God covers His faithful people in His glory and sets them apart for a redemptive purpose.
In Revelation, the Apostle John—who lived during the latter part of the first century AD, traditionally around AD 90-95—details a prophetic vision. He writes, “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (v.1). The description of the woman is rich in symbolism, pointing to significant realities in God’s redemptive plan. Being “clothed with the sun” suggests divine favor and glory, while having “the moon under her feet” can indicate dominion over changing circumstances or sovereignty granted by the Almighty. The crown of twelve stars often symbolizes God’s covenant people—reflected in the twelve tribes of Israel—connecting this image to the trajectory of God’s covenant from Israel to the Church (Galatians 3:29). Some interpretations say the woman represents the faithful community from which the Messiah, Jesus, would emerge (Matthew 1:1-17), paving the way for salvation and victory over evil.
This depiction in “A great sign appeared in heaven” (v.1) also highlights the spiritual realm’s pivotal role in earthly events. John, receiving this revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos (off the coast of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey), presents this heavenly sign as a startling and authoritative message from God. The breathtaking image of the woman underscores the theme that God’s people, though opposed by the forces of darkness, bear the light of divine approval and the destiny of ultimate triumph in Christ (Revelation 12:5). This verse thus foreshadows the conflict and resolution that unfold in the subsequent chapters, keeping the focus on God’s sovereignty and the surety of His promises.
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Revelation 12:1 meaning
In Revelation, the Apostle John—who lived during the latter part of the first century AD, traditionally around AD 90-95—details a prophetic vision. He writes, “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (v.1). The description of the woman is rich in symbolism, pointing to significant realities in God’s redemptive plan. Being “clothed with the sun” suggests divine favor and glory, while having “the moon under her feet” can indicate dominion over changing circumstances or sovereignty granted by the Almighty. The crown of twelve stars often symbolizes God’s covenant people—reflected in the twelve tribes of Israel—connecting this image to the trajectory of God’s covenant from Israel to the Church (Galatians 3:29). Some interpretations say the woman represents the faithful community from which the Messiah, Jesus, would emerge (Matthew 1:1-17), paving the way for salvation and victory over evil.
This depiction in “A great sign appeared in heaven” (v.1) also highlights the spiritual realm’s pivotal role in earthly events. John, receiving this revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos (off the coast of Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey), presents this heavenly sign as a startling and authoritative message from God. The breathtaking image of the woman underscores the theme that God’s people, though opposed by the forces of darkness, bear the light of divine approval and the destiny of ultimate triumph in Christ (Revelation 12:5). This verse thus foreshadows the conflict and resolution that unfold in the subsequent chapters, keeping the focus on God’s sovereignty and the surety of His promises.