cast out = cast down, as Revelation 12:10 . that = the old = ancient. serpent. See Revelation 20:2 .Genesis 3:1 , and App-19 . Devil. Literally slanderer. See Revelation 12:10 and Matthew 4:1 . Satan = Adversary. Compare Matthew 4:10 . See App-19 . which deceiveth. Literally the one deceiving. App-128 . See Revelation 20:3 . world. App-129 . read more
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels; and they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.It is important to note why this episode was included:The war and its issue are introduced as an... read more
Revelation 12:7-12. And there was war in heaven, &c.— It might reasonably be presumed, that all the powers of idolatry would be strenuously exerted against the establishment of Christianity, and especially against the establishment of a Christian on the imperial throne; and the struggles and contentions between the Heathen and Christian religions are represented by war in heaven, between the angels of darkness and the angels of light, Michael the archangel being at the head of the latter.... read more
7. In Job 1:6-11; Job 2:1-6, Satan appears among the sons of God, presenting himself before God in heaven, as the accuser of the saints: again in Zechariah 3:1; Zechariah 3:2. But at Christ's coming as our Redeemer, he fell from heaven, especially when Christ suffered, rose again, and ascended to heaven. When Christ appeared before God as our Advocate, Satan, the accusing adversary, could no longer appear before God against us, but was cast out judicially (Romans 8:33; Romans 8:34). He and his... read more
8. prevailed not—A and Coptic read, "He prevailed not." But B and C read as English Version. neither—A, B, and C read, "not even" (Greek, "oude"): a climax. Not only did they not prevail, but not even their place was found any more in heaven. There are four gradations in the ever deeper downfall of Satan: (1) He is deprived of his heavenly excellency, though having still access to heaven as man's accuser, up to Christ's first coming. As heaven was not fully yet opened to man (John 3:13), so it... read more
9. that old serpent—alluding to Genesis 3:1; Genesis 3:4. Devil—the Greek, for "accuser," or "slanderer." Satan—the Hebrew for "adversary," especially in a court of justice. The twofold designation, Greek and Hebrew, marks the twofold objects of his accusations and temptations, the elect Gentiles and the elect Jews. world—Greek, "habitable world." read more
Michael the archangel (Judges 1:9) is the leader of God’s angelic army. He is Israel’s special patron (Daniel 10:13; Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1). He evidently holds high rank among unfallen angels as Satan does among the fallen. John saw him engaged in battle with Satan and his angels, the demons. Michael battled with Satan in the past (Judges 1:9), but the conflict in view here evidently takes place just before the last part of the Tribulation. read more
The dragon’s expulsion from heaven 12:7-12 read more
In John’s vision Satan’s forces proved weaker, and God threw them out of heaven. Consequently Satan no longer had access to heaven (cf. Revelation 20:11; Job 1-2; Daniel 2:35; Zechariah 10:10). God will no longer hear Satan’s accusations against believers. read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Revelation 12:8
prevailed. Greek. ischuo, as Acts 19:16 , Acts 19:20 . Only here in Rev. Compare App-172 . neither. Greek. oude. more. First occurance: Matthew 5:13 (thenceforth). read more