The term "Red Dragon" is prominently featured in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament, which is rich in apocalyptic imagery and symbolism. The Red Dragon is a significant figure in the eschatological narrative, representing evil and opposition to God’s divine plan.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to the Red Dragon is found in Revelation 12:3-4 : "Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon with seven heads, 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."

Symbolism and Interpretation:

1. Color and Form: The color red in biblical symbolism often represents war, destruction, and bloodshed. The dragon, a creature of chaos and malevolence, is depicted with seven heads and ten horns, indicating immense power and authority. The seven crowns suggest dominion and influence over earthly kingdoms.

2. Satanic Representation: The Red Dragon is widely interpreted as a representation of Satan, the adversary of God and His people. Revelation 12:9 further identifies the dragon: "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."

3. Cosmic Conflict: The imagery of the dragon sweeping a third of the stars from the sky is often understood as a reference to the fall of Satan and his angels, who rebelled against God. This celestial battle underscores the ongoing spiritual warfare between the forces of good and evil.

4. Persecution of the Church: The dragon's attempt to devour the woman's child is seen as an allegory for Satan's efforts to thwart the coming of Christ and His redemptive work. The woman is often interpreted as representing Israel or the Church, and the child as Jesus Christ, whose birth and mission were opposed by satanic forces.

5. End Times and Judgment: The presence of the Red Dragon in Revelation is part of the broader apocalyptic narrative that describes the ultimate defeat of evil. The dragon's eventual downfall is a testament to God's sovereignty and the assurance of victory for believers.

Theological Significance:

The Red Dragon serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual adversary that believers face. It highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and faithfulness. The imagery calls Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's ultimate triumph over evil. The narrative of the Red Dragon in Revelation reassures believers of the certainty of God's justice and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.Red Dragon

RED DRAGON

See REVELATION OF JOHN.

From the Twelfth Chapter.
... 3. "And there appeared another sign in heaven; and behold a red dragon, having seven
heads."] Now, that he says that this dragon was of a red colour"that is ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the twelfth chapter.htm

A Preliminary Discourse to Catechising
... Revelation 12:2. There appeared a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns;
and his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven.' The red dragon ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/1 a preliminary discourse to.htm

The Woman and Dragon.
... And another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having
seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the woman and dragon.htm

Of the Thousand Years in which the Dragon or Satan is bound, with ...
... was not bound while the first six seals were yet running their course, is plain
from this circumstance, that in all that interval, as a red dragon with his ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism iv of the thousand.htm

of the Woman driven into the Wilderness.
... The times of the beast and of the woman residing in the wilderness, begin from one
and the same point; namely, from the red dragon's being conquered, and cast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/synchronism i of the.htm

Exhortation to the Cultivation of virginity; a Passage from the ...
... And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having
seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. ...
/.../chapter iv exhortation to the cultivation.htm

Of the Sixth Seal.
... denominates the whole Roman empire in the state in which he was treating
of it"the seven-headed red dragon, as we shall there see. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the sixth seal.htm

The Meaning
... A MEMORABLE SENTENCE, THE MEANING. Of the Red Dragon with Seven Heads fighting
with Michael about the new-born Child. The first vision ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 3.htm

The Dragon, the Devil; the Stars Struck from Heaven by the Tail of ...
... The dragon, which is great, and red, and cunning, and manifold, and seven-headed,
and horned, and draws down the third part of the stars, and stands ready to ...
/.../chapter x the dragon the devil.htm

A Woman on a Scarlet-Colored Beast.
... of the sea, having seven heads, and ten horns," 13:1. The Roman empire had been
symbolized by "a great red dragon," which also had seven heads and ten horns. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/a woman on a scarlet-colored.htm

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