The 144,000 and the Multitude
Chapter 3
The Woman in the Wilderness
In understanding that the Remnant of Israel is the 144,000, and that this Remnant of Israel is, in fact, the true “Israel,” we can now turn our attention to the Woman in the Wilderness described in Revelation Chapter 12.
This chapter describes “Israel” and what she experiences. She has attributes of both physical and spiritual Israel. The physical Israel (old covenant) transfigures to the spiritual Israel (new covenant) and thus, the woman described in Revelation 12 has both of these characteristics. Through the physical lineage came Jesus Christ, being the seed of David. The spiritual Israel represents the church, the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, when we read Revelation Chapter 12, we must keep that in mind.
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: - Revelation 12:1
Here we have an illustration of a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet and a crown on her head with twelve stars. This verbal picture is a description of spiritual Israel. It is fairly easy to conclude that the crown on her head with the twelve stars represents the twelve tribes of Israel. In the sealing of the 144,000, 12,000 of each of the twelve tribes are sealed. The sun and the moon are a bit more complicated, but with scripture, can be understood. The sun that the woman is clothed with must be representative of something. We can find what the sun represents in the following verses.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. - Malachi 4:2
The above verse is speaking about the “Sun of righteousness.” You will notice that the word “Sun” is capitalized. If a word is capitalized, it would be referring to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord has many names (and titles), and this is yet another one. The woman is clothed with Jesus Christ. We get further indications of this in this next verse.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Galatians 3:27
There is another aspect that we want to look at when looking at the woman being clothed with the sun.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. - Matthew 13:43
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. - 1 Thessalonians 5:5
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. -
1 Thessalonians 5:9
These preceding verses seem to describe what the sun represents that the woman is clothed with. She is clothed with the Sun of righteousness, Jesus Christ; for when one is baptized into Christ, one puts on Christ. The righteous shine forth as the sun, being the children of the day, and “the children of the day” are not appointed unto wrath. Preservation is indicated here if one is a child of the day.
The moon under her feet requires a bit more time to fully explain. I will make a few comments on this aspect of the text so we can move on. The moon under the woman’s feet is partially representative of the understanding of the new moon Sabbath and the feasts of Israel, which are guided by the new moon. The moon under her feet partly is the understanding that in Jesus Christ the Sabbaths and feasts are fulfilled in Him. Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath and when one is in Jesus Christ they are in His Sabbath.
The law of keeping a Sabbath day was completely fulfilled when Christ went to the cross. We may keep the day if we choose, but the picture that we see with the moon under her feet, is the establishment that she is not under the law.
There is another understanding to be understood about the moon under her feet. In the sequel to this present work, “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” [i], chapter 7, the moon is representative of the Multitude which will be examined later in this book. The moon as the Multitude is under the feet of the woman in Revelation 12. Without being too graphic, the moon (Multitude) is also the man child that is delivered of the woman which is under here feet.
Let’s take a look at the definition for the word under. It means; under, i.e…of place (beneath)… In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition... [ii] The 144,000 are the “firstfruits” unto God and to the Lamb. The Multitude comes after the 144,000 due to their inferior position or condition at the time of the sealing when the Multitude was in the lies and deception and did not love the Truth more than the lies.
Let’s continue in Revelation 12. In verses 7-10; war in heaven is described which culminates in Satan being cast out of heaven and onto the earth. Let's now look at verse 12.
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. - Revelation 12:12
Take a look at the first sentence in this verse: “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.” This verse is telling us that the heavens and all that dwell in them are to rejoice, for Satan is cast down. The word dwell used in this verse means; to tent or encamp i.e. to occupy (as a mansion) or (spec.) to reside (as God did in the tabernacle of old, a symbol of protection and communion) dwell. [iii]
In considering those that “dwell” in the heavens, let’s also take a look at some verses that may give us some perspectives as to whom this may be speaking about.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: - Ephesians 2:6
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. [46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. [48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. - 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. - 1 John 3:1
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. [14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. [15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. [16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. - 1 John 4:13-17
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. - 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
These last few verses in Corinthians are stating that the Lord dwells within them and they will be His people. In verse 17, it states that they are to “come out from among them” and be separate, and not to touch the unclean thing, and the Lord will receive them.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; - 1 Peter 2:11
Looking at the above verses, we can see that when we are truly in Jesus Christ, we sit in heavenly places. We shall also bear the image of the heavenly, and the world knows us not, because we dwell in him.
We are strangers and pilgrims here on the earth. Let’s now compare this to the phrase “inhabiters of the earth” which is also in verse 12. The verse says “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth.” Is there a difference between them that dwell in heaven and the inhabiters of the earth?
The word inhabiters means; to house permanently. [iv] This indicates that inhabiters of the earth are in essence earth dwellers. They do not dwell in heaven, nor are they seated in heavenly places. The earth dwellers are unbelievers who are not of the Remnant of Israel, for the Remnant of Israel dwells in Jesus Christ, not in the earth. The strangers and pilgrims indicated in 1 Peter 2:11 do not have permanent residency on the earth, for they dwell in heavenly places.
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. – Revelation 12:14
In the above verses there is quite a bit of information about the “woman” in the end times. When we look at this woman, she flies into the wilderness where she is nourished for about three and a half years. It’s commonly thought that time (1 year) and times (2 years) and half a time (half a year) equals three and a half years.
She flies into the wilderness, and wilderness is defined as; lonesome. [v] The woman has “come out of her” and is now away from the larger population of the church. She is nourished in the wilderness during this time. The word nourish means; to stiffen, i.e. fatten (by implication to cherish (with food etc.) pamper, rear, bring up, feed, nourish. [vi]
It’s interesting to see here that the word nourish means; to fatten, cherish, or feed. This recalls the verse about the Sun of righteousness, when He arises with healing in his wings “and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”
A calf in a stall gives us a picture of a young animal that is cared for. It is in a stall, protected from the elements, safe, warm, and dry. A calf in a stall is hand fed. It does not have to fend for itself. This can give us a picture of what the word nourished can mean for the Remnant of Israel who are to be in the wilderness for three and a half years. But where is the wilderness?
Since everything that we are discovering has to do with a spiritual place or standing of the believer, the wilderness would not be a physical place but more correctly, a spiritual place; a place out of Babylon (spiritual place), a spiritual place of safety and refuge; the wilderness.
Next we see “to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle.” What would this represent? The idea is, some type of way is made so that the woman can safely get to the wilderness. Two wings of a great eagle “that she might fly” would definitely be a means of traveling safely to the wilderness. We can find a passage in Exodus that gives the Red Sea account and how the Lord bare the children of Israel up on “eagles wings.”
In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. [2] For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. [3] And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thusshalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; [4] Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. [5] Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: [6] And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of
Israel. - Exodus 19:1-6
The Red Sea passage is referred to here as being bared up on eagle’s wings. The children of Israel went safely through the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming after them. They were brought through safely and the Egyptians were destroyed. Here is another verse that has the wings of an eagle:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
This verse gives us an indication that “wings as eagles” represents some type of strength that will be provided that will make it seem as though they have wings as eagles. Both of these verses indicate that the wings of an eagle, represents safe passage and the strength to make it through.
The Exodus account, as it states in 1 Corinthians 10:11, is an ensample (example) for us. The account of the Exodus greatly resembles the overview of the end times; how Israel is released from the bondage of Egypt, how she “flies” into the wilderness, where she is nourished. She is safe from her enemies. The end times parallel the Exodus in many areas.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these parallels.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. - Exodus 19:6
Compare this verse to Revelation 1:6.
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. - Revelation 1:6
..then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people. - Exodus 19:5
Compare this verse to Titus 2:14:
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. - Titus 2:14
There are some definite similarities with what is spoken about during the days of Exodus and these two verses above in Revelation and Titus.
After the woman flies into the wilderness, the serpent (Satan, the dragon) comes after her. He casts a flood out after her. Is this a literal flood or does the concept of a flood represent something else?
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. [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. – Revelation 12:15, 16
The word flood means; i.e. running water, flood, river, stream, water. [vii] It doesn’t make a lot of sense for a flood of water to be pursuing her. We can get clarification for this in the following verses:
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. - Isaiah 59:19
The flood that he casts out after the woman can be likened to the enemy. The serpent doesn’t like the 144,000 very much and wants to wipe them out. Somehow they slip out of his hand and fly to the wilderness. He therefore sends his armies out after the 144,000 -- but to no avail; for the woman is protected by the Lord through the sealing and Satan cannot touch them. The earth then swallows up the enemy.
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? [12] Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. [13] Thouin thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. - Exodus 15:11-13
This verse is another parallel account from the Exodus. The enemy came after God’s chosen people and “the earth swallowed them.” The flood (enemy) was destroyed, “the earth swallowed them.” Now, who can this enemy be? There is a verse in Isaiah that gives us an alternate identity of the Egyptians
For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. - Isaiah 52:4
The verse above recalls the time when the Israelites were under the oppression of the Egyptians. However, in this verse it was the Assyrian that oppressed them without cause. This gives us a clue that the identity of these “Egyptians” is somehow associated the “Assyrians.” Or perhaps, they are one and the same.
In the following verses there is an enemy that is called the Assyrian. The Lord protects his people from “the Assyrian.” It is possible that this may be the description of Satan’s army that comes after the woman. Since many things in the tribulation parallel the whole Exodus account, this may be another parallel, or symbolic of Satan’s host.
The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: [25] That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. - Isaiah 14:24, 25
And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. [5] And this man
shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. [6] And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when the cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders. [7] And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. - Micah 5:4-7
It is possible that the Assyrian that these previous verses are talking about very well may be the army of Satan? The “Assyrian” is also called the “Egyptian.” Since we are operating in the “spiritual” wilderness, “spiritual” Babylon, and “spiritual Israel,” it is extremely likely, in fact most probably referring to “spiritual” Egypt, and “spiritual” Assyria. Just as “the remnant of Jacob” is the “remnant of Israel,” there are multiple identifications for the enemies of the Gospel.
I have done a great deal of study on the subject of Zion/Sion. To condense my findings into a few words, Zion/Sion is a spiritual place where the 144,000 are located during the tribulation. Zion is located in the top of the mountains, which would definitely qualify as the wilderness. My understanding of this concept is the 144,000 are in spiritual Zion in the spiritual mountains and they are in a protected area. Notice that the Assyrian is broken in the Lord’s land and is tread underfoot by the Lord in “his mountains.”
An interesting thing of note, when the woman flies into the wilderness, it appears to be a timely departure. There does not seem to be any hint of a flight that includes a narrow escape. In comparison, during the Red Sea account, the Lord kept Pharaoh’s armies at bay until the Israelites crossed the Red Sea safely. They were not trampling over each other in fear; they were proceeding in an orderly fashion. The same type of departure will apply to the woman when she flies into the wilderness. Hence, the following verse sums it up very nicely.
Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. [12] For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward. – Isaiah 52:11, 12
This verse says quite a bit about people of the Lord, and in the time of the end this would be the 144,000 leaving the churches and heading into the spiritual wilderness. The LORD will go before you, preparing the way, and He will be your rear guard -- just as in the Red Sea crossing account.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. - 2 Corinthians 6:17
This verse states that you are to “come out from among them” (Isaiah’s version in chapter 52:11 is “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, go ye out of the midst of her.”) You are also not to touch anything unclean (spiritually unclean) and He will receive you.
And what happens when the serpent’s flood is swallowed up by the earth? The serpent (Satan) is furious. He cannot touch the woman for the protection she has around her. And what does he do? He then focuses upon the “remnant of her seed” and goes to make war with them. We will encounter “the remnant of her seed” in Part Two when we cover The Multitude.
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. - Revelation 12:17
[i]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” written by Sue Patterson
[ii]. Strong’s 5259
[iii]. Strong’s 4637
[iv]. Strong’s 2730
[v]. Strong’s 2048
[vi]. Strong’s 5142
[vii]. Strong’s 4215
This chapter describes “Israel” and what she experiences. She has attributes of both physical and spiritual Israel. The physical Israel (old covenant) transfigures to the spiritual Israel (new covenant) and thus, the woman described in Revelation 12 has both of these characteristics. Through the physical lineage came Jesus Christ, being the seed of David. The spiritual Israel represents the church, the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ. So, when we read Revelation Chapter 12, we must keep that in mind.
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: - Revelation 12:1
Here we have an illustration of a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet and a crown on her head with twelve stars. This verbal picture is a description of spiritual Israel. It is fairly easy to conclude that the crown on her head with the twelve stars represents the twelve tribes of Israel. In the sealing of the 144,000, 12,000 of each of the twelve tribes are sealed. The sun and the moon are a bit more complicated, but with scripture, can be understood. The sun that the woman is clothed with must be representative of something. We can find what the sun represents in the following verses.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. - Malachi 4:2
The above verse is speaking about the “Sun of righteousness.” You will notice that the word “Sun” is capitalized. If a word is capitalized, it would be referring to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord has many names (and titles), and this is yet another one. The woman is clothed with Jesus Christ. We get further indications of this in this next verse.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. - Galatians 3:27
There is another aspect that we want to look at when looking at the woman being clothed with the sun.
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. - Matthew 13:43
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. - 1 Thessalonians 5:5
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. -
1 Thessalonians 5:9
These preceding verses seem to describe what the sun represents that the woman is clothed with. She is clothed with the Sun of righteousness, Jesus Christ; for when one is baptized into Christ, one puts on Christ. The righteous shine forth as the sun, being the children of the day, and “the children of the day” are not appointed unto wrath. Preservation is indicated here if one is a child of the day.
The moon under her feet requires a bit more time to fully explain. I will make a few comments on this aspect of the text so we can move on. The moon under the woman’s feet is partially representative of the understanding of the new moon Sabbath and the feasts of Israel, which are guided by the new moon. The moon under her feet partly is the understanding that in Jesus Christ the Sabbaths and feasts are fulfilled in Him. Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath and when one is in Jesus Christ they are in His Sabbath.
The law of keeping a Sabbath day was completely fulfilled when Christ went to the cross. We may keep the day if we choose, but the picture that we see with the moon under her feet, is the establishment that she is not under the law.
There is another understanding to be understood about the moon under her feet. In the sequel to this present work, “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” [i], chapter 7, the moon is representative of the Multitude which will be examined later in this book. The moon as the Multitude is under the feet of the woman in Revelation 12. Without being too graphic, the moon (Multitude) is also the man child that is delivered of the woman which is under here feet.
Let’s take a look at the definition for the word under. It means; under, i.e…of place (beneath)… In the comparative, it retains the same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition... [ii] The 144,000 are the “firstfruits” unto God and to the Lamb. The Multitude comes after the 144,000 due to their inferior position or condition at the time of the sealing when the Multitude was in the lies and deception and did not love the Truth more than the lies.
Let’s continue in Revelation 12. In verses 7-10; war in heaven is described which culminates in Satan being cast out of heaven and onto the earth. Let's now look at verse 12.
Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. - Revelation 12:12
Take a look at the first sentence in this verse: “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them.” This verse is telling us that the heavens and all that dwell in them are to rejoice, for Satan is cast down. The word dwell used in this verse means; to tent or encamp i.e. to occupy (as a mansion) or (spec.) to reside (as God did in the tabernacle of old, a symbol of protection and communion) dwell. [iii]
In considering those that “dwell” in the heavens, let’s also take a look at some verses that may give us some perspectives as to whom this may be speaking about.
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: - Ephesians 2:6
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. [46] Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. [47] The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. [48] As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. [49] And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. - 1 Corinthians 15:45-49
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. - 1 John 3:1
Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. [14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. [15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. [16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. - 1 John 4:13-17
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. - 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
These last few verses in Corinthians are stating that the Lord dwells within them and they will be His people. In verse 17, it states that they are to “come out from among them” and be separate, and not to touch the unclean thing, and the Lord will receive them.
Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; - 1 Peter 2:11
Looking at the above verses, we can see that when we are truly in Jesus Christ, we sit in heavenly places. We shall also bear the image of the heavenly, and the world knows us not, because we dwell in him.
We are strangers and pilgrims here on the earth. Let’s now compare this to the phrase “inhabiters of the earth” which is also in verse 12. The verse says “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth.” Is there a difference between them that dwell in heaven and the inhabiters of the earth?
The word inhabiters means; to house permanently. [iv] This indicates that inhabiters of the earth are in essence earth dwellers. They do not dwell in heaven, nor are they seated in heavenly places. The earth dwellers are unbelievers who are not of the Remnant of Israel, for the Remnant of Israel dwells in Jesus Christ, not in the earth. The strangers and pilgrims indicated in 1 Peter 2:11 do not have permanent residency on the earth, for they dwell in heavenly places.
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. – Revelation 12:14
In the above verses there is quite a bit of information about the “woman” in the end times. When we look at this woman, she flies into the wilderness where she is nourished for about three and a half years. It’s commonly thought that time (1 year) and times (2 years) and half a time (half a year) equals three and a half years.
She flies into the wilderness, and wilderness is defined as; lonesome. [v] The woman has “come out of her” and is now away from the larger population of the church. She is nourished in the wilderness during this time. The word nourish means; to stiffen, i.e. fatten (by implication to cherish (with food etc.) pamper, rear, bring up, feed, nourish. [vi]
It’s interesting to see here that the word nourish means; to fatten, cherish, or feed. This recalls the verse about the Sun of righteousness, when He arises with healing in his wings “and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”
A calf in a stall gives us a picture of a young animal that is cared for. It is in a stall, protected from the elements, safe, warm, and dry. A calf in a stall is hand fed. It does not have to fend for itself. This can give us a picture of what the word nourished can mean for the Remnant of Israel who are to be in the wilderness for three and a half years. But where is the wilderness?
Since everything that we are discovering has to do with a spiritual place or standing of the believer, the wilderness would not be a physical place but more correctly, a spiritual place; a place out of Babylon (spiritual place), a spiritual place of safety and refuge; the wilderness.
Next we see “to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle.” What would this represent? The idea is, some type of way is made so that the woman can safely get to the wilderness. Two wings of a great eagle “that she might fly” would definitely be a means of traveling safely to the wilderness. We can find a passage in Exodus that gives the Red Sea account and how the Lord bare the children of Israel up on “eagles wings.”
In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai. [2] For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount. [3] And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thusshalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; [4] Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. [5] Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: [6] And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of
Israel. - Exodus 19:1-6
The Red Sea passage is referred to here as being bared up on eagle’s wings. The children of Israel went safely through the Red Sea with the Egyptians coming after them. They were brought through safely and the Egyptians were destroyed. Here is another verse that has the wings of an eagle:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
This verse gives us an indication that “wings as eagles” represents some type of strength that will be provided that will make it seem as though they have wings as eagles. Both of these verses indicate that the wings of an eagle, represents safe passage and the strength to make it through.
The Exodus account, as it states in 1 Corinthians 10:11, is an ensample (example) for us. The account of the Exodus greatly resembles the overview of the end times; how Israel is released from the bondage of Egypt, how she “flies” into the wilderness, where she is nourished. She is safe from her enemies. The end times parallel the Exodus in many areas.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these parallels.
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. - Exodus 19:6
Compare this verse to Revelation 1:6.
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. - Revelation 1:6
..then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people. - Exodus 19:5
Compare this verse to Titus 2:14:
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. - Titus 2:14
There are some definite similarities with what is spoken about during the days of Exodus and these two verses above in Revelation and Titus.
After the woman flies into the wilderness, the serpent (Satan, the dragon) comes after her. He casts a flood out after her. Is this a literal flood or does the concept of a flood represent something else?
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. [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. – Revelation 12:15, 16
The word flood means; i.e. running water, flood, river, stream, water. [vii] It doesn’t make a lot of sense for a flood of water to be pursuing her. We can get clarification for this in the following verses:
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. - Isaiah 59:19
The flood that he casts out after the woman can be likened to the enemy. The serpent doesn’t like the 144,000 very much and wants to wipe them out. Somehow they slip out of his hand and fly to the wilderness. He therefore sends his armies out after the 144,000 -- but to no avail; for the woman is protected by the Lord through the sealing and Satan cannot touch them. The earth then swallows up the enemy.
Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? [12] Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. [13] Thouin thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. - Exodus 15:11-13
This verse is another parallel account from the Exodus. The enemy came after God’s chosen people and “the earth swallowed them.” The flood (enemy) was destroyed, “the earth swallowed them.” Now, who can this enemy be? There is a verse in Isaiah that gives us an alternate identity of the Egyptians
For thus saith the Lord GOD, My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. - Isaiah 52:4
The verse above recalls the time when the Israelites were under the oppression of the Egyptians. However, in this verse it was the Assyrian that oppressed them without cause. This gives us a clue that the identity of these “Egyptians” is somehow associated the “Assyrians.” Or perhaps, they are one and the same.
In the following verses there is an enemy that is called the Assyrian. The Lord protects his people from “the Assyrian.” It is possible that this may be the description of Satan’s army that comes after the woman. Since many things in the tribulation parallel the whole Exodus account, this may be another parallel, or symbolic of Satan’s host.
The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand: [25] That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders. - Isaiah 14:24, 25
And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. [5] And this man
shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. [6] And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when the cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders. [7] And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men. - Micah 5:4-7
It is possible that the Assyrian that these previous verses are talking about very well may be the army of Satan? The “Assyrian” is also called the “Egyptian.” Since we are operating in the “spiritual” wilderness, “spiritual” Babylon, and “spiritual Israel,” it is extremely likely, in fact most probably referring to “spiritual” Egypt, and “spiritual” Assyria. Just as “the remnant of Jacob” is the “remnant of Israel,” there are multiple identifications for the enemies of the Gospel.
I have done a great deal of study on the subject of Zion/Sion. To condense my findings into a few words, Zion/Sion is a spiritual place where the 144,000 are located during the tribulation. Zion is located in the top of the mountains, which would definitely qualify as the wilderness. My understanding of this concept is the 144,000 are in spiritual Zion in the spiritual mountains and they are in a protected area. Notice that the Assyrian is broken in the Lord’s land and is tread underfoot by the Lord in “his mountains.”
An interesting thing of note, when the woman flies into the wilderness, it appears to be a timely departure. There does not seem to be any hint of a flight that includes a narrow escape. In comparison, during the Red Sea account, the Lord kept Pharaoh’s armies at bay until the Israelites crossed the Red Sea safely. They were not trampling over each other in fear; they were proceeding in an orderly fashion. The same type of departure will apply to the woman when she flies into the wilderness. Hence, the following verse sums it up very nicely.
Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD. [12] For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward. – Isaiah 52:11, 12
This verse says quite a bit about people of the Lord, and in the time of the end this would be the 144,000 leaving the churches and heading into the spiritual wilderness. The LORD will go before you, preparing the way, and He will be your rear guard -- just as in the Red Sea crossing account.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. - 2 Corinthians 6:17
This verse states that you are to “come out from among them” (Isaiah’s version in chapter 52:11 is “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, go ye out of the midst of her.”) You are also not to touch anything unclean (spiritually unclean) and He will receive you.
And what happens when the serpent’s flood is swallowed up by the earth? The serpent (Satan) is furious. He cannot touch the woman for the protection she has around her. And what does he do? He then focuses upon the “remnant of her seed” and goes to make war with them. We will encounter “the remnant of her seed” in Part Two when we cover The Multitude.
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. - Revelation 12:17
[i]. “The Trumpet Judgements Unveiled” written by Sue Patterson
[ii]. Strong’s 5259
[iii]. Strong’s 4637
[iv]. Strong’s 2730
[v]. Strong’s 2048
[vi]. Strong’s 5142
[vii]. Strong’s 4215