And the two wings of the GREAT EAGLE were given to the WOMAN,
In the covenant made with Israel upon leaving Egypt, the "wings of eagles" (Exodus 19:3-6) is the expression used to describe how quickly the exit was made. In this verse, during the tribulation the WOMAN (Israel as a nation) is transported very quickly to the wilderness. Some biblical scholars feel that the United States or other ally of Israel will provide aircraft or helicopters to "fly" the people to the wilderness. However, the use of "GREAT EAGLE" (fourth time in this chapter - see verse 1) would indicate a supernatural departure (like the way through the Red Sea). Jesus talked about how quickly this must happen in Matthew 24:15-28.
in order that she might FLY into the wilderness to HER PLACE,
The "wilderness" is where God holds court. Ezekiel explains in Ezekiel 20:32-39. And after the judgment, a bonding will take place with His chosen people again (Hosea 2:14-23). The last part of the Hosea prophesy indicates that Gentile believers will be considered part of "My people". Some scholars use this to say that "the WOMAN" here refers not only to Israel as God's chosen people but also to all born-again believers. See also Deuteronomy 32:4-18 and Isaiah 40:27-31.
where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time,
Even in the harshest of conditions, God still NOURISHES! This is both spiritually and physically.
Note the precision of the time period: time equals a year, times equals two years, and total time is 3 1/2 years or 1260 days (verse 6).
from the PRESENCE of the SERPENT.
How comforting to know that believers are protected from the devil when they are "feeding on God's Word". We don't have to try to eat and watch over our shoulders for an evil attack. This is a deep spiritual truth that even David recognizes in Psalm 23:5.
There is a reference switch here from DRAGON to SERPENT. This shows the equivalence of the two. The switch back to DRAGON is made in verse 16.