Here are some passages that the woman clothed with the sun, moon, & 12 stars (Rev 12:1) seems to be alluding to, based upon the following observations:
- Joseph dreams of his 11 brothers as stars.
- Joseph dreams his father & mother as the sun & moon.
- My interpretation of the woman is that she is the nation of Israel, and she is 'clothed' with the patriarchs and their attributes.
- A New Covenant is promised for Israel.
- Jeremiah indicates that the sun, moon, and stars would cease before God were to ever allow Israel to cease as a nation.
- The implication is that God promises to preserve Israel (almost) unconditionally.
- My interpretation of the woman is that she is 'clothed' with the promise of God's preservation.
- This promise to preserve Israel seems to apply throughout Revelation 12, as God preserves her from numerous attacks from the dragon (Satan).
