Satan hates the nation of Israel because she brought forth the Man Child who will rule all nations with a rod of iron.  And, at the midpoint of the Tribulation Period, he persecutes this woman who brought this Man Child, Jesus Christ.  She flees into the wilderness where she will be protected by God.  The Great Tribulation Period last for 1,260 days, 42 months, or 3 1/2 years.  This episode helps a person better understand these events.