Definition: And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
Explanation:
Okay, let’s break down this verse from Revelation 12:14. It's a pretty rich and symbolic passage about the end times and the battle between good and evil. Here’s a simplified explanation:
The Basic Idea:
This verse describes a significant event – the arrival of a powerful woman, representing Satan (often called the Serpent), who will try to trap humanity in a world of suffering and illusion. It's about a period of testing and preparation for God's ultimate triumph.
Let’s unpack it piece by piece:
“And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle…”
- This is a metaphor. The “woman” represents humanity, and the “wings” symbolize hope, freedom, and spiritual advancement. These wings represent a chance for a new life, a way to escape the limitations of our current situation.
“…that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place…”
- The "wilderness" symbolizes a state of chaos, confusion, and suffering. The “place” represents a spiritual or moral realm where God’s perfect order is restored. Flying into this place means escaping these negative influences.
“where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time…”
- This is the core of the prophecy. "A time, and times," refers to the future events described in Revelation. “Half a time” signifies a period of testing and preparation – a phase that will be difficult but ultimately leads to a glorious future. It's about building up to something greater.
“from the face of the serpent.”
- The "serpent" is often interpreted as Satan, representing temptation, evil, and falsehood. The "face" signifies that he’s not just a figure, but
the source
of all deceit and darkness. He's actively trying to deceive humanity.
Overall Meaning – A Long-Term Plan:
This verse isn't about a single event happening
right now
. It’s a long-term prophecy about the ongoing battle between good and evil. Satan will continue to try to corrupt humanity, but God is preparing a "harvest" (a time of judgment and restoration) through this process. Ultimately, it points to the eventual victory of God's kingdom over evil.
Important Note:
This is a complex verse with many interpretations. Different people have different understandings of what it means. But the core message is about hope, preparation, and the ultimate triumph of good.
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