Definition: And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Revelation 11:12 together. It's a pretty dense verse, but here’s the gist of what it means, explained simply: Basically, this verse describes a dramatic event involving angels and a future battle. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “And they heard a great voice from heaven…” – This is the key. It suggests something significant and powerful is happening above . It's not just a normal conversation; it's a huge, important announcement. “…saying unto them, Come up hither.” - “Come up hither” is a bit tricky. It’s not saying they go somewhere physically. It means "come up to us." Think of it like a summons or an invitation. “And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud…” – Angels are literally flying upwards, like clouds! This signifies a movement towards something holy and powerful. “…and their enemies beheld them.” – “Their enemies” refers to people who oppose God and his plan. The angels are being watched or observed by those who don't believe in God. It’s a visual representation of a struggle between good and evil. What does this all mean, generally? Many Bible scholars interpret this as a prophecy about the final battle between good and evil that will occur at the end times – before Jesus Christ returns. “Revelation” in the Bible is often used to describe a vision or message of the future. “The Beast” (often referred to as “the beast”) is a key symbol in Revelation, representing Satan and his forces working against God. This verse suggests that God will ultimately triumph over this opposition. In short, it’s a story about angels calling people up to heaven, signifying a significant event – a battle between good and evil – that will eventually lead to the victory of God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Talk about what the Bible generally means by "Revelation"? Share some related concepts from other parts of the Bible?