Introduction
A.M. 4100. A.D. 96.
In this chapter we have,
(1,) The binding or restraining of Satan for one thousand years, during which the gospel greatly prevails, and the church of Christ flourishes exceedingly, Revelation 20:1-6 .
(2,) Satan, being loosed for a little season from his restraint, deceives the nations, and unites them in a furious, but the last, attempt to destroy the church. They are, however, disappointed in their expectations, and are miserably and irretrievably overthrown, Revelation 20:7-10 .
(3,) Hereupon Christ appears to the last judgment, and having gathered before him the quick and the dead, as from opened books of account he judges the world with infinite exactness, and, after passing a righteous sentence upon all, shuts up devils, and impenitent, unbelieving sinners, in hell, to be tormented for ever, Revelation 20:11-15 .
This chapter represents a new state of the church, upon its deliverance from the persecution and corruption of the third period, during the reign of the two beasts, or the twelve hundred and sixty prophetic days or years. That long state of oppression is to be followed by a long continuance of peace and prosperity. A fourth period is described, which, among other characters, is to last for one thousand years. The first two periods ended in a deliverance of the church; but those deliverances were of short continuance, and attended with considerable defects; but now, after the church shall have passed through this third trial of faith and patience, it is to attain a state of very great prosperity, and to remain in it for a considerable length of time. This is that happy state of the church which, from the continuation of it for one thousand years, is usually called the millennium, a term famous in the church. The description, however, which we have of it in this chapter is very short, being all contained in the first six verses. But interpreters have abundantly supplied what they thought wanting in the prophetical account; out of their own invention it is to be feared, rather than from sure and well-grounded principles of judgment. No wonder, then, that they have differed so much about the true meaning of a prophecy, in which they have mixed so many of their own imaginations. Let us then carefully endeavour to distinguish what the spirit of prophecy plainly intends, from what uncertain conjectures or doubtful reasonings may suggest to our minds, that we may obtain a more distinct and satisfactory account. Lowman.
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