Satan unleashes overwhelming forces against God’s people, but God’s sustaining power prevails.
And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. (v.15) Written by the Apostle John around AD 95, this verse depicts Satan—portrayed here as the serpent—launching a formidable attempt to destroy the woman, who symbolizes God’s faithful people. Earlier in the chapter, the dragon (Satan) was hurled from heaven, and his anger immediately shifted toward pursuing the woman on earth, employing any means necessary to overthrow her or wipe her out. By unleashing a flood, the serpent endeavors to overwhelm the woman with destructive force, emphasizing his relentless hatred for those whom God is protecting.
In Revelation 12, the woman is often understood to represent either Israel, through whom Christ the Messiah was born, or the faithful “remnant” of God’s people. The imagery of a flood—water pouring from Satan’s mouth—suggests a swift and devastating wave of suffering, persecution, or deception aimed at devouring the faithful. Although the verse does not mention geographical names, it follows the narrative of the woman escaping into the wilderness, a place of God’s special provision and safety. The serpent’s aggression is a continuation of his ancient feud with the seed of the woman, dating all the way back to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).
Despite this raging onslaught, the larger context makes clear that God intervenes on behalf of the woman, shielding His people from ultimate destruction (Revelation 12:16). This highlights God’s consistent pattern of deliverance, reminiscent of how He rescued His people at the Red Sea or through other trials in Scripture. Revelation calls believers to remain steadfast in the face of such adversity, trusting that Christ’s power far exceeds even the fiercest attacks mounted by the serpent.
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Revelation 12:15 meaning
And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. (v.15) Written by the Apostle John around AD 95, this verse depicts Satan—portrayed here as the serpent—launching a formidable attempt to destroy the woman, who symbolizes God’s faithful people. Earlier in the chapter, the dragon (Satan) was hurled from heaven, and his anger immediately shifted toward pursuing the woman on earth, employing any means necessary to overthrow her or wipe her out. By unleashing a flood, the serpent endeavors to overwhelm the woman with destructive force, emphasizing his relentless hatred for those whom God is protecting.
In Revelation 12, the woman is often understood to represent either Israel, through whom Christ the Messiah was born, or the faithful “remnant” of God’s people. The imagery of a flood—water pouring from Satan’s mouth—suggests a swift and devastating wave of suffering, persecution, or deception aimed at devouring the faithful. Although the verse does not mention geographical names, it follows the narrative of the woman escaping into the wilderness, a place of God’s special provision and safety. The serpent’s aggression is a continuation of his ancient feud with the seed of the woman, dating all the way back to the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).
Despite this raging onslaught, the larger context makes clear that God intervenes on behalf of the woman, shielding His people from ultimate destruction (Revelation 12:16). This highlights God’s consistent pattern of deliverance, reminiscent of how He rescued His people at the Red Sea or through other trials in Scripture. Revelation calls believers to remain steadfast in the face of such adversity, trusting that Christ’s power far exceeds even the fiercest attacks mounted by the serpent.