Revelation 20

1 the bottomless pit (the abyss). See ix. 1, and note.

2 the dragon, etc. See xii. 3, 9. Satan is called the “old serpent” because in that form he deceived Eve: see Gen. iii. 1.

a thousand years. The phrase “a thousand years” is taken by some to mean a precise and definite period; but more probably, in accordance with the symbolical character of the book, it is a general designation of an indefinitely long time; as in 2 Pet. iii. 8, etc. Cp. Psa. xc. 4.

3 and set a seal upon him. See Dan. vi. 17; Matt. xxvii. 66, and notes.

4. And I saw thrones, etc. Cp. Dan. vii. 9; Matt. xix. 28; 1 Cor. vi. 2, 3, and notes.

the souls. Cp. vi. 9. The souls (disembodied) of the slain were then “under the altar,” now they are on thrones. The spirits of the martyrs, and of all faithful adherents to the truth, are among the supreme forces of the world: 2 Tim. ii. 12; 1 Cor. vi. 2; Matt. xix. 28, etc.

and which had not worshipped the beast, etc. Lit., “and such as did not worship (or pay homage to) the beast and his image.” All these are here said to live and reign with Christ the thousand years.

5. This is the first resurrection. The “clearly spiritual and not corporeal” (Sueis).

7 his prison. The abyss, vers. 1, 3: cp. 2 Pet. ii. 4. As during our Lord’s life on earth an unusual manifestation of Satan’s power seems to have been permitted, especially in the form of demoniacal possession of men; so it seems to be designed that his whole power shall be let loose before the final consummation; in order that his total defeat may be the more decisive.

8 shall go out to deceive the nations, etc. Respecting “God and Magog,” see Gen. x. 2-5; Ezek. xxxviii. 2, and note. “In the vision of Ezekiel, Gog of the land of Magog, and his confederates, come up against the Holy Land and people; but they are slaughtered with immense destruction, and Israel is troubled no more (Ezek. xxxviii., xxxix.). John, under imagery similar to that of Ezekiel, describes the third and last great effort of the enemies of the Church to destroy her.”

of the earth. Or, “of the land.” The scene of the battle is laid in Palestine: see xvi. 16, and note. And accordingly the object of attack is represented as Jerusalem, “the beloved city” (Psa. lxxviii. 68).

9 fire came down from God, etc. As is also predicted in Ezek. xxxviii. 22.

10 the lake. See note on xix. 20.

11 from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. A complete passing of the world as it was.

12 [the] books were opened. See Dan. vii. 9, 10, and notes. Respecting the “book of life,” see note on iii. 5. The books of death are many; the book of life is one. The record of men’s works brings condemnation to all; there is one only way of salvation.

according to their works. Cp. Luke xii. 47, 48; 2 Cor. v. 10.

13 hell. Rather, “Hades,” i.e., the state of the departed during the separation of soul and body. Hades, together with death, is represented as giving up its subjects at the bidding of Him who has the keys of death and of Hades: see i. 18.