Chronologically in time, this story of the Woman with 12 Stars is the start of everything that is happening in the book of Revelation. Chronologically it precedes the Vision of the Two Prophets , even thought the order in which it appears in Revelation is reversed. Let's discuss the text. Revelation 12:1 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This reminds of the dream of Joseph where the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down for him. These where his father, mother and brothers. This is an image of the nation of Israel with the twelve tribes. But we might even say that this is the True Israel, meaning that part of Israel that respects and obeys God, hence the sun that is upon her. 2 She was pregnant, and she cried out because she was in labor, in pain from giving birth. This refers to the Messiah that is about to come out of Israel. 3 Then another sign appeare...