Access to the Records.
Chapter 20 is not in Chronological order. It moves around a bit, but it will come together when we are finished. It moves around because it is part of a chiasm that began in Chapter 19. It is the second last chiasm of the book. If you want to explore the complexity of this chiasm here is a link to an Andrews University study by Ed Christian: https://www.andrews.edu/library/car/cardigital/Periodicals/AUSS/1999-2/1999-2-04.pdf
Jeremiah’s picture of this time is a desolate earth (Jer 4:23-26.) The 1,000 years (or millennium) begin with the second coming of Christ. At this time, Satan and his fallen angels are chained. The chaining of Satan is symbolic because spiritual beings cannot be physically bound. Satan is bound by circumstances. The plagues have desolated the earth and killed off its evil inhabitants, bringing it into a chaotic condition resembling the earth before Creation (Gen.1:2). In such a state, the earth functions as Satan’s prison during the millennium. Because there are no human beings to tempt and harm, all Satan and his demonic associates can do is contemplate the consequences of their rebellion against God.
Revelation shows that God’s people will spend the millennium in the heavenly places that Christ prepared for them (John.14:1-3). John metaphorically sees them sitting on thrones as kings and priests, judging the world. Jesus promised the disciples that they would “sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt.19:28). Paul stated that the saints would judge the world and the fallen angels (1Cor.6:2-3).
This judgment by the people of God pictured in v4 is the one Paul refers to in 1 Cor 6:2-3. It concerns the fairness of God’s actions.
Throughout history, Satan has raised doubts concerning God’s character and His dealings with the beings He created.
During the millennium, God allows the redeemed to access the records of history in order to find answers to all questions concerning the fairness of His decisions regarding those who were lost, as well as questions dealing with His leading in their own lives. At the conclusion of the millennium, all questions regarding God’s justice are forever settled. God’s people are able to see beyond a shadow of a doubt that Satan’s accusations were unfounded. They are now ready to witness the administration of God’s justice at the final judgment of the lost.
Who among us doesn’t have questions, hard questions, that for now seem to have no answers? What does it tell us about the character of God that, one day, He will give us the answers?
In Revelation 20:1-3 satan (meaning slanderer) is bound into the pit or abyss. This language is echoing Isaiah 14:12-16. In Revelation 9:1-3, the fallen star – satan – is given the key to the abyss, and upon opening it, all sorts of evil is released. In Revelation 20:1-3, the situation is reversed: satan is confined to the abyss by a powerful angel with the specified intention of preventing any more of his deceptions.
But then in v3 this arch-deceiver is set free. God’s character of love demands that he must be released, for God is the God of liberty. He never achieves victory by crimping the freedom of others, and in releasing satan, He destroys the devil’s argument that God is tyrannical. Satan is free but standing alone, as the vile agents the beast and false prophet have been destroyed. His true character is revealed, without manipulation as evil.
Satan is bound for 1000 years, a time span given emphasis by a significant six-fold repetition (vs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) As the number 6 always represents the devil’s kingdom, or salvation by works, it raises the question as to whether the 1000yrs is literal or symbolic. Nothing else in this chapter appears to be literal, and as we have seen, numbers play an important role in Revelation. One thousand is 10 x 10 x 10. Ten represents completion; 3 represents unity. One thousand therefore represents unbreakable completion. So while there may be debate about the literal or symbolic nature of the millennium, the intent is clear: satan and all his followers are overthrown in what is pictured as a decisive confrontation between the powers of evil and God. Revelation has foreshadowed this perfect ending many times already, but now it comes to full fruition.