fact that John already made virtually the same statement in 11:7 

• both 11:7 and 13:7, John refers to a “Beast” who “makes war” and “conquers” the people of God

Rev 13:1-10 The Beast Part 1

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie take a look at Revelation 13:1-10 and John's description of the Beast. They note that the Beast of Revelation 13 corresponds with Daniel's four beasts in Daniel 7. In part 1 of The Beast, Rob and Vinnie discuss the book of Daniel and the role of the four Beasts of Daniel 7 in order to discern what the Beast in Rev 13 represents. 

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Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on Google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via Zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on the determinetruth.com site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

Show Notes:

Revelation 13:1-14:5

• this account is expanding/continuing the account of the Dragon (12:1-18)
• The imagery of the 1^st Beast derives primarily from Dan 7

There are 3 basic views 1^st Beast

1. Ancient Rome
2. Future revived Roman empire
3. All empires in history

Dan 7 forms the center of the book

Chs 1-6 Others have dreams and the meaning is revealed to Daniel

Chs 7-12 Daniel has dreams and needs the aid of interpreting angels to understand

1. Dream about four earthly kingdoms and God’s kingdom (ch 2)
   1. Story of Daniel’s 3 friends being faithful in the face of death (ch 3)
      1. Story of arrogant king, who is humbled (ch 4)
      2. Story of arrogant king, who is humbled (ch 5)
   2. Story of a Daniel being faithful in the face of death (ch6)  

1. Vision of four earthly kingdoms and God’s kingdom (ch 7)

Ch 2 Statue that represented four kingdoms

Ch 7 four beasts that represent four kingdoms

7:1-8 depict evil human kings as hybrid animals

Daniel 7:18

Daniel 7:21-22

Daniel 7:27

 

Rev 12 The Woman and the Dragon Part 2: Daniel’s 70 weeks

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie continue the discussion of the Dragon and his pursuit of the woman--the people of God. We have seen that God's people are the means by which God brings redemption, but now we learn that there is a Dragon (Satan) who will oppose the work of God's people. The Dragon, of course, has always opposed the work of God's people only now he has been kicked out of heaven and he is really angry. The Dragon's pursuit of the people of God (the woman) continues as the woman is brought into the wilderness by God. Even though the wilderness is a place of protection and of God's provision, it is also where the Dragon wages war against them. 

Rob and Vinnie then discuss the time frame of 3 1/2 years (42 months) and how this derives from Dan 9:24-27. They look at the Daniel passage--which is a key passage for those who espouse dispensationalism and the idea of a future 7 year tribulation--and provide a response to this view in light of Daniel 9.

 

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Good news: the determinetruth App: If you wish to view these podcasts on your smartphone through the Determinetruth app simply download the “tithe.ly church” app on your smartphone. As it downloads you will be asked “what church you want to connect with”—insert “determinetruth” as the church name you wish to follow (and Mesa as the city if needed). Then you will be asked if you want the tithe.ly logo or the Determinetruth logo—choose the Determinetruth logo. Once it finishes installing, you will be good to go.

Once it is loaded, simply click on the “blog” icon and it will automatically load.

Finally, we just want to say thank you for listening in and supporting the work of determinetruth. If you have any questions that you would like us to address, we would love to hear them. Use the contact page on Determinetruth.com

If you have been blessed by these episodes, we want to encourage you to make sure you follow this podcast, share it with others, and post a review. By posting a review you make it easier for others to find the podcast on Google searches.

If you would like to have Rob and/or Vinnie speak at your church or organization in person or via Zoom, please let us know by filling out the contact info on the Contact me tab on the determinetruth.com site.

If you have questions that you would like addressed in future episodes, you may submit them in the Contact me tab on this site.

 

Show notes

The “war” (12:7) that took place in heaven now moves to the earth (12:17).

The Dragon “pursues/persecutes” the Woman (12:13).

Exod 19:4

“The Dragon was enraged at the Woman and went to make war with the rest of her offspring” (12:17).

The Dragon

- stood opposed to the Woman even before Christ was born (12:4)

- who opposed Christ and attempted to “devour” Him (12:4)

- has been thrown down to the earth (12:9, 13)

- and is endeavoring to “make war” with the offspring of the Woman (12:17)

The Woman’s offspring are “the ones who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus” (12:17)

“Forty-two months”; “1,260 days”; and “a time, times, and half a time”

Dan 7:25; 12:7

In 11:2 “for forty-two months”

In 11:3 “will prophesy for 1,260 days.”

Daniel’s designation of “a time, times, and half a time,” appears throughout the Second Temple literature to refer to a period of tribulation for the people of God

It is of limited duration.

In popular end-times scenarios, the “tribulation” is 7 years long.

Dan 9:24-27

Daniel 9 focuses more on the restoration of God’s people through the Messiah

Deut and Lev warn the people of Israel that if they do not obey God’s covenant then God will send them into exile at the hands of a foreign nation

• This happens in 605 BC when Babylon conquers them and takes Daniel and many others captive

Lev 26:15-17

9:1-19 Daniel prays for the restoration and vindication of Jerusalem

1^st yr of Darius the Mede; 539 BC

Jer 25:11-12

Dan 9: 5-6—they have sinned

Dan 9:7, 14, 16 God is righteous

Dan 9:20-27 Angel Gabriel answers

Lev 26:18, 21, 24, 28: “If also after these things you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.”

• Weeks/sevens

Dan 9:26: Messiah will be cut off

Karat: ‘cut’: used to describe the cutting ritual associated the ratification of a covenant

‘He’ will confirm a covenant with many (27)

The use of higbir (confirm) suggests the confirming of a previous covenant and not the making of a new one (for that one would expect ‘karat’ to be re-employed)

• Thus, by His being ‘cut off’ (26)—through death—the Messiah will make firm the covenant (not a failure, but a success)
• We have the enforcing of the terms of a covenant that was previously in place; not the establishing of a new one

Dan 9:27 One will come who make desolation

 

 

Rev 12 The Woman and the Dragon: Part 1

In this episode, Rob and Vinnie begin a study of Rev 12 and the Woman and the Dragon. This is an excellent chapter to understand for several reasons. First, it is a clear example of how apocalypses function. Second, the chapter aims to provide a context for "the war"--that is, the one the Beast wages against the Two Witnesses--the people of God/us included--Rev 11:7. Therefore, we are reminded by means of stark imagery of a Dragon pursuing a Woman, first her and then her child, and then, as we will discuss on the next episode, the offspring of the Woman. And, thus, it serves to remind us that the Devil is waging war against us (see Eph 6:11-18; 1 Pet 5:8-9. 

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Show notes

Revelation 12 places the story of the people of God in the context of the cosmic struggle between Satan and God: The devil is a Dragon who stands opposed to the people of God in order to defeat them.

Genesis 37:9

Woman is Israel—the people of God: Mary; or the nation of Israel/Jewish people

The identity of the child becomes clear, “And she gave birth to a son, a male, who is going to rule all the nations with an iron rod” (12:5).

The reference to the “rod of iron” is most certainly an allusion to Psalm 2:7, 9.

The Dragon (12:3) stands in contrast to the Woman (12:1)

• both include the use of “sign,” “appeared,” “in heaven,” and “great.”

Dragon represents an untamable sea-going, creature.

Pharaoh is the serpent in Ezek 29:3

John leaves us with no doubt as to the identity of the Dragon (12:9).

the Dragon’s tail “swept down a third of the stars of heaven and he threw them to the earth” (12:4).

Interestingly, John glosses over Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

“The Woman fled into the wilderness” (12:6).

The wilderness was a place of divine protection and a refuge in times of trouble.

• Jesus went into the wilderness after He was baptized (Matt 4; Luke 4; Mark 1) Moses fled from Egypt and found refuge.
• The Israelites later fled to the wilderness where God sovereignly provided for and nourished His people.

The wilderness also functions as a place of trial and temptation.

The wilderness conjures up positive images

• It was the place of God’s presence among the Israelites.

In terms of the narrative, the flight of the Woman into the wilderness also suggests that this is the present location of the people of God

• where they are both divinely protected and pursued by the Dragon!

“And there was war in heaven” (12:7).

• We should not restrict it to the heavens.

John makes the identity of the Dragon clear for us. He is the “great Dragon” (12:9)

the Dragon is called by two names.

First, he is the Devil (diabolos), which means “slanderous; or the slanderer.”

Secondly, He is called “the Satan,” which means “the adversary” or “the accuser.”

In 12:10, a heavenly voice rejoices “because the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down.”

The heavenly voice iterates that the Dragon is “the one who accuses them day and night before our God” (12:10).

12:11-12: a three-part hymn.

First proclamation: the kingdom of God has come

Second proclamation: they overcame him

Third proclamation: rejoice

The second part of the hymn appears to describe how the battle was won:

• first, they overcame “by the blood of the Lamb”;
• second, they overcame “by the word of their testimony”; and
• Third, they overcame because “they did not love their life until death” (12:11).