Matthew Poole and continuators on Revelation 12:3

3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven , and behold, a great red dragon , having seven heads , and ten horns , and seven crowns upon his heads .

There appeared to Iohn, being yet in his Vision, another amazing Sight, which was a Sign or Type of something differing from what is appeared like.

See ch. 17.9, 10. Most judicious Interpreters, by the great red Dragon, understand the Roman Emperors that first persecuted the Christian Church, of which Claudius was the first; yet some understand it of the Devil, the old Serpent; but the most, and best Interpreters understand it of the Pagan Emperors, by whom the Devil did this Work, called a great Dragon, because of the Vastness of that Empire; and a red Dragon, for their Cruelty against the Christians.

The Holy Ghost, ch. 17.9. hath expounded these seven Heads, by seven Mountains.

The ten Horns are thought to signifie the ten Provinces belonging to that Empire; the Governours of which, ruled like ten Kings. It is expounded by ten Kings, ch. 17.12. Stra[illegible: 1 letter]o tells us, That Augustus Cesar divided the whole Empire into 20 Provinces; ten of which being more quiet, he gave to the People to govern, the other ten he reserved to his own Government.

The seven Crowns are expounded by seven Kings, ch. 17.10. of which we shall speak more when we come so far.

Marginal references: Or. sign.