What does the "river" symbolize in Revelation 12:15, and how can we resist it? Setting the Scene Revelation 12 sketches a cosmic conflict: • The woman represents God’s covenant people through whom Messiah comes (12:1-5). • The dragon is “that ancient serpent, called the devil and Satan” (12:9). • Unable to devour the Child, the dragon turns on the woman (12:13-17). Verse 15 describes his next move: “Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away with the torrent”. The River: Pictures of Satan’s Strategy Because the serpent’s attack comes “from the mouth,” the imagery points to what issues from his mouth—lies, accusations, and destructive words. Throughout Scripture floods often picture overwhelming opposition as well (Psalm 124:4-5). Taken together, the river symbolizes: • A flood of deception—false doctrine and propaganda intended to drown faith (John 8:44; 2 Peter 2:1). • Relentless accusations aimed at discouraging believers (Revelation 12:10). • Violent persecution unleashed like a torrent (Isaiah 59:19; Jeremiah 46:7-8). All three flow from Satan’s nature and serve his purpose: to sweep the people of God away from steadfast loyalty to Christ. Scriptural Clues to the Symbol • Mouth imagery = words: “The tongue of the wicked is like a sharpened razor” (Psalm 52:2). • Flood imagery = overwhelming trouble: “The cords of death encompassed me, the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me” (Psalm 18:4). • Combined in Isaiah 59:19—“When the enemy comes like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” Revelation 12 blends these Old Testament pictures into a final-hour assault on the faithful. Resisting the Flood God never leaves His people defenseless. Scripture supplies a multi-layered response: 1. Stand on the triumph of Christ • “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). 2. Anchor every thought in God’s Word • “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). • Like Jesus in the wilderness, answer every lie with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4-10). 3. Put on the full armor of God • Ephesians 6:10-18 details truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer—each piece protects against spiritual torrent. 4. Resist and remain firm in community • “Resist him, standing firm in your faith” (1 Peter 5:9). • “Encourage one another… all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Submit to God’s authority • “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). 6. Guard your heart from compromise • “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23). • Stay clear of teachers who distort the gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). Divine Assurance Immediately after the river is released, “the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river” (Revelation 12:16). God Himself intervenes, turning creation against the dragon’s scheme. The message is clear: • The flood may look overwhelming, but it is temporary. • The Lord knows how to deliver the godly (2 Peter 2:9). • Our part is steadfast resistance; His part is decisive rescue. Hold fast to the Lamb, wield the Word, link arms with fellow believers, and the torrent will never carry you away. |
    |