The Church a Woman
Wm. Guild, D. D. Revelation 12:1-2 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet… 1. Where John says, there appeared a great wonder in heaven, this shows us that God's works for His Church, and against her enemies, are most part wonderful. 2. In the comparing the Church to a woman, we see that of herself she is but weak, but strong is He who owns her. 3. By her description, we see that all her decking and ornaments are heavenly and spiritual. 4. More particularly, she is clothed with the sun: herewith should we likewise be clothed, to make us glorious before God, and acceptable. 5. She has the moon under her feet, which teaches all her true members in like manner to tread upon the world in affection, and never to let it have place, either in heart or head. 6. It is first said that she was clothed with the sun, and then that she trod on the moon, to show us that we will never despise the world till we put on Christ, and know the excellence of Christ and of heavenly things. (Wm. Guild, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: WEB: A great sign was seen in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.