Posted by Gold Acacia on May 09, 19101 at 13:57:01:
In Reply to: Re: Rev.12:1 posted by Phil St. Romain on May 09, 19101 at 11:52:43:
It could also be strongly argued that the woman is Israel who has travailed in birth to bring forth the church (the man-child). Because it was through Israel (in lineage) that Christ came forth, who then died to produce the church through redemption on the cross.
The footnote I referenced seemed to say that the woman is BOTH Israel AND the church. Basically, the woman signifies all of God's chosen people throughout the generations, from Abraham to Christ, and from Christ to the church.
Now, the man-child, it could be argued, is Christ, because there is the rod of iron mentioned and shepherding is also mentioned. However, the man-child being caught up is allusive of the rapture of the overcomers before the great tribulation. So, I believe that the man-child is the stronger part of the woman (the overcomers, the ones who have washed their robes earlier in Rev.) who is caught up into the heavens, later to make war with Satan and his armies.