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Revelation 12:7
Verse
Context
The War in Heaven
6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days.7Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.8But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels.
Sermons
Danny Bond
Charlie Orr
Paris Reidhead
Mike Bickle
Jessie Penn-Lewis
Lewis Sperry ChaferSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rev 12:7 per Adam Clarke There was war in heaven - In the same treatise, fol. 87, 2, on Exo 14:7, Pharaoh took six hundred chariots, we have these words: "There was war among those above and among those below, והמלחמה היתה חזקה בשמים vehammilchamaĥ hayethah chazakah bashshamayim, and there was great war in heaven." Of Michael the rabbins are full. See much in Schoettgen, and see the note on Jde 1:9. The dragon - and his angels - The same as Rab. Sam. ben David, in Chasad Shimuel, calls סמאל וחיילותיו Samael vechayilothaiv, "Samael and his troops;" fol. 28, 2. Rev 12:7 per John Edward Clarke And there was war in heaven - As heaven means here the throne of the Roman empire, the war in heaven consequently alludes to the breaking out of civil commotions among the governors of this empire. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon - Michael was the man child which the woman brought forth, as is evident from the context, and therefore signifies, as has been shown already, the dynasty of Christian Roman emperors. This dynasty is represented by Michael, because he is "the great prince which standeth for the children of God's people." Dan 12:1. And the dragon fought and his angels - Or ministers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In Job 1:6-11; Job 2:1-6, Satan appears among the sons of God, presenting himself before God in heaven, as the accuser of the saints: again in Zac 3:1-2. But at Christ's coming as our Redeemer, he fell from heaven, especially when Christ suffered, rose again, and ascended to heaven. When Christ appeared before God as our Advocate, Satan, the accusing adversary, could no longer appear before God against us, but was cast out judicially (Rom 8:33-34). He and his angels henceforth range through the air and the earth, after a time (namely, the interval between the ascension and the second advent) about to be cast hence also, and bound in hell. That "heaven" here does not mean merely the air, but the abode of angels, appears from Rev 12:9-10, Rev 12:12; Kg1 22:19-22. there was--Greek, "there came to pass," or "arose." war in heaven--What a seeming contradiction in terms, yet true! Contrast the blessed result of Christ's triumph, Luk 19:38, "peace in heaven." Col 1:20, "made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; whether . . . things in earth, or things in heaven." Michael and his angels . . . the dragon . . . and his angels--It was fittingly ordered that, as the rebellion arose from unfaithful angels and their leader, so they should be encountered and overcome by faithful angels and their archangel, in heaven. On earth they are fittingly encountered, and shall be overcome, as represented by the beast and false prophet, by the Son of man and His armies of human saints (Rev 19:14-21). The conflict on earth, as in Dan 10:13, has its correspondent conflict of angels in heaven. Michael is peculiarly the prince, or presiding angel, of the Jewish nation. The conflict in heaven, though judicially decided already against Satan from the time of Christ's resurrection and ascension, receives its actual completion in the execution of judgment by the angels who cast out Satan from heaven. From Christ's ascension he has no standing-ground judicially against the believing elect. Luk 10:18, "I beheld (in the earnest of the future full fulfilment given in the subjection of the demons to the disciples) Satan as lightning fall from heaven." As Michael fought before with Satan about the body of the mediator of the old covenant (Jde 1:9), so now the mediator of the new covenant, by offering His sinless body in sacrifice, arms Michael with power to renew and finish the conflict by a complete victory. That Satan is not yet actually and finally cast out of heaven, though the judicial sentence to that effect received its ratification at Christ's ascension, appears from Eph 6:12, "spiritual wickedness in high (Greek, 'heavenly') places." This is the primary Church-historical sense here. But, through Israel's unbelief, Satan has had ground against that, the elect nation, appearing before God as its accuser. At the eve of its restoration, in the ulterior sense, his standing-ground in heaven against Israel, too, shall be taken from him, "the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem" rebuking him, and casting him out from heaven actually and for ever by Michael, the prince, or presiding angel of the Jews. Thus Zac 3:1-9 is strictly parallel, Joshua, the high priest, being representative of his nation Israel, and Satan standing at God's fight hand as adversary to resist Israel's justification. Then, and not till then, fully (Rev 12:10, "NOW," &c.) shall ALL things be reconciled unto Christ IN HEAVEN (Col 1:20), and there shall be peace in heaven (Luk 19:38). against--A, B, and C read, "with."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And there was war in heaven,.... Not in the third heaven, the habitation of God, the seat of the angels and glorified saints, there is no discord, jars, and contentions there, nothing but peace, love, and joy; but in the church below, which is militant, and has in it as it were a company of two armies; or rather in the Roman empire, which was the heaven of Satan, the god of this world, and of his angels; and this war refers not to the dispute between Michael the archangel and the devil about the body of Moses, Jde 1:9; nor to the of the angels when they rebelled against God, left their first estate, and were cast down to hell, Jde 1:6; nor to that ancient and stated enmity between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman, Gen 3:15, which has appeared in all ages of time, more or less, since the fall of Adam; nor to the combats which Christ personally had with Satan and his powers when here on earth, as in the wilderness, immediately after his baptism, and in the garden, a little before his death, and on the cross, when he spoiled principalities and powers, and destroyed him that had the power of death, the devil; but rather to the conflict which Christ and his people had with the rulers of the darkness of this world, with the Roman powers, and with false teachers during the three first centuries; though it seems best to understand it of the war commenced by Constantine against Paganism, and which was finished by Theodosius, by whom Heathenism received its death wound, and was never restored since the phrase of war in heaven is not unknown to the Jews; they say (i) when Pharaoh pursued after Israel, there was war above and below, and there was a very fierce war "in heaven": Michael and his angels fought against the dragon: by whom is meant not a created angel, with whom his name does not agree, it signifying "who is as God"; nor does it appear that there is anyone created angel that presides over the rest, and has them at his command; though the Jews seem to imagine as if the angels were ranged under several heads and governors, of whom they make Michael to be one; for they say (k), "when the holy blessed God descended on Mount Sinai, several companies of angels descended with him, , "Michael and his company", and Gabriel and his company:'' "so kings armies", in Psa 68:12; are by them interpreted of "kings of angels"; and it is asked who are these? and the answer is, Michael and Gabriel (l). Lord Napier thinks that the Holy Ghost is designed, who is equally truly God as the Father and the Son, and who in the hearts of the saints opposes Satan and his temptations; but it seems best to interpret it of Jesus Christ, who is equal with God, is his fellow, is one with the Father, and in whom the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily: he is the Archangel, the first of the chief princes, the head of all principality and power, who is on the side of the Lord's people, pleads their cause, defends their persons, and saves them; see Jde 1:9; and by "his angels" may be meant either the good angels, literally understood, who are his creatures, his ministers, and whom he employs under him, in protecting his people, and in destroying his enemies; or else the ministers of the Gospel, who are called angels in this book, and who, under Christ, fight the good fight of faith, contend earnestly for it, being valiant for the truth upon earth; or rather the Christian emperors, particularly Constantine and Theodosius, and the Christians with them, who opposed Paganism in the empire, and at last subdued, and cast it out: and the dragon fought, and his angels; there is such an order among the evil angels, as to have one of their own at the head of them, they having cast off their allegiance to God and Christ, who is styled the prince of devils, and his name is Beelzebub: hence we read of the devil and his angels; see Mat 12:24; and these may be intended here, unless false teachers, who transform themselves into angels of light, as their leader sometimes does, should be thought to be meant, who resist the truth and oppose themselves to the ministers of it; though rather, Satan as presiding over, and influencing the Roman Pagan empire, and the Roman emperors, who acted under him, are here designed; with whom Constantine and Theodosius, under Christ, combated, such as Maximinus, Maxentius, Licinius, Arbogastes, and Eugenius, and those that were with them. The Arabic version renders it, "the serpent with his soldiers". (i) Shaare Ora, fol. 26. 4. (k) Debarim, Rabba, fol. 237. 4. (l) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 14. 3. & 26. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7-9 This scene clarifies the dragon’s identity and power. • God dispatches Michael, the warrior archangel (see Dan 12:1; Jude 1:9), to confront the dragon and his angels. God does not have to engage in the battle himself (see Matt 26:53), and Satan is defeated.
Revelation 12:7
The War in Heaven
6And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days.7Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.8But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Very Close Look at Satan
By Danny Bond2.3K44:36SatanJHN 8:44REV 12:7REV 12:9In this sermon, the preacher explores Revelation chapter 12 verses 7-12, focusing on the strategies of Satan and his ultimate defeat. The sermon emphasizes that Satan's tactics are aimed at thwarting God's plans and destroying humanity. The preacher highlights Satan's power to corrupt minds and deceive people, using the example of Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, the sermon also emphasizes that believers can overcome Satan through the blood of the Lamb (Jesus), their testimony, and their willingness to sacrifice their lives.
The Winable War
By Charlie Orr1.2K32:36Spiritual WarfareWarfareVictory in ChristREV 12:7Charlie Orr emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare, drawing from Revelation 12 to illustrate that while the devil is a defeated foe, many Christians live in defeat due to ignorance of his tactics and the weapons available to them. He encourages believers to recognize the supernatural, serious, and strategic nature of the battle they face, and to become active warriors in their faith. Orr highlights the importance of the blood of the Lamb, the power of testimony, and the necessity of sacrificial living as key weapons in overcoming the enemy. He calls for a revival of boldness and faith among believers, urging them to confront the devil with the authority given to them through Christ. Ultimately, he reassures that victory is already secured through Jesus, and encourages the congregation to live in that victory.
A Mighty Fortress
By Paris Reidhead43855:06ProtectionREV 12:1REV 12:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the principles of the gospel and the progression of events described in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes that the purpose is not to set specific dates but to understand the principles and the encounter between the gospel and Satan. The speaker highlights the significance of Easter Sunday in relation to the chapter being discussed. He also shares a story of a man who witnessed the persecution of a hidden group in Russia, illustrating the protection and preservation of the church despite attempts to destroy it.
Antichrist's War Against Israel and the End-Time Church
By Mike Bickle221:12:16Spiritual WarfareEnd TimesREV 12:7Mike Bickle addresses the Antichrist's war against Israel and the end-time church, emphasizing the significance of understanding Revelation 12 as a foundational text for grasping the events surrounding the second coming of Christ. He outlines the two main themes of end-time prophecy: Jesus' reign in the Millennial Kingdom and the rise of the Antichrist, who seeks to exterminate Israel and the church. Bickle warns of the impending spiritual conflict and urges believers to prepare for the greatest spiritual war in history, highlighting the role of prayer and intercession in this battle. He reassures that despite the Antichrist's efforts, God will protect a remnant of Israel and empower the church to stand firm in faith. The sermon calls for urgency and readiness among believers as they navigate the challenges of the end times.
Second Coming and Rapture: War in the Spirit
By Mike Bickle221:03:21Spiritual WarfareEschatologyREV 12:7Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of the Second Coming and the Rapture in the context of an eschatological shift in human history. He explains that this period will involve a dramatic overthrow of all earthly governments, led by the church through prayer and intercession, as they prepare for Jesus' return. Bickle highlights the intense spiritual warfare that will occur, with the church facing persecution from the Antichrist, yet empowered by God to overcome. He encourages believers to understand their role in this divine plan and to prepare for the challenges ahead, as the church will be instrumental in ushering in God's kingdom on earth.
Some Light Upon the Perils of the Last Days
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0Spiritual WarfareDiscernment in PrayerREV 12:7Jessie Penn-Lewis addresses the spiritual conflict between the forces of the soul (psuche) and the spirit (pneuma) in the last days, emphasizing the need for fresh revelation from the Holy Spirit to navigate the changing landscape of faith. She warns against the deceptive power of 'soul-force' that is prevalent in various religious practices, particularly in India, and how it can influence believers negatively. Penn-Lewis highlights the dangers of psychic powers masquerading as prayer, urging Christians to focus their prayers upward and avoid directing them towards others, which can inadvertently generate harmful soul-force. She calls for discernment among believers to recognize the true source of spiritual power and to rely on the Spirit of God rather than the manipulative forces of the world. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine, Spirit-led prayer in the face of increasing spiritual challenges.
The Career of Satan
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0ISA 14:12EZK 28:12LUK 10:18REV 12:7REV 20:1Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the past, present, and future of Satan, starting from his creation and perfect state to his rebellion and ultimate defeat. The Scriptures reveal Satan's early career as the anointed cherub who fell due to pride and sought to exalt himself above God. Despite his defeat by the Second Adam, Christ, Satan continues to rule as a usurper until his final banishment to the lake of fire. This sermon emphasizes Satan's influence on the world and the importance of understanding his tactics in the ongoing spiritual battle.
The Accuser of the Brethren
By J.B. Buffington0ROM 11:22CO 7:9EPH 4:261JN 2:1REV 12:7J.B. Buffington delivers a powerful sermon on the tactics of the accuser, Satan, who seeks to bring guilt, shame, and accusations against believers. Using examples from the Bible and personal experiences, Buffington emphasizes the importance of recognizing and resisting the lies and accusations of the enemy. He highlights the role of Jesus Christ as our Advocate and the power of His blood to defend us against the accuser's attacks, urging believers to stand firm in the truth of God's Word and the righteousness provided by Christ.
Kingdom Unity
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 18:18JHN 13:34ROM 12:51JN 1:5REV 12:7Richard E. Bieber emphasizes the importance of unity and maintaining the spirit of Jesus throughout the week, not just during Sunday gatherings. He highlights that true worship is not just about music or preaching but about the spirit we bring. Bieber stresses the power of unity in binding and loosing on earth as it is in heaven, as promised by Jesus in Matthew 18:18-20. He connects the conquering of evil by the Body of Christ to three-fold unity: a clear conscience through the blood of the Lamb, a clear testimony of Jesus as Lord, and crucified lives that follow Jesus to the cross.
The End of the Prophecy. the Great Tribulation and Israel's Deliverance. the Epilogue
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0DAN 12:1ZEC 13:8MAT 24:21REV 12:7REV 20:4Arno Clemens Gaebelein delves into the prophetic truths of Daniel, focusing on the time of trouble and Israel's deliverance during the last 3 1/2 years. He emphasizes the significance of Michael, the great prince standing for the Jewish people, and the role he plays in the events of that time. Gaebelein clarifies the misinterpretations around the deliverance of Daniel's people and the awakening of those in the dust of the earth, highlighting the distinction between the godly remnant and the apostate mass of Jews. He concludes by discussing the 1290 and 1335 days, pointing to the literal days and the blessings awaiting those who endure till the end.
Why Prayer Was Not Answered for Three Weeks
By Denis Lyle0DAN 10:13MAT 11:28EPH 6:121JN 5:14REV 12:7Denis Lyle delves into the reasons why prayers may not be answered for weeks, exploring the spiritual warfare behind the scenes as depicted in Daniel 10. He highlights the presence of evil angels working through human leaders and the organized nature of evil originating from Satan. The chapter reveals the intense battle between heavenly and evil forces, with Daniel experiencing a divine encounter with a majestic man, possibly a preincarnate appearance of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's purity, sovereignty, glory, radiancy, and scrutiny as seen in the vision, urging believers to focus on the Lord amidst dark times.
Of Good Angels
By John Wesley0Divine AssistanceAngelsJOB 1:19PSA 91:11PSA 104:4ISA 63:9DAN 6:22MAT 18:10HEB 1:14REV 12:7John Wesley explores the role of good angels as ministering spirits sent by God to assist the heirs of salvation. He emphasizes that while ancient cultures had fragmented ideas about angels, true understanding comes from revelation, which describes angels as powerful, wise, and holy beings who actively engage in the lives of believers. Wesley highlights their ability to perceive human thoughts and emotions, their strength in spiritual warfare, and their role in providing protection and guidance. He encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the ministry of angels, which operates alongside God's providence in their lives.
The War Above All Wars
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfareVictory in ChristMAT 24:6LUK 21:26ROM 8:372CO 10:3EPH 6:12COL 2:15JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 5:4REV 12:7David Wilkerson emphasizes that the wars we see on earth are merely reflections of a greater spiritual battle occurring in heaven between God and the devil. He explains that this cosmic conflict began long ago when Satan attempted to usurp God's authority, leading to his defeat and expulsion from heaven. Despite the chaos and fear caused by earthly wars, believers can find hope and victory through Jesus Christ, who has already secured our triumph over sin and evil. Wilkerson reassures that God had a plan for redemption even before creation, and we are called to live as conquerors in this ongoing spiritual warfare.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Rev 12:7 per Adam Clarke There was war in heaven - In the same treatise, fol. 87, 2, on Exo 14:7, Pharaoh took six hundred chariots, we have these words: "There was war among those above and among those below, והמלחמה היתה חזקה בשמים vehammilchamaĥ hayethah chazakah bashshamayim, and there was great war in heaven." Of Michael the rabbins are full. See much in Schoettgen, and see the note on Jde 1:9. The dragon - and his angels - The same as Rab. Sam. ben David, in Chasad Shimuel, calls סמאל וחיילותיו Samael vechayilothaiv, "Samael and his troops;" fol. 28, 2. Rev 12:7 per John Edward Clarke And there was war in heaven - As heaven means here the throne of the Roman empire, the war in heaven consequently alludes to the breaking out of civil commotions among the governors of this empire. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon - Michael was the man child which the woman brought forth, as is evident from the context, and therefore signifies, as has been shown already, the dynasty of Christian Roman emperors. This dynasty is represented by Michael, because he is "the great prince which standeth for the children of God's people." Dan 12:1. And the dragon fought and his angels - Or ministers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In Job 1:6-11; Job 2:1-6, Satan appears among the sons of God, presenting himself before God in heaven, as the accuser of the saints: again in Zac 3:1-2. But at Christ's coming as our Redeemer, he fell from heaven, especially when Christ suffered, rose again, and ascended to heaven. When Christ appeared before God as our Advocate, Satan, the accusing adversary, could no longer appear before God against us, but was cast out judicially (Rom 8:33-34). He and his angels henceforth range through the air and the earth, after a time (namely, the interval between the ascension and the second advent) about to be cast hence also, and bound in hell. That "heaven" here does not mean merely the air, but the abode of angels, appears from Rev 12:9-10, Rev 12:12; Kg1 22:19-22. there was--Greek, "there came to pass," or "arose." war in heaven--What a seeming contradiction in terms, yet true! Contrast the blessed result of Christ's triumph, Luk 19:38, "peace in heaven." Col 1:20, "made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; whether . . . things in earth, or things in heaven." Michael and his angels . . . the dragon . . . and his angels--It was fittingly ordered that, as the rebellion arose from unfaithful angels and their leader, so they should be encountered and overcome by faithful angels and their archangel, in heaven. On earth they are fittingly encountered, and shall be overcome, as represented by the beast and false prophet, by the Son of man and His armies of human saints (Rev 19:14-21). The conflict on earth, as in Dan 10:13, has its correspondent conflict of angels in heaven. Michael is peculiarly the prince, or presiding angel, of the Jewish nation. The conflict in heaven, though judicially decided already against Satan from the time of Christ's resurrection and ascension, receives its actual completion in the execution of judgment by the angels who cast out Satan from heaven. From Christ's ascension he has no standing-ground judicially against the believing elect. Luk 10:18, "I beheld (in the earnest of the future full fulfilment given in the subjection of the demons to the disciples) Satan as lightning fall from heaven." As Michael fought before with Satan about the body of the mediator of the old covenant (Jde 1:9), so now the mediator of the new covenant, by offering His sinless body in sacrifice, arms Michael with power to renew and finish the conflict by a complete victory. That Satan is not yet actually and finally cast out of heaven, though the judicial sentence to that effect received its ratification at Christ's ascension, appears from Eph 6:12, "spiritual wickedness in high (Greek, 'heavenly') places." This is the primary Church-historical sense here. But, through Israel's unbelief, Satan has had ground against that, the elect nation, appearing before God as its accuser. At the eve of its restoration, in the ulterior sense, his standing-ground in heaven against Israel, too, shall be taken from him, "the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem" rebuking him, and casting him out from heaven actually and for ever by Michael, the prince, or presiding angel of the Jews. Thus Zac 3:1-9 is strictly parallel, Joshua, the high priest, being representative of his nation Israel, and Satan standing at God's fight hand as adversary to resist Israel's justification. Then, and not till then, fully (Rev 12:10, "NOW," &c.) shall ALL things be reconciled unto Christ IN HEAVEN (Col 1:20), and there shall be peace in heaven (Luk 19:38). against--A, B, and C read, "with."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And there was war in heaven,.... Not in the third heaven, the habitation of God, the seat of the angels and glorified saints, there is no discord, jars, and contentions there, nothing but peace, love, and joy; but in the church below, which is militant, and has in it as it were a company of two armies; or rather in the Roman empire, which was the heaven of Satan, the god of this world, and of his angels; and this war refers not to the dispute between Michael the archangel and the devil about the body of Moses, Jde 1:9; nor to the of the angels when they rebelled against God, left their first estate, and were cast down to hell, Jde 1:6; nor to that ancient and stated enmity between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman, Gen 3:15, which has appeared in all ages of time, more or less, since the fall of Adam; nor to the combats which Christ personally had with Satan and his powers when here on earth, as in the wilderness, immediately after his baptism, and in the garden, a little before his death, and on the cross, when he spoiled principalities and powers, and destroyed him that had the power of death, the devil; but rather to the conflict which Christ and his people had with the rulers of the darkness of this world, with the Roman powers, and with false teachers during the three first centuries; though it seems best to understand it of the war commenced by Constantine against Paganism, and which was finished by Theodosius, by whom Heathenism received its death wound, and was never restored since the phrase of war in heaven is not unknown to the Jews; they say (i) when Pharaoh pursued after Israel, there was war above and below, and there was a very fierce war "in heaven": Michael and his angels fought against the dragon: by whom is meant not a created angel, with whom his name does not agree, it signifying "who is as God"; nor does it appear that there is anyone created angel that presides over the rest, and has them at his command; though the Jews seem to imagine as if the angels were ranged under several heads and governors, of whom they make Michael to be one; for they say (k), "when the holy blessed God descended on Mount Sinai, several companies of angels descended with him, , "Michael and his company", and Gabriel and his company:'' "so kings armies", in Psa 68:12; are by them interpreted of "kings of angels"; and it is asked who are these? and the answer is, Michael and Gabriel (l). Lord Napier thinks that the Holy Ghost is designed, who is equally truly God as the Father and the Son, and who in the hearts of the saints opposes Satan and his temptations; but it seems best to interpret it of Jesus Christ, who is equal with God, is his fellow, is one with the Father, and in whom the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily: he is the Archangel, the first of the chief princes, the head of all principality and power, who is on the side of the Lord's people, pleads their cause, defends their persons, and saves them; see Jde 1:9; and by "his angels" may be meant either the good angels, literally understood, who are his creatures, his ministers, and whom he employs under him, in protecting his people, and in destroying his enemies; or else the ministers of the Gospel, who are called angels in this book, and who, under Christ, fight the good fight of faith, contend earnestly for it, being valiant for the truth upon earth; or rather the Christian emperors, particularly Constantine and Theodosius, and the Christians with them, who opposed Paganism in the empire, and at last subdued, and cast it out: and the dragon fought, and his angels; there is such an order among the evil angels, as to have one of their own at the head of them, they having cast off their allegiance to God and Christ, who is styled the prince of devils, and his name is Beelzebub: hence we read of the devil and his angels; see Mat 12:24; and these may be intended here, unless false teachers, who transform themselves into angels of light, as their leader sometimes does, should be thought to be meant, who resist the truth and oppose themselves to the ministers of it; though rather, Satan as presiding over, and influencing the Roman Pagan empire, and the Roman emperors, who acted under him, are here designed; with whom Constantine and Theodosius, under Christ, combated, such as Maximinus, Maxentius, Licinius, Arbogastes, and Eugenius, and those that were with them. The Arabic version renders it, "the serpent with his soldiers". (i) Shaare Ora, fol. 26. 4. (k) Debarim, Rabba, fol. 237. 4. (l) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 14. 3. & 26. 3.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7-9 This scene clarifies the dragon’s identity and power. • God dispatches Michael, the warrior archangel (see Dan 12:1; Jude 1:9), to confront the dragon and his angels. God does not have to engage in the battle himself (see Matt 26:53), and Satan is defeated.