Revelation 20:1-10 Bible Study and Commentary: The Millennium
Join us as we study through Revelation verse by verse. Our Bible study guides contain discussion questions, verse by verse commentary, and applications which can help you or your small group get the most out of this book as you grow in understanding and obedience. This commentary focuses specifically on Revelation 20:1-10, covering the millennium, the binding of Satan, and the final rebellion.
I. Satan bound for one thousand years (1-3)
In chapter 19, we see Jesus’ second coming. He defeats the armies of the world that are arrayed against Him. He defeats the Antichrist and the false prophet. Then what? The next step is to bind Satan himself. An angel comes down from heaven and binds Satan for a thousand years. Very possibly, this angel is Michael, captain of the Lord’s armies. He imprisons Satan in the bottomless pit. It is most likely that the bottomless pit is the same one mentioned in Revelation 9:1-12. At times, God locks certain demons away there so that they cannot influence the earth or interfere with His plans. Note that this is not the final judgment for Satan yet. After one thousand years, he will be released for a short time. The stated purpose for binding Satan is so that he will not be able to deceive the nations during this one thousand-year period.
II. The first resurrection and the millennium (4-6)
During this period, we observe the first resurrection and the millennium. Who are on the thrones? What might their authority entail? Those who came to life participate in this resurrection. As 2 Timothy 2:12 states: "If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us."
The following cross-references describe the nature of this kingdom and the world when Satan is not able to deceive the nations:
- Isaiah 2:4 – He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.
- Daniel 2:44 – And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people.
- Isaiah 65:25 – The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain,” says the Lord.
Summary of Revelation 20:1-10 Events
| Phase | Key Biblical Events |
|---|---|
| Satan's Imprisonment | Satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. |
| Millennial Reign | The first resurrection occurs; believers reign with Christ for a thousand years. |
| Global Peace | Nations no longer learn war; the wolf and the lamb graze together. |
| The Final Rebellion | After one thousand years, Satan is released for a short time. |
III. The final rebellion (7-10)
Following the millennium, the scripture describes the final rebellion. As noted in Zechariah 14:16, everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths. This leads toward the final judgment of all things.