What does Revelation 12:9 mean?
Some teachers believe the expulsion of Satan from heaven, described here and in earlier verses, refers to his initial rebellion against God before the dawn of human history (Ezekiel 28:14–17). However, prior to this yet-future moment, the Devil still has access to God's throne, where he accuses believers (Job 1:9–11). In the instance described here, Satan and his followers are thrown down to the earth, so he no longer has access to heaven.In Revelation 12:9 the apostle John refers to Satan as "that ancient serpent," a reference to his appearance in the garden of Eden to tempt our first parents. John also calls him Diabolos in Greek, in English "the Devil," from a term literally meaning "slanderer" or "opponent." Satanas is the Greek word derived from the Hebrew name for the leader of the evil spirits, Sā'tān. This entity is "the deceiver of the whole world," as Jesus said the Devil was "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Proof that Satan deceives the whole world may be found in those who think success brings true happiness or sex brings lasting pleasure or money offers security. It may also be found in the false religions and cults that reject or twist the truth.
Revelation 12:7–12 describes a war in heaven which breaks out between Michael and his angels and the Devil. Prior to this expulsion, the Devil has access to heaven, where he accuses believers. Job 1 confirms this fact. However, he cannot prevail in his war on Christ and His followers. Genesis 3:15 prophesies his violent opposition to the virgin-born Son of God, and Revelation 20:1–10 reveals his ultimate defeat and eternal punishment. Revelation 13 unveils the Devil's two henchmen, the beast and the false prophet, who assist him in persecuting Israel.
This chapter relates several highly symbolic visions, which introduce figures critical to the end times. First is a woman, representative of Israel. Second is a red dragon, identified with Satan. Third is a male child, who is Jesus Christ. The red dragon seeks to devour the woman's male child, but God caught the child to His throne, referring to the ascension of Jesus after His resurrection. The passage then continues to describe a war in heaven between Michael and Satan—here Satan becomes the fourth key figure—which results in Satan's complete and total eviction from heaven. Satan attempts to destroy Israel, most likely through an armed invasion, which is supernaturally defeated by God through an earthquake. The fifth main figure is the collective ''offspring'' of the woman. These events are given further details in passages such as Ezekiel chapter 38.
