The Woman and Child of the Prophecy in Revelation 12

The way to understand the book of Revelation is to ask two questions: 'What has God said?' and 'What has He done in history?'

'History has ever been the interpreter of prophecy. It was so notably in New Testament times, for the sufferings and glories of our Lord, foretold in the Old Testament, remained uncomprehended until their meaning was revealed by the events of history... From the beginning of the world to the present day Time has been the chief interpreter of prophesy. For prophesy is history written in advance.' -- H. G. Guinness, 'History Unveiling Prophecy'