The anguished screams of a woman in labour have a way of holding one’s attention so that you live along with her agony. But John would tear our attention away from that woman to observe the threat. Unlike the first sign, this second sign is not “great” (impressive), but it certainly needs attention by virtue of its danger.
3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.