by Randall E. Pickens, Sr.
Who is the woman represented in this vision?
The term “great” in the first verse of Rev 12 is believed to reference a “unique” alignment of the Virgo and Leo constellation that occurred on Sept. 23, 2017. It is believed that this alignment had never occurred previously in recorded history. I am not an astronomer so I can’t confirm this assertion. So, for the sake of this analysis we will apply it to all potential possibilities that we will consider.
Decision Matrix
The image included here is what I call a “Decision Matrix“. This is a process I often use to analyze complicated subjects. It helps me stay focused on the primary question or subject of the prophecy. In the case of this chapter, the most common question to consider is; Who is the woman referenced in this prophecy?
With this in mind, I considered the following possibilities; Eve, Mary, The Church (Bride), or Tribulation Saints (Jewish converts). Each of these possibilities were evaluated from the prospective of; could the verses in this chapter in anyway be construed to be associated with one of or more of these options. This analysis will reveal that there are references made that could be considered as common to all or unique to that option. This helps to identify “in context” the most probable answer to the question or subject matter. This process will result in a “most likely” consideration. Optimally only one option emerging that meets all or most of our analysis criteria.
I believe it is clear that this chapters focus applies to the option of “Tribulation Saints”. The tribulation saints being “primarily” the Jewish converts but may include gentiles as well. Keep in mind though that Daniel’s 70th week or what is commonly referred to as the 7 Year Tribulation Period is focused on the salvation of the Jew’s. This is why we also hear it referred to as the time of “Jacob’s Trouble”.
The Great Sign of Rev. 12
Before we proceed with our analysis of this chapter, I need to make it clear; I am not an astronomer and must rely on those who have expertise in this science. Also, I am definitely not involved in astrology and I am careful to avoid any discussion that might be confused as endorsing such. However, we cannot deny the fact that astrology was practiced and was a part of the ancient psyche of the Jewish and Christian cultures. The culture of the Mesopotamians and Babylonians is consistently evident in Jewish history and responsible for the pollution of their Mosaic and Christian culture. The names of months, days, and holidays are proof of this pollution. References to constellations can be found in Job, Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Psalms and of course here in Revelation. Idolatry was the common stumbling block of the Jewish people that all the Prophets were charged to deal with and will always dominate the messages of the Prophets. This was pointed out in my earlier commentary of Rev. 17 where the Great Whore is identified as the early religious systems introduced by rebellious Nimrod, his consort Semiramis (wife/mother) of Tammuz. (see article, Judgment of the Kingdoms of this earth).
Understanding the prophecies of old require that we consider the influence of these pagan cultures on the Mosaic and Christian culture. In fact, it is this influence that is the key reason for the judgements to come. The “unfinished business” of God with Satan, the ancient rebellious angels, kingdoms of this earth, and the current children of disobedience. It is therefore very reasonable to see reference to these these pagan practices in prophecy. They are the very reason for the JUDGEMENTS TO COME!
Gen. 1:14 tells us that the heavenly bodies were to be used for “signs” and “seasons”. The Bethlehem Star being a prime example of God’s use of heavenly bodies to facilitate and communicate his plans. You may be familiar with the documentary by Fredrick Larson on the Bethlehem Star. This is a very good presentation that uses astronomy to confirm the occurrence of this biblical account and provide details that address questions critics have raised in an attempt to dispute the account. Not unlike archeology; astronomy can be used to confirm Gods word. I emphasize “confirm”. We trust the WORD and acknowledge the signs.
This chapter starts with a reference to a “Great Sign” which is believed to reference two constellations, that of Virgo and Leo. These constellations have been associated with previous biblical events; most notably the birth of Christ. What astronomy can tell us is that these signs can be reconstructed and dates confirmed due to the predictability of universal order. Thanks to Johannes Kepler who introduced the three laws of planetary motion. These laws are still fundamental to modern space travel.
The details given in Rev. 12 not only reference the constellations but details of convergence that are clues to some unique configurations and thus give coordinates that can be confirmed. This is what causes us to pay particular attention to the term “Great”. The implication being that this sign is “UNIQUE”. A configuration that has possibly never occurred before or at least is a rare event and thus can be legitimately considered a notable or “great” event. This is where astronomy can serve us well.
The question is; is this configuration truly unique and if so when would we expect it to occur? Due to the predictability of universal order then it is possible to answer these questions with the same confidence we have applied to space travel.
Another point I must make regards how we are to interrupt the revelations given to John. In the first chapter, we are given instruction as to how these revelations are to be viewed. Rev. 1:4, 8, and 19 tell us that this revelation given to John will include references to past, present and future events (is, was and are to come). This instruction is critical to understanding what could otherwise be very confusing.
The other point to consider is; prophecies often have dual application. This chapter for sure has evidence of these characteristics. From the first prophecy in Gen. as to the Seed to come from Eve, the fulfillment of the birth of Christ, the Church being the bride of Christ with offspring and finally Israel to be grafted back into the vine through the evangelical events of the tribulation period (Jacob’s Trouble).
Therefore the woman portrayed here in this Rev 12 vision must be considered as a potential reference to either Eve, Mary, the Church, and finally the Tribulation Saints (Jewish converts of the 7-year Tribulation period). The conclusion of this analysis is also good fodder for the debate over should the tribulation saints (Jewish converts) be considered an extension of the Church (Bride). I believe they should, since God promised they will be “grafted” back into the vine. Christ will not have two wives; this is a subject for later independent discussion.
Now for some discussion of the astronomical elements of this text. Based on the conjunctions described this configuration is thought to be unique or at least rare.
Consider the following points for this analysis:
1.) The woman clothed with the sun is an “annual” event.
2.) The moon at the woman’s feet is an “annual” event.
3.) The crown of 12 stars in conjunction with these previous configurations is what is believed to be what qualifies this as a “GREAT SIGN” or unique.
4.) This sign occurred 1260 days from the first Tetrad (4 blood moons) of 2014. (unique)
5.) This sign occurred on Sept. 23, 2017 considered to be a Jubilee year (two days after The Feast of Trumpets and 7 days prior to Feast of Atonement. (unique)
Summary: I accept that this reference qualifies as a “Great Sign” and should be noted as such. However, I was skeptical that it marks “precise” timing of the departure of the Church or beginning of Jacob’s Trouble. Which obviously it didn’t because we are still here… !
However, this sign certainly should cause contemplation and awareness of the fact that we should be preparing for these events. It is also a reminder that we will not know the exact day or hour. Due to the fact that the Jews failed to keep the Sabbath and Jubilees of antiquity; even the dates that are currently set for these Feast observances cannot be entirely trusted or validated. So, to say that this sign misses a Feast day by 2 or 7 days doesn’t in itself disqualify it as a “GREAT SIGN”. It certainly represents past, present and future association with a “Great” event. It represents an event that is critical to the understanding of this prophecy.
Now for the critics who say 2017 came and went without event let me correct them! They obviously don’t understand prophecy or the characteristics of a Jubilee. If they did then they would recognize that a very important event occurred in 2017. For the first time since 1948 the US acknowledged Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel. This started a move toward numerous other nations to follow suit and peace treaties between Israel and historic hostile nations. All of which are expectations of a jubilee year. All debts to be forgiven and land ownership returned to the original owner.
Conclusion:
As believers, we should continue to be vigilant and about the Father’s business. I am convinced the time is “near, even at the door”. This discussion is proof that no single event was intended to be independently regarded but rather Jesus admonished us to consider; “when we see “ALL” these things transpiring; LOOK UP YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWETH NIGH”
Luk 21:28 and Mat 24:33
This article was not intended to be an exhaustive review of chapter Rev. 12. This chapter has been debated over the ages by many a scholar. It would be foolish to think we could cover it exhaustively in this forum. If you have specific questions, I would be glad to entertain them.
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