Revelation 12:5 - Exposition

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron; a son, a male— the Greek υἱόν , ἄρσεν , renders it emphatic— who is to rule , as in the Revised Version; to rule, or to govern as a shepherd (cf. the verb in Matthew 2:6 ). This reference and Psalms 2:9 leave no doubt as to the identification of the man child. It is Christ who is intended. The same expression is used of him in Revelation 19:1-21 ., where he is definitely called the "Word of God." And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. The sentence seems plainly to refer to the ascension of Christ and his subsequent abiding in heaven, from whence he rules all nations. The seer, perhaps, wishes to indicate at once the absolute immunity of Christ from any harm proceeding from the power of the devil, whose efforts are henceforth directly aimed only at the Church of Christ. Satan still hopes to injure Christ through his members. As remarked above (see on Revelation 19:4 ), what is true of the personal history of Christ is often true of his Church and of his true members. And thus some have seen in this passage a picture of the woman, the Church, bringing forth members, to devour whom is Satan's constant purpose, but who in God's good time are taken to his throne to be near himself.