As we study this passage of Scripture in Revelation 20, I think it would be
wise to notice what this passage does NOT say, before proceeding to study what
it DOES say. Please read Revelation 20:1-10 very carefully before reading
further here, and keep your Bible open to that passage. This is the only
passage in the Bible where this expression “a thousand years” is found (that
is, relating to this period of time). Here are some interesting things about
this passage, some of which have been pointed out by other writers:
This passage says NOTHING about the second coming of Christ.
It says NOTHING about bodies, let alone resurrected bodies; these are souls,
the Bible says. (This is not the word “souls” as just representing people, but
actual souls “OF THEM”, that is, souls OF the people who had died).
It says NOTHING about a rule or reign or throne or thrones on the earth.
It says NOTHING about anyone reigning on the earth, not Christ nor anyone else.
It says NOTHING about a literal throne of David.
It says NOTHING about Jerusalem or Palestine.
It says NOTHING about Christ on earth.
It says NOTHING about a restored Jewish kingdom on earth.
It says NOTHING about Israel.
It says NOTHING about righteousness prevailing on the earth.
It says NOTHING about peace and prosperity prevailing on the earth.
It says NOTHING about a regathering of the Jews in the land.
It says NOTHING about a Temple nor restored Jewish sacrifices.
It says NOTHING about the Jews all being converted, nor the world converted.
It says NOTHING about the land of Palestine being made fertile and blessed with
physical abundance of everything.
In view of the fact that these things are not mentioned in this passage, we
ought to be very cautious about adding these and other things to this period of
time when God Himself did not inspire John to put them there. I am sure that
what God is interested in our seeing is the picture as He presented it to us in
these verses. We need to dwell mainly on these verses to find out, then, what
takes place during this period of time.
Let me just mention at this point that also in NONE of the prophecies of Jesus
which related to His second coming, is there any reference to a “millennium”,
nor a restored Jewish nation, a restored Temple, Jewish worship, sin offering
sacrifices, etc. NOT ONE!
John Bray