The woman who gives birth (v1-2) symbolises the people of God, Israel in the Old Testament and the church in the New Testament. (Gen. 37 v9)

The red dragon (v3-4, 9) is clearly revealed as being the devil or Satan (v9). The 7 heads and 10 horns speak of him seeking to take over God’s authority and power on earth.

The child who will rule (v5) has to be Christ (Psalm 2 v7; Isaiah 9 v7). The Dragon’s attack on the child (v4) begins with the battle in Eden (Gen. 3 v14-15; 12 v7; 13 v15; Gal. 3 v16). When Jesus was born the dragon (Satan) was behind the bloodlust of Herod in killing the baby boys in Bethlehem

But we have the Dragon’s defeat (v5-12) as the child is snatched up to heaven (v5) pointing to Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension to glory. The casting down (v8-9) symbolises his defeat at Calvary (Col. 2v13-15). This interpretation is backed up by the praise that follows (v10-12a).

We finish with the Dragon’s fury (v12-17) because having failed with his attacks on Christ he turns to the woman and her seed (v13 & 17). This passage explains the anti-Christian attacks in the world around us.