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Revelation 20:7
Verse
Context
Satan Cast into the Lake of Fire
6Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.7When the thousand years are complete, Satan will be released from his prison,8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore.
Sermons
John Gill
G. Campbell Morgan
Zac Poonen
John F. WalvoordSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Satan shall be loosed - How can this bear any kind of literal interpretation? Satan is bound a thousand years, and the earth is in peace; righteousness flourishes, and Jesus Christ alone reigns. This state of things may continue for ever if the imprisonment of Satan be continued. Satan, however, is loosed at the end of the thousand years, and goes out and deceives the nations, and peace is banished from the face of the earth, and a most dreadful war takes place, etc., etc. These can be only symbolical representations, utterly incapable of the sense generally put upon them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
expired--Greek, "finished."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when the thousand years are expired,.... Which are not yet expired; not in the year 1000, or 1033 or 4, reckoning from the birth or death of Christ, when Paganism, which had been destroyed in the Gentile world, was introduced into the church, which bore the Christian name, through the man of sin; for this had been bringing in by degrees more or less from the times of Constantine; whence it appears, that Satan in this respect was loose before, and therefore this was not the time of his loosing; nor in 1073, reckoning from the destruction of Jerusalem, and the carrying and spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles, in which year Hildebrand came to the popedom, who may be truly called the brand of hell; Damianus, a brother cardinal, who lived at the same time with him when he was archdeacon of Rome, calls him the holy devil; he was an impostor, sorcerer, and necromancer, and by wicked arts got into the Papal chair; this pope raised the Papal power over princes to a very great height, and made the see of Rome absolutely independent, and all bishops dependent on it; he forbid bishops receiving their investiture from the emperor, or any lay person, under pain of excommunication: this is the pope that made the emperor, with his empress and child, wait three days barefoot at his gates, in the depth of winter, before they could be admitted to him; that doctrine of devils, forbidding priests to marry, was established by him; and in his days that monstrous and absurd notion of transubstantiation began to prevail, though he himself used his breaden god but very roughly; for taking it to be really God, he required an answer from it against the emperor; but it not speaking, he threw it into the fire, and burnt it. Now it will be allowed, that the devil was loose at this time, but then so he was before: there had been popes before this who were conjurers, necromancers, and had familiarity and confederacy with the devil; and near five hundred years before this time, the pope was declared universal bishop by Phocas; and the forbidding priests marriage was started in the council of Nice, and was approved of by Pope Siricius, long before this time, though it was now more firmly established; add to this, that if the expiration of the 1000 years and the loosing of Satan were at this time, he must have been loosed near 700 years, which can never be called a little season, as in Rev 20:3 especially in comparison of the 1000 years, the time of his binding; when it is two thirds of that time: nor did these years expire in or about 1300, reckoning from Constantine, about which time Pope Boniface the Eighth lived, of whom it is said, that he came in like a fox, railed like a lion, and died like a dog; upon his accession to the popedom, he instituted a jubilee, and on the first day he appeared in his pontifical habit, and gave the benediction to the people, and on the next day he clothed himself with an imperial habit, and put on a rich diadem, and sat on a throne, with a naked sword bore before him, when he uttered these words, "Ecce hic duo gladii", "Behold here are two swords", referring to Luk 22:38 which the Papists would have understood of the temporal and spiritual power which Peter and his successors are possessed of; at the same time Ottoman was crowned emperor of the Mahometan nations, who founded the Turkish empire, and spread the Mahometan religion in Asia and Greece; and by both these, great disturbances and wars were occasioned, both in the east and west: but still this does not make it appear that now was the time of Satan's loosing; since before this time the Papal power was at its utmost height, and the Mahometan religion had been hundreds of years in the world, and had greatly prevailed; and therefore Satan must be loosed before; and indeed it is in vain to seek after the expiration of these years, and the loosing of Satan, when as yet the years are not begun, nor has Satan been bound, as has been shown on Rev 20:2 but however, when they will be ended, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison; during the thousand years he will be in a state of confinement, being bound, shut, and sealed up in the bottomless pit, which is therefore here called a prison, as is the place of damned spirits, in Pe1 3:19 but when these will be at an end; his chain will be taken off, at least will be lengthened; the seal upon him will be broken off, the bottomless pit will be opened, and he let loose; which will be done not by himself, but by him that bound him, or by divine permission.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:7-10 Satan’s all-out attempt to conquer God’s people is followed by his fiery demise. This passage has two major purposes: (1) to show God’s absolute justice, because Satan and his followers are worthy of punishment and will never change; and (2) to show the depravity of people who follow Satan. In spite of viewing the nature of Christ’s reign in the world for many years, they still flock to Satan’s standard when he is freed. These factors are the basis for the judgment at the great white throne (20:11-15). 20:7-8 When free to act (20:7), Satan still seeks to deceive. He will gather a mighty army (cp. Ezek 38–39) in a final attempt to overwhelm God’s people (Rev 20:9).
Revelation 20:7
Satan Cast into the Lake of Fire
6Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.7When the thousand years are complete, Satan will be released from his prison,8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to assemble them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the seashore.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.6K09:59MAT 24:242CO 11:32TH 2:9REV 12:9REV 20:2REV 20:7
This sermon delves into the theme of deception as highlighted in 2 Corinthians 11 and Revelation, emphasizing how deception has been a tool of the enemy from the beginning with Eve and will continue until the end times. It explores the concept of self-deception and warns about the prevalence of deception even among believers, stressing the need for discernment and reliance on God's mercy to avoid falling into deception.
1 Peter 3:19
By John Gill0The Nature of SalvationChrist's PreachingGEN 6:3MAT 12:41LUK 16:22JHN 8:58ROM 10:14EPH 2:17HEB 1:21PE 3:192PE 2:5REV 20:7John Gill explores 1 Peter 3:19, discussing the various interpretations of Christ's preaching to the spirits in prison. He argues against the notion that Christ's human soul descended to hell or a place called 'Limbus Patrum' to save the Old Testament saints, emphasizing that the text refers to Christ's divine nature and the spirits of the disobedient. Gill concludes that the passage likely refers to Christ preaching through Noah to the people of his time, who ultimately faced judgment for their disobedience. He highlights that Christ existed in his divine nature before his incarnation and actively fulfilled his role as Mediator even in the Old Testament. The sermon underscores the continuity of the Gospel message throughout biblical history.
Prophecy Spiritually Understood - Pt 5 "Two Thousand Years of Armageddon"
By Charles Alexander01SA 17:46EZK 37:1JHN 17:21EPH 6:12REV 20:7Charles Alexander delivers a powerful sermon on the spiritual warfare depicted in the visions of Ezekiel, emphasizing the ongoing battle between the forces of light and darkness, the eternal conflict between the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan. He challenges the congregation to recognize the real enemy as the theological-scientific philosophy denying the supernaturalism of the Bible and the moral nature of the universe, leading to the current societal decay and moral degradation. Alexander urges believers to stand firm in their faith, prepared for potential persecution and martyrdom, as the final phase of the spiritual battle unfolds, emphasizing the victory of Christ's Kingdom over the forces of evil.
After the Thousand Years
By G. Campbell Morgan0EschatologyHope in ChristREV 20:7G. Campbell Morgan explores the events following the Millennium, emphasizing the ultimate judgment and the final defeat of evil as depicted in Revelation. He describes the release of Satan, the ensuing apostasy, and the great white throne judgment where all are held accountable for their deeds. Morgan highlights the promise of a new heaven and earth, where sin and death are eradicated, and the faithful dwell in the New Jerusalem, free from temptation. He encourages believers to reflect on their own hearts and the presence of rebellion within, while also affirming the glorious future that awaits in God's eternal kingdom. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the hope of Christ's ultimate victory and the fulfillment of God's purpose.
The Current Rise of the Anti Christ Spirit and the One World Religion
By Edgar Reich0REV 1:7REV 2:4REV 4:8REV 5:6REV 6:15REV 20:4REV 20:7REV 20:10REV 21:1REV 21:4Edgar Reich delves into the Book of Revelation, unveiling God's divine plan for mankind and the universe. He discusses the elimination of sin and evil, the righteous judgment of Jesus, the restoration of a right relationship with mankind in heaven, on a New Earth, and in the New Jerusalem. Reich emphasizes the completion of God's redemptive program, the vindication of God's Holy Name, and the promise of a future free from tears, death, sorrow, crying, and pain as described in Revelation 21:4.
The Millennium
By Zac Poonen0ISA 11:6ZEC 14:9MAT 25:412PE 3:13REV 20:7REV 21:4Zac Poonen preaches about the future reign of peace on earth for 1000 years, where Garden of Eden conditions will be restored, symbolized by the lion lying with the lamb and the child playing with the cobra (Isaiah 11:6-9). During this time, Jesus will reign as King from Jerusalem over the entire earth, with Satan bound and unable to influence the world (Zechariah 14:9-21). However, at the end of the 1000 years, Satan will be released to test the unconverted inhabitants once more, revealing the depth of man's stubbornness and wickedness. God will then judge the rebellious multitude, casting Satan into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10).
The Glorious Restoration of Israel
By John F. Walvoord0PSA 2:6ISA 2:1ISA 26:14ISA 35:1JER 31:33EZK 20:34DAN 7:13DAN 12:2REV 20:1REV 20:7John F. Walvoord preaches about the remarkable event of the partial restoration of the nation Israel to their ancient land in the twentieth century, signaling the fulfillment of God's Word concerning the future of His chosen people. The return of Israel and the establishment of the state of Israel are seen as the initial steps leading to Christ's millennial kingdom on earth, following a period of great tribulation. The sermon delves into the final judgment of Israel, the resurrection of the righteous, the rule of Christ over Israel, and the general characteristics of the millennial kingdom, emphasizing the spiritual, social, economic, and physical aspects of Israel during this period.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Satan shall be loosed - How can this bear any kind of literal interpretation? Satan is bound a thousand years, and the earth is in peace; righteousness flourishes, and Jesus Christ alone reigns. This state of things may continue for ever if the imprisonment of Satan be continued. Satan, however, is loosed at the end of the thousand years, and goes out and deceives the nations, and peace is banished from the face of the earth, and a most dreadful war takes place, etc., etc. These can be only symbolical representations, utterly incapable of the sense generally put upon them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
expired--Greek, "finished."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And when the thousand years are expired,.... Which are not yet expired; not in the year 1000, or 1033 or 4, reckoning from the birth or death of Christ, when Paganism, which had been destroyed in the Gentile world, was introduced into the church, which bore the Christian name, through the man of sin; for this had been bringing in by degrees more or less from the times of Constantine; whence it appears, that Satan in this respect was loose before, and therefore this was not the time of his loosing; nor in 1073, reckoning from the destruction of Jerusalem, and the carrying and spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles, in which year Hildebrand came to the popedom, who may be truly called the brand of hell; Damianus, a brother cardinal, who lived at the same time with him when he was archdeacon of Rome, calls him the holy devil; he was an impostor, sorcerer, and necromancer, and by wicked arts got into the Papal chair; this pope raised the Papal power over princes to a very great height, and made the see of Rome absolutely independent, and all bishops dependent on it; he forbid bishops receiving their investiture from the emperor, or any lay person, under pain of excommunication: this is the pope that made the emperor, with his empress and child, wait three days barefoot at his gates, in the depth of winter, before they could be admitted to him; that doctrine of devils, forbidding priests to marry, was established by him; and in his days that monstrous and absurd notion of transubstantiation began to prevail, though he himself used his breaden god but very roughly; for taking it to be really God, he required an answer from it against the emperor; but it not speaking, he threw it into the fire, and burnt it. Now it will be allowed, that the devil was loose at this time, but then so he was before: there had been popes before this who were conjurers, necromancers, and had familiarity and confederacy with the devil; and near five hundred years before this time, the pope was declared universal bishop by Phocas; and the forbidding priests marriage was started in the council of Nice, and was approved of by Pope Siricius, long before this time, though it was now more firmly established; add to this, that if the expiration of the 1000 years and the loosing of Satan were at this time, he must have been loosed near 700 years, which can never be called a little season, as in Rev 20:3 especially in comparison of the 1000 years, the time of his binding; when it is two thirds of that time: nor did these years expire in or about 1300, reckoning from Constantine, about which time Pope Boniface the Eighth lived, of whom it is said, that he came in like a fox, railed like a lion, and died like a dog; upon his accession to the popedom, he instituted a jubilee, and on the first day he appeared in his pontifical habit, and gave the benediction to the people, and on the next day he clothed himself with an imperial habit, and put on a rich diadem, and sat on a throne, with a naked sword bore before him, when he uttered these words, "Ecce hic duo gladii", "Behold here are two swords", referring to Luk 22:38 which the Papists would have understood of the temporal and spiritual power which Peter and his successors are possessed of; at the same time Ottoman was crowned emperor of the Mahometan nations, who founded the Turkish empire, and spread the Mahometan religion in Asia and Greece; and by both these, great disturbances and wars were occasioned, both in the east and west: but still this does not make it appear that now was the time of Satan's loosing; since before this time the Papal power was at its utmost height, and the Mahometan religion had been hundreds of years in the world, and had greatly prevailed; and therefore Satan must be loosed before; and indeed it is in vain to seek after the expiration of these years, and the loosing of Satan, when as yet the years are not begun, nor has Satan been bound, as has been shown on Rev 20:2 but however, when they will be ended, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison; during the thousand years he will be in a state of confinement, being bound, shut, and sealed up in the bottomless pit, which is therefore here called a prison, as is the place of damned spirits, in Pe1 3:19 but when these will be at an end; his chain will be taken off, at least will be lengthened; the seal upon him will be broken off, the bottomless pit will be opened, and he let loose; which will be done not by himself, but by him that bound him, or by divine permission.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:7-10 Satan’s all-out attempt to conquer God’s people is followed by his fiery demise. This passage has two major purposes: (1) to show God’s absolute justice, because Satan and his followers are worthy of punishment and will never change; and (2) to show the depravity of people who follow Satan. In spite of viewing the nature of Christ’s reign in the world for many years, they still flock to Satan’s standard when he is freed. These factors are the basis for the judgment at the great white throne (20:11-15). 20:7-8 When free to act (20:7), Satan still seeks to deceive. He will gather a mighty army (cp. Ezek 38–39) in a final attempt to overwhelm God’s people (Rev 20:9).