Verse 5 [of the 12th chapter of the Revelation of
St. John]. “And she brought forth a man child, Who was to rule all nations with
a rod of iron.” This great son is the promised Manifestation Who was born of
the Law of God and reared in the bosom of the divine teachings. The iron rod is
a symbol of power and might—it is not a sword—and means that with divine power
and might He will shepherd all the nations of the earth. This son is the Báb.
Verse 5. “And her child was caught up unto God, and to His
throne.” This is a prophecy of the Báb, Who ascended to the heavenly realm, to
the Throne of God, and to the center of His Kingdom. Consider how all this
corresponds to what happened. (‘Abdu’l-Baha, ‘Some Answered Questions’)
