The Woman Clothed with the Sun is a symbolic figure described in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 12:1-6. This passage is rich in imagery and has been the subject of various interpretations throughout Christian history. The Berean Standard Bible provides the following description:

"A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant and crying out in the pain and agony of giving birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, and seven royal crowns on his heads. His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky, tossing them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place for her to be nourished for 1,260 days."

Symbolism and Interpretation

1. The Woman: The identity of the woman has been interpreted in various ways. Traditionally, she is seen as a representation of Israel, the Church, or Mary, the mother of Jesus. The imagery of being "clothed with the sun" and having "the moon under her feet" suggests a position of glory and authority. The "crown of twelve stars" is often associated with the twelve tribes of Israel or the twelve apostles, symbolizing the people of God.

2. The Child: The male child is commonly understood to be Jesus Christ, who is prophesied to "rule all the nations with an iron scepter" (Revelation 12:5). This echoes the Messianic prophecy found in Psalm 2:9. The child's ascension to God's throne signifies Christ's resurrection and exaltation.

3. The Dragon: The great red dragon is identified later in Revelation as Satan, the adversary of God and His people. The dragon's attempt to devour the child represents Satan's opposition to Christ and His redemptive mission. The dragon's sweeping of a third of the stars is often interpreted as the fall of a portion of the angels, aligning with Satan in rebellion against God.

4. The Wilderness: The woman's flight into the wilderness, where she is nourished for 1,260 days, is seen as a period of protection and preservation by God. This time frame is symbolic and is often linked to the prophetic period of tribulation mentioned elsewhere in Revelation.

Theological Significance

The vision of the Woman Clothed with the Sun is a profound depiction of the cosmic struggle between good and evil, highlighting the central role of Christ in God's redemptive plan. It underscores the protection and sustenance God provides to His people amidst persecution and spiritual warfare. The imagery serves as a reminder of the ultimate victory of Christ over Satan and the assurance of God's sovereignty in the unfolding of salvation history.