The phrase “and he stood on the sand of the sea” (12:18) often falls out of scholarly focus as a mere transitional link between chapters 12 and 13. Commonly, it is taken literally as a seashore where the dragon stands to call for his allies (13:1, 11). Nevertheless, the language of Rev 12 is highly symbolic, and the literal rendering diminishes the inherent richness of the saying. Thus, I posit that τὴν ἄμμον τῆς θαλάσσης should be understood idiomatically through the lens of God’s covenant with Abraham.
First, I argue that the covenantal language holds the hermeneutical key to Rev 11:19-12:18. Then, I analyze the phrase ἡ ἄμμος τῆς θαλάσσης in all ancient literature to uncover its usage and semantic range before offering a theological interpretation of the idiom in 12:18. Thus, Rev 12 depicts the cosmic conflict of the dragon against Abraham’s descendants who are portrayed as “the Seed” (Jesus 12:3, 5), “the stars of heaven” (12:4), “the sand of the sea” (12:18), and the “remnant of the Seed” (12:17). Dragon’s stand on the sand indicates his dominance over God’s people which opens the way for evil forces to join in the battle against the remnant.