What does Revelation 12:5 mean?
This verse reports that the woman John saw brought forth a male child who was destined to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. This child is the third of seven critically important figures described in this passage. The woman is symbolic of the nation of Israel, and this verse is an obvious reference to Jesus. Isaiah 9:6–7 prophesies that this child will bear the government on His shoulder and there will be no end to His government and peace. He will rule with justice and righteousness from the throne of David. Zechariah prophesied that Jesus "shall sit and rule on his throne" (Zechariah 6:13). Psalm 2:7–9 prophesies that God the Father will give His Son Jesus the nations for His inheritance and the ends of the earth for His possession, and His Son will break them with a rod of iron. This rule will follow the tribulation and last a thousand years (Revelation 20:1–6).Satan's effort to destroy Jesus the Messiah failed. Jesus arose from the dead and ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9; 1 Timothy 3:16). John testifies here that the woman's child "was caught up to God and to his throne," reflecting an event which has already occurred.