The Sun and the Moon

A new vision now unfolds at the beginning of Revelation 12. We are introduced to the first of two women. As we have seen from other biblical prophecies, this does not refer to a literal person.

Today’s verse, after all, says she was “a great sign.” Indeed, we find in Scripture that a figure of a woman is a common symbol for the church—or God’s people as a whole (Jeremiah 6:2; Ezekiel 23:2–4; Ephesians 5:25–27). Notice in those verses that a church faithful to God is depicted as a pure wife or daughter, while an unfaithful church is described as a prostitute. As we study out this first woman, contrast her with the second woman that appears in Revelation 17.

First, this woman is “clothed with the sun.” As we have already seen, Jesus is also described as being like the sun (Psalm 84:11; Malachi 4:2; Revelation 1:16; 10:1); thus, a woman likewise clothed represents the light of God (Isaiah 60:19). The way in which Christ, “the light of the world” (John 8:12), leads you is also described as “the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Second, the moon, the Bible says, is “the lesser light” to the sun’s “greater light” (Genesis 1:16). Indeed, we know that the moon shines by reflecting light from the sun. God’s Word is “a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105). In this way, the Old Testament is like the moon; it reflected the coming light of the New Testament, in which appears Jesus, the true “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2). According to Jesus, the woman, God’s church, stands upon “Moses and all the Prophets” (Luke 24:27).

Stephanos in the Greek means “a garland,” a victor’s crown, which is also promised elsewhere to those who are faithful to the end (Revelation 2:10; 3:11).

It’s important to note that from here on out in Revelation, we will see a “battle” between God’s true vision and Satan’s counterfeit one. Pay close attention and watch so that you are not deceived!

Father God, thank You for Your word, and the truth of it! Help us remain faithful to Your message, whatever the future holds!

For Further Study: Song of Solomon 6:10; John 1:8; Acts 2:19

Key Bible Texts

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 KJV)