Emile, thanks again for taking time to print your thoughts. I printed off your ideas and have been reading them. I agree that in the OT figurative language is used to show that God chose His espoused bride to be National Israel. In fact one might say the marriage contract was the Sinai covenant which was sealed with the Passover blood. Several ways to see this. Anyway, I personally think the Scriptures teach that out of this relationship God was to bring forth the Messiah, which He did. I especially see this in Hosea, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Yes, Israel (all God's chosen, not just Northern kingdom) went whoring when she turned her back on God and joined(united) herself to idols in false spiritul worship. This way she committed spiritual adultery against God. He sent her away into slavery, but He reclaimed Her, brought her home and brought forth the baby Messiah.
This is my reason for seeing Rev 12:1+ as national Israel who delivers the Messiah. There are others who believe this also, of course that doesn't mean it's correct. I saw one that believed the Rev 12:1 woman was the church. I don't go with this at all because The Messiah gave birth to the church, not the church giving birth to the Messiah. I guess a person could think maybe the Jewish church, if one made the Temple and synagogue system a church. This may be what you have in mind .
I'm still studying your posts concerning the Jews.
BTW, have you read the book, " Foxe's Book of Martyrs"? In that book the Pope is called the Antichrist, more than one time. The history of various martyrs is presented from about 1350(?) and forward. Of course at this time the catholics mostly controlled the kings in France, Spain, and England. The spanish inquisition was in 1481.
To go along with that idea Rev. 17:18 says the woman is the great city that reigns over the kings of the earth. Since this is present tense, the city would be Rome. BTW there was some very rich people in Rome according to the " History of Civilization" by Durant. Many had houses costing over $1m. , gold, silver, spices, etc.
This rich city, Rome, could be a type of present day USA.
Talk later. I'm finding this to be interesting. And slow going.
Phile 1:3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
David
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