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And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:7-9)
At the beginning of the last half of the tribulation period, Satan will gather his demonic army and declare war against the power of God Almighty. Why he has chosen this specific time is not known. But God, who knows the mind of Satan better then himself, is fully aware of his scheming plans. Michael the archangel will be appointed to lead the heavenly host into battle, while Satan will take command and lead his forces.
I could give you some futuristic tale of war and bravery, and how the heavenly forces came so close to being defeated, but the truth of the matter is Satan and his armies never had a chance and are soundly defeated.
As a result, Satan and his demons are then cast out of heaven and onto the earth. At this point, he will know that his time is very short and will be out to destroy everything in his path. The earth will be his new battleground and the main target will be the nation of Israel. This will begin the most horrible portion of the tribulation period better known as the “Great Day Of The Lord”.
And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:13-17)
Some believe that when Satan is cast out of heaven, in his hatred for Israel, he will personally attack the 144,000 witnesses and those they have lead to the Lord. But God will protect them and make a way for them to escape. “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” Apparently, God will evacuate the remnant to a place of safety. Many believe that this wilderness safe haven will be the ancient city of Petra in southern Palestine. There they will hide out for the remaining three and a half years until the Lord comes back.