Revelation 12:1  “…woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars”
Short summary of the persecution of Israel which produced the Messiah.  Woman, the nation of Israel, bringing light into the world, and twelve stars to represent the twelve tribes.

3  “…fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns…”
Satan, enemy of Christ and mankind.  Seven heads and ten horns relates him to the creature of Daniel’s vision.

4  “His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven…to devour her Child as soon as it was born”
This part is used to suggest that satan’s rebellion included a third of the angelic host.  No way to really know for sure, but very possible and it fits.  Satan’s intent was to destroy Christ when He was born, but he failed.  Joseph was warned in a dream to take Him to Egypt.

5  “…male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron…”
What is said of Jesus.

6  “…woman fled into the wilderness…”
During the Tribulation, or perhaps the last half, the Great Tribulation, the nation of Israel will flee to the wilderness to escape the great and terrible persecution of the antichrist.  This may be the remnant that will eventually believe in Christ before He returns.

7-9  “…war broke out in heaven…Michael and his angels…dragon and his angels…but they did not prevail…dragon was cast out…his angels were cast out with him”
Not sure when this occurs.  Some suggest at the point after Christ’s resurrection and ascension when He becomes the intercessor for us.  This pushes out satan as the accuser.  Seems to me it could also be at this point in John’s narrative.  Until this time, satan and his angels have been able to present themselves to God.  Now that all has been officially acquired by Christ, they aren’t allowed to do that anymore.  They fight, but are cast out.  They remain on earth for the last half of the Tribulation and are cast into the lake of fire either then or after the Millennial reign.

10-12  “…the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down…Woe to the inhabitants of the earth…the devil has come down to you…he knows that he has a short time”
Seems to support the idea that satan is cast down at the midway point of the Tribulation.  All kingdoms have become the kingdoms of Christ.  Satan is no longer allowed any authority.  He fights but is cast out.  He realizes his time is short so he turns all of his wrath on the people remaining.

13-17  Dragon persecutes the woman, Israel.  But God protects her by allowing her to fly to the wilderness where He protects her for three and a half years, referencing the last half of the Tribulation, the Great Tribulation.  Some believe this will be the area of Petra.  Serpent and dragon appear to be used interchangeably here to refer to satan.  Not sure what the flood symbolizes.  Seems rather specific.  Wonder if perhaps satan tries a flood since God has promised to never destroy the earth with another one.  Satan uses it as an affront to God.  But the earth itself doesn’t allow it and opens up to contain it.  Satan then turns his wrath to the remaining Christians who are martyred until Christ returns.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.