Definition: And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and [to] his throne.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Revelation 12:5. It's a really rich and symbolic image! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes the arrival of Jesus Christ. Here’s a breakdown of each part: “And she brought forth a man child…” – This refers to Jesus Christ, born as a human. It's about the coming of the Messiah – God’s plan for salvation and redemption. “…who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron:” - This is a really important part. "Rod of Iron" represents power, authority, and leadership. Jesus is being appointed to lead and govern the entire world. “and her child was caught up unto God…” – This means Jesus ascended into Heaven, becoming God himself. It's like he’s stepping over the boundary between the earthly realm (our world) and the divine realm. “…and to his throne.” - This is where it gets really symbolic. Jesus is now ruling over all of creation – Earth, heaven, and everything in between. He’s the ultimate authority and king of God's kingdom. In a nutshell: This verse paints a picture of Jesus Christ ascending to become King of the Universe, wielding absolute power and authority. Why is this important? It’s a key image in Revelation – a vision of the future where God will establish his rule over all things. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect it to other biblical concepts (like the concept of "the coming of Christ")? Discuss what this verse might be teaching about our current world situation?