That is, the angels who sided with Satan in his warfare against Christ (see on v. 4).

 See on v. 3.

 That is, the loyal angels, the “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb. 1:14).

 Gr. Michaēl, a transliteration of the Heb. mika’el, meaning “who [is] like God?” Michael is referred to as “one of the chief princes” (Dan. 10:13), as “the great prince” (Dan. 12:1), and also as “the archangel” (Jude 9). Jewish literature described Michael as the highest of the angels, the true representative of God, and identified him with the angel of Jehovah (see Talmud Yoma 37a, Soncino ed., p. 172; Midrash Rabbah, on Gen. 18:3; Ex. 3:2, Soncino ed., pp. 411, 53). According to Midrash Rabbah, on Ex. 12:29, Michael was the angel who vindicated Israel against Satan’s accusations (Soncino ed., p. 222). A careful examination of the Scripture references to Michael points to the conclusion that he is none other than our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (see on Dan. 10:13; cf. on Jude 9).

Literally, “and there became.”

 John now presents briefly the history of the great controversy between Satan and Christ in heaven, from its origin to the time of Christ’s victory at the cross (Rev. 12:7-9; cf. Col. 2:14, 15), the final casting out of Satan at that time to this earth (Rev. 12:10-12), and the course of the controversy on earth down to the time of the end (Rev. 12:13-16; see on Dan. 11:35). This brief survey stands as a background for the extended delineation of developments in the conflict during the time of the end, by means of which it is finally and successfully terminated (Rev. 12:17 to 20:15).

 In ch. 12:9-11 John speaks most particularly of the phase of the conflict waged in heaven in connection with Christ’s death on the cross. For contextual evidence that points to this conclusion see on v. 9.

 Though the revelator is focusing primarily on the turning point of the controversy reached at the time of the cross, it is proper to understand the words, “there was war in heaven,” as referring also to the time prior to the creation of the earth, when the hostility of the dragon began, and Lucifer aspired to be like God (see on Isa. 14:13, 14; Eze. 28:12-16). At that time he and the angels who symphatized with him were expelled from heaven (see 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6). The loyal angels did not then understand fully all the issues involved. But when Satan basely shed the blood of Christ, he stood exposed completely and forever before the heavenly world. Henceforth his activities were further restricted (see DA 761).