“Then there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and his angels. And the dragon lost the battle, and he and his angels were forced out of heaven. This great dragon—the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world—was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.” Revelation 12:7-9
At the mid-point of the great tribulation, God will turn the tide against Satan – first in heaven, then on earth. A battle will take place that will deny Satan access to heaven. This is a dramatic scene of battle between good angels and bad angels; faithful angels and fallen angels. This is truly a battle between equals. The dragon represents Satan, and Satan is not the counterpart of God – God has no counterpart. If anyone, Satan is the counterpart of Michael, who seems to be the chief angel opposite this chief of fallen angels. This battle occurs at the mid-point of the seven-year period. The event here prophesied was predicted by Daniel in Daniel 12:1, “At that time Michael, the archangel who stands guard over your nation, will arise. Then there will be a time of anguish greater than any since nations first came into existence. But at that time every one of your people whose name is written in the book will be rescued.” This shows us that up until this happens at the mid-point of Daniel’s 70th week, Satan does have access to heaven, where he accuses God’s people before the throne (Job 1:6-12).
Though the conflict of the end of the age is primarily on earth, attention is directed in this section to the war which will be waged in heaven. The description of Satan is quite significant as all of his important titles are given. He is described as “the great dragon,” a term which also applies to the empire which he dominates in the end time. He is referred to as “that old serpent,” a reference to the Garden of Eden and the temptation of Eve. The title “Devil” is from the Greek diabolos, from the verb diaballo which has the meaning of “defaming” or “slandering.” He is the master accuser of the brethren. The name Satan, from the Hebrew, has the meaning of “adversary.” A spiritual battle is taking place at the same time as Israel is being persecuted and fleeing. This battle in heaven is a victory for God and His people.