Jun 8, 2014
Midway through the 7 year Tribulation persecution will break out against the Jewish people on a scale unequalled in human history. Revelation 12 reveals the reasons: 1) Satan hates Israel because it is the source of the Messiah (12:1-6), 2) Satan will be defeated by Michael the Archangel and cast down to earth for the final 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation (12:7-12) and 3) Satan will attempt to annihilate the Jews but God will protect a Remnant in the Wilderness (12:13-17). The final words of Revelation 12 set us up for chapter 13: Revelation 12:17 (ESV) 17 …And he (the dragon) stood on the sand of the sea.
Picture Satan standing on the seashore furious and filled with rage. He knows his time is short – only 3 1/2 years before the 2nd coming. He's been defeated by Michael the Archangel. He no longer has access to the presence of God. He can't attack Jesus directly so he will vent his rage on Jesus' people, the Jews. He still craves to be worshipped by mankind.