Revelation 12:14

But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.

Study Bible

But the woman
The "woman" in Revelation 12 is often interpreted as representing the people of God, specifically Israel or the Church. In the broader context of Revelation, she symbolizes God's covenant community. Historically, the imagery of a woman is used throughout Scripture to depict God's people, such as in Isaiah 54:5-6 and Jeremiah 3:20. This portrayal emphasizes the intimate and covenantal relationship between God and His people.

was given
The phrase "was given" indicates divine provision and intervention. In the Greek, the verb "didomi" suggests a gift or grant, emphasizing that the protection and deliverance of the woman are acts of God's grace. This reflects the biblical theme of God providing for and sustaining His people, as seen in the Exodus narrative and throughout the Psalms.

two wings of a great eagle
The imagery of "two wings of a great eagle" evokes the Exodus story, where God describes His deliverance of Israel from Egypt as carrying them "on eagles' wings" (Exodus 19:4). Eagles are symbols of strength and swiftness, and in the ancient Near East, they were often associated with divine protection. This phrase underscores God's powerful and protective deliverance of His people from danger.

to fly from the serpent
The "serpent" is a representation of Satan, as identified earlier in Revelation 12. The act of flying away from the serpent signifies escape and divine protection from evil. The Greek word "opheis" for serpent connects back to the Genesis account of the fall, highlighting the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and the forces of evil.

into the place in the wilderness
The "wilderness" is a recurring biblical motif representing a place of both testing and divine provision. For the Israelites, the wilderness was where they encountered God's presence and received His sustenance. In Revelation, it symbolizes a place of refuge and safety, where God protects and provides for His people during times of tribulation.

where she was nourished
The term "nourished" indicates God's provision and care. In the Greek, "trepho" means to feed or support, suggesting that God sustains His people physically and spiritually. This echoes the manna provided in the wilderness and Jesus' assurance of being the Bread of Life, emphasizing God's faithfulness in sustaining His people.

for a time, and times, and half a time
This phrase is a prophetic time period often interpreted as three and a half years, drawing from Daniel 7:25 and 12:7. It symbolizes a limited period of tribulation and persecution. Theologically, it reassures believers that trials are temporary and under God's sovereign control, pointing to the ultimate victory and deliverance that God promises His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Woman
Symbolically represents God's people, often interpreted as Israel or the Church. In the context of Revelation, she is seen as a figure protected by God.

2. The Great Eagle
Represents divine assistance and protection. The imagery of an eagle is often used in the Bible to symbolize God's deliverance and care.

3. The Serpent
Represents Satan, the adversary of God's people, who seeks to destroy the woman.

4. The Wilderness
A place of refuge and divine provision. In biblical history, the wilderness is often a place where God meets and sustains His people.

5. Time, Times, and Half a Time
A prophetic period often interpreted as three and a half years, symbolizing a period of trial and divine protection.

Teaching Points

Divine Protection
Just as the woman is given wings to escape the serpent, believers can trust in God's protection and deliverance in times of trial.

Spiritual Warfare
The serpent's pursuit of the woman reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle. Believers must remain vigilant and rely on God's strength.

Wilderness as a Place of Growth
The wilderness is not just a place of escape but also a place of nourishment and growth. God uses difficult times to strengthen and mature His people.

Prophetic Timelines
Understanding the "time, times, and half a time" encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and His control over history.

Hope and Endurance
The promise of divine sustenance in the wilderness encourages believers to endure hardships with hope, knowing that God is with them.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of the "great eagle" in Revelation 12:14 provide comfort and assurance in your current life circumstances?

2. In what ways can the concept of the "wilderness" as a place of nourishment and growth be applied to your spiritual journey?

3. How does understanding the prophetic timeline of "time, times, and half a time" influence your perspective on current world events and personal challenges?

4. What are some practical ways you can remain vigilant in spiritual warfare, as depicted by the serpent's pursuit of the woman?

5. How can you draw strength from the promise of divine protection and provision in times of trial, as illustrated in Revelation 12:14 and related scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19:4
The imagery of being borne on eagles' wings is used to describe God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, highlighting divine protection.

Daniel 7:25
The phrase "time, times, and half a time" is also used in Daniel, connecting the prophetic timeline and God's sovereignty over history.

Isaiah 40:31
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and soar on wings like eagles, emphasizing trust in God's provision and strength.