Revelation 12:9
And the great dragon was hurled down--that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
And the great dragon
The term "great dragon" is a symbolic representation of a powerful and malevolent force. In the Greek, "drakōn" refers to a large serpent or sea monster, often associated with chaos and evil. This imagery is rooted in ancient Near Eastern mythology, where dragons were seen as adversaries of the divine order. In the biblical context, the dragon represents Satan, the ultimate adversary of God and His people. The use of "great" emphasizes the formidable nature of this enemy, yet it also foreshadows his ultimate defeat by God's power.

was hurled down
The phrase "was hurled down" signifies a decisive and forceful action. The Greek word "eblēthē" implies being cast down with authority and finality. This action underscores the sovereignty of God over evil, demonstrating that despite the dragon's power, he is subject to God's judgment. The imagery of being cast down also reflects the fall from a position of influence or authority, highlighting the dragon's loss of power and status.

that ancient serpent
The reference to "that ancient serpent" connects the dragon to the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), symbolizing deceit and rebellion against God. The Greek word "archaios" means ancient or original, indicating the serpent's long-standing role as an adversary. This connection serves to remind readers of the ongoing battle between good and evil, tracing back to humanity's earliest history. It also reinforces the idea that Satan's tactics of deception have been consistent throughout time.

called the devil and Satan
The names "devil" and "Satan" provide insight into the character and role of this adversary. "Devil" comes from the Greek "diabolos," meaning slanderer or accuser, highlighting his role in accusing and maligning God's people. "Satan" is derived from the Hebrew "satan," meaning adversary or accuser. Together, these names emphasize the dragon's function as both a tempter and an accuser, working against God's purposes and His people.

who deceives the whole world
This phrase underscores the pervasive influence of the dragon's deception. The Greek word "planōn" means to lead astray or cause to wander, indicating a deliberate effort to mislead humanity. The scope of "the whole world" suggests that no one is immune to his deceit, emphasizing the need for vigilance and reliance on God's truth. This deception is a central theme in the spiritual battle depicted in Revelation, highlighting the importance of discernment and faithfulness.

He was hurled to the earth
The repetition of "was hurled" reinforces the finality of the dragon's defeat. Being cast to the earth signifies a limitation of his power and influence, as well as a shift in the battleground from the heavenly realms to the earthly domain. This action is part of the larger narrative of Revelation, where God's ultimate victory over evil is assured, and His kingdom is established on earth.

and his angels with him
The inclusion of "his angels" indicates that the dragon is not alone in his rebellion. These angels, often referred to as fallen angels or demons, share in his fate and are also cast down. This highlights the collective nature of the rebellion against God and the comprehensive scope of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual forces at work in the world and the need for believers to stand firm in their faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Great Dragon
Symbolic representation of Satan, embodying chaos and opposition to God. The dragon is a powerful and fearsome creature, emphasizing the threat Satan poses.

2. The Ancient Serpent
Refers back to the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), highlighting Satan's role in the original deception of humanity.

3. The Devil and Satan
These titles emphasize the adversarial nature of this being. "Devil" (Greek: diabolos) means "slanderer" or "accuser," while "Satan" (Hebrew: satan) means "adversary."

4. The Whole World
Indicates the global scope of Satan's deception, affecting all of humanity.

5. His Angels
Refers to the fallen angels who followed Satan in his rebellion against God, now cast down with him.
Teaching Points
The Reality of Spiritual Warfare
Recognize that Satan is a real and active adversary who seeks to deceive and destroy.

The Power of Deception
Understand that Satan's primary weapon is deception, and we must be vigilant in discerning truth from lies.

Victory in Christ
Remember that Satan's defeat is assured through Christ's victory on the cross, and we can stand firm in this truth.

The Importance of Scripture
Equip yourself with the Word of God to counteract Satan's lies, as Jesus did during His temptation.

Community and Accountability
Engage in Christian fellowship to support and encourage one another in resisting Satan's schemes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the nature of Satan as a deceiver influence the way you approach spiritual discernment in your daily life?

2. In what ways can the account of the serpent in Genesis 3 inform our understanding of Satan's tactics today?

3. How can the assurance of Satan's ultimate defeat in Revelation 12:9 provide comfort and strength in times of spiritual struggle?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not deceived by Satan's lies, especially in a world filled with conflicting messages?

5. How can you support others in your Christian community to stand firm against the deceptions of the enemy, and what role does accountability play in this?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3
The serpent's deception of Eve, introducing sin into the world, connects to Satan's role as the deceiver.

Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28
These passages describe the fall of a proud being, often associated with Satan's original rebellion.

Luke 10:18
Jesus mentions seeing Satan fall like lightning from heaven, paralleling the casting down described in Revelation.

2 Corinthians 11:14
Paul warns that Satan masquerades as an angel of light, emphasizing his deceptive nature.

1 Peter 5:8
Peter describes the devil as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, highlighting the ongoing threat he poses.
Satan the Great DragonC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 12:9
The Foes of God and of His ChurchC. Clemance, D. D.Revelation 12:9
Hope of the Final Triumph of GoodJohn Congreve, M. A.Revelation 12:7-11
St. Michael and All AngelsH. Melvill, B. D.Revelation 12:7-11
The Great CampaignD. Thomas Revelation 12:7-11
The Heavenly and the Earthly ConflictEdwin Hatch, D. D.Revelation 12:7-11
War in HeavenD. Baker, D. D.Revelation 12:7-11
Who is MichaelW. Milligan, D. D.Revelation 12:7-11
War and TriumphR. Green Revelation 12:7-12
People
John, Michael
Places
Patmos
Topics
Adversary, Ancient, Angels, Astray, Cast, Deceiver, Deceives, Deceiveth, Devil, Dragon, Evil, Forced, Forth, Habitable, Hurled, Leading, Leads, Messengers, Named, Satan, Serpent, Snake, Thrown
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 12:9

     1670   symbols
     4123   Satan, deceiver
     4687   snake
     5483   punishment
     5484   punishment, by God
     5541   society, negative
     5884   indecision
     6022   sin, causes of
     8126   guidance, need for
     8735   evil, origins of
     8738   evil, victory over
     8787   opposition, to God

Revelation 12:3-9

     4654   horn

Revelation 12:7-9

     4116   angels, opposed to God
     4627   creatures

Revelation 12:7-10

     1130   God, sovereignty

Revelation 12:9-10

     4121   Satan, enemy of God
     5201   accusation
     8484   spiritual warfare, enemies

Library
Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

The Third
refers to Exodus. The promise is, "I will give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it" (ii. 17). It is in this third Epistle, which refers to the wilderness period and Balaam's counsel, that we have a special reference to the manna, the wilderness sustenance, of which Exodus contains the record. "Bread from Heaven" and "Angels' food" (Ps. lxxviii. 24,25) are set over against the lusts of the
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Glory of Jesus and Mary.
Before entering upon the contemplation of the excellent glory which surrounds the blessed in heaven, we must endeavor to form a correct idea of God's grace, which enabled them to perform the great and noble actions we are now to consider. They were all, except Jesus and Mary, conceived in sin, and, therefore, subject to the same temptations that daily assail us. They never could have triumphed and reached the supernatural glory which now surrounds them, had they been left to their own natural strength,
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

The Work of Christ.
The great work which the Lord Jesus Christ, God's well beloved Son, came to do was to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. This finished work of the cross is the basis of His present work and His future work. What mind can estimate the value and preciousness of that work in which the Holy One offered Himself through the eternal Spirit without spot unto God! He procured redemption by His death on the cross. In His present work and much more in the future work, He works out this great redemption
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Voluntary Suffering
I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. T hat which often passes amongst men for resolution, and the proof of a noble, courageous spirit, is, in reality, the effect of a weak and little mind. At least, it is chiefly owing to the presence of certain circumstances, which have a greater influence upon the conduct, than any inherent principle. Thus may persons who appear to set death and danger at defiance in the hour
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
H^4, chap. xii. 1-12. A Great Sign. We now come, not only to the great central subject of the whole Book, but to the central pair of the seven Visions, and to the actual literary centre of the Book. All this shows us that we are on the threshold of an important part of Scripture which relates to the actual Revelation or Unveiling of the glorious Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. The whole section (chaps. xii.--) is not only Episodal in subject and Parenthetical in form, but is a good example of historical,
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Apostles To-Day?
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are ye not my work in the Lord?"--1 Cor. ix. 1. We may not take leave of the apostolate without a last look at the circle of its members. It is a closed circle; and every effort to reopen it tends to efface a characteristic of the New Covenant. And yet the effort is being made again and again. We see it in Rome's apostolic succession; in the Ethical view gradually effacing the boundary-line between the apostles and believers;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
CLEARLY EXPLAINED, AND LARGELY IMPROVED, FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1 John 2:1--"And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." By JOHN BUNYAN, Author of "The Pilgrim's Progress." London: Printed for Dorman Newman, at the King's Arms, in the Poultry, 1689. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This is one of the most interesting of Bunyan's treatises, to edit which required the Bible at my right hand, and a law dictionary on my left. It was very frequently republished;
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Protevangelium.
As the mission of Christ was rendered necessary by the fall of man, so the first dark intimation of Him was given immediately after the fall. It is found in the sentence of punishment which was passed upon the tempter. Gen. iii. 14, 15. A correct understanding of it, however, can be obtained only after we have ascertained who the tempter was. It is, in the first place, unquestionable that a real serpent was engaged in the temptation; so that the opinion of those who maintain that the serpent is only
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher,
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
^A Matt. IV. 1-11; ^B Mark I. 12, 13; ^C Luke IV. 1-13. ^c 1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, ^b 12 And straightway the Spirit driveth him forth ^c and ^a 1 Then [Just after his baptism, with the glow of the descended Spirit still upon him, and the commending voice of the Father still ringing in his ears, Jesus is rushed into the suffering of temptation. Thus abrupt and violent are the changes of life. The spiritually exalted may expect these sharp contrasts. After being
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
'If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' - Col 1:23. Intending next Lord's day to enter upon the work of catechising, it will not be amiss to give you a preliminary discourse, to show you how needful it is for Christians to be well instructed in the grounds of religion. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled.' I. It is the duty of Christians to be settled in the doctrine of faith. II. The best way for Christians to be settled is to be well grounded. I. It is the duty of Christians
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Its Meaning
Deliverance from the condemning sentence of the Divine Law is the fundamental blessing in Divine salvation: so long as we continue under the curse, we can neither be holy nor happy. But as to the precise nature of that deliverance, as to exactly what it consists of, as to the ground on which it is obtained, and as to the means whereby it is secured, much confusion now obtains. Most of the errors which have been prevalent on this subject arose from the lack of a clear view of the thing itself, and
Arthur W. Pink—The Doctrine of Justification

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

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