We Are Pilgrims on a Journey - Revelation 12:6

“and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.” (Revelation 12:6, ESV)

This verse is filled with imagery and staggering encouragement.  The "woman", the believing community is seen on earth, fleeing into the wilderness; and there she was cared for and nourished for 1260 days -- the days between Christ's ascension and His final return.  Notice, apart from the motif of wilderness, that the Church is in a place "prepared by God." 

We immediately bring to mind the sending of Israel into the wilderness. Many of the prophets had wilderness experiences: Moses, Elijah, Isaiah.  Of course Christ as a baby was sent into the wilderness and again by the Spirit to be tempted. Paul met Christ in the desert.   When Peter wrote to the 1st Century Church he called them “. . . elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,” (1 Peter 1:1, NIV). They were in the desert.  

There may also a future anticipation when the nation of Israel is expected to turn back to the Messiah (Romans 11:25ff).  As Beale writes, "The woman’s flight to the wilderness also recalls the end-time exodus or restoration, when Israel was expected to return in faith to the Lord and again be protected and nourished by him in the wilderness (Isa. 32:15; 35:1; 40:3; 41:18; 43:19–20; 51:3; Jer. 31:2; Ezek. 34:25). Hos. 2:14–15(16–17)." [1]

In that familiar Psalm, David writes, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5, ESV).  The Septuigant reads: "you have prepared a table before me, in the presence of the ones afflicting (θλιβόντων) me."  Psalm 78:19–20 (ESV) reads:

¹⁹ They spoke against God, saying, “Can God spread a table in the wilderness? ²⁰ He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?”

So in Revelation 12:6, "the messianic community is pictured as beginning to experience God’s end-time protection in the wilderness after the Messiah’s ascension." [2]  Deuteronomy 8:14–16 (ESV) sums up the dual nature of being kept by God in the wilderness.   Note:

¹⁴ then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, ¹⁵ who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, ¹⁶ who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end.

The wilderness, then is a place for God's protection and His provision."Keeping in mind that this is still a sky-drama, this should not be interpreted as a real place on earth. It symbolizes protection, just as the sealing of the 144,000 had done (7:1–4). In fact, both the sealing of the 144,000 and the fleeing of the woman to a solitary place are different ways of describing the same truth: God sees to it that his people are spared the experience of his wrath, especially in the final time of troubles before the end." [3]

So "throughout the Bible, the wilderness was viewed as a safe haven where the afflicted could hide (see 1 Sam 23:14; Matt 24:16). God often provided safety and sustenance in these circumstances (see Deut 8:15–16; 29:5; 32:10; 1 Kgs 17:1–7)." [4]

The 1260 days is the foretold period of time (going back to Daniel 7:25; 9:27; 12:7; etc.) relating to the period of tribulation.  It refers to the 42 months of Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan (Num 33:5–49) which symbolized the 42 years or 42 stages of their journey.  It was foreseen in the reign of terror by Antiochus.  It mirrors Jesus own ministry (about three and one half years). It is the time during this Gospel age while the Church is waiting the return of Christ. [4]  We are going through the tribulation now, while in the desert -- while enjoying God's protection and provision.

Father, we are pilgrims on a journey. We live in a desert place. Yet there are springs of refreshment and there are ongoing signs of Your love and protection.  The days are established and will not last forever, but for now we rejoice in Your care.  Father we wait for a better city -- a city not made with hands.  We are today in a place prepared for us, but You are also preparing another place -- Your House.   Grant grace to our pilgrimage today.  Keep us from evil.  Cause us to hunger for Your provision.  Grant to us amazing joy.  Amen.

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1. Beale, G. K. (1999). The book of Revelation: A commentary on the Greek text. New International Greek Testament Commentary (643). Grand Rapids, MI; Carlisle, Cumbria: W.B. Eerdmans; Paternoster Press.

2. Ibid, (645).

3. Easley, K. H. (1998). Vol. 12: Revelation. Holman New Testament Commentary (210). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

4. Barry, J. D., Grigoni, M. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Re 12:6). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.