Revelation 20:7

When Satan is free to act (Revelation 20:7), he still tries to deceive. He will gather a large army (compare Ezekiel 38–39) in a final attempt to defeat God's people (Revelation 20:9).

Satan's attempt to defeat God's people ends with his fiery destruction. This passage has two main purposes:

1. to demonstrate God's complete justice, as Satan and his followers deserve punishment and will not change; and

2. to highlight the corruption of those who follow Satan. Even after witnessing Christ's rule for many years, they still join Satan when he is released.

These reasons form the basis for the judgment at the great white throne (Revelation 20:11–15).

This passage has three parts:

• the binding of Satan (Revelation 20:1–3),

• the reign of God’s holy people (Revelation 20:4–6), and

• Satan's release for a final battle attempt (Revelation 20:7–10).

Four themes emerge:

1. Satan's war is pointless—he cannot resist even an angel;

2. God’s holy people will be justified and honored;

3. God will achieve the final victory; and

4. even when sinful people experience Christ’s good purposes, they still follow Satan when he gains some freedom to act.

The drama reaches its peak: God's enemies face defeat and punishment in two episodes (Revelation 19:11–21; 20:7–10). Meanwhile, the faithful enjoy a 1,000-year resurrection (Revelation 20:1–6) followed by the final judgment (20:11–15).