Understanding Revelation 20:2: Binding the Serpent of Old
Revelation 20:2 is a rich and evocative verse, declaring:
“And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”
For many readers, this verse raises questions: What is the binding of Satan? When does this happen? And how does this fit into God’s redemptive plan?
Let’s explore this passage together in light of the broader teaching of Scripture.
Who Is the Dragon?
Revelation 20:2 vividly describes Satan as “the dragon,” “that ancient serpent,” a title that reaches all the way back to Genesis 3. This connects Revelation to the beginning of the Bible, where the serpent deceived Adam and Eve, plunging humanity into sin and rebellion. By identifying Satan as the same serpent, John shows us that this conflict is not new—it’s the age-old battle between God and the forces of evil.
Yet, we must remember: Satan is not an equal rival to God. He is a created being, fallen and limited, entirely subject to God’s sovereign will. His power to deceive has caused great destruction, but Revelation 20 reminds us that his reign of terror is restrained.
What Does It Mean That Satan Is “Bound”?
The binding of Satan is central to understanding this verse. But what does it mean? In amillennial theology, we see this “binding” as a symbolic description of what Christ accomplished during His first coming. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus decisively defeated Satan.
Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:29:
“How can someone enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?”
Here, Jesus speaks of His mission to overcome Satan so that He might rescue sinners. Revelation 20:2 echoes this theme: Satan is bound so that the gospel can go forth unhindered to the nations (see Revelation 20:3).
This does not mean Satan is entirely inactive. The New Testament warns that he prowls like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). But his ability to deceive the nations and prevent the spread of the gospel is decisively curtailed. The “binding” is real but limited, a restriction on his power until God’s appointed time.
What Are the “Thousand Years”?
The “thousand years” in this passage is one of the most debated phrases in Scripture. In amillennialism, we understand the “thousand years” not as a literal number but as a symbolic representation of the period between Christ’s first coming and His return.
This fits the symbolic nature of Revelation, a book filled with numbers and images that point to deeper spiritual truths. The number 1,000 often represents fullness or completeness in Scripture. Here, it symbolizes the complete reign of Christ in the present age, during which the gospel advances despite Satan’s opposition.
How Does This Point Us to Christ?
Revelation 20:2 is ultimately about the victory of Jesus Christ. Satan is bound not because of human effort but because Jesus, the true King, has triumphed. Through His death on the cross, Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame (Colossians 2:15). His resurrection secured the defeat of death and the devil, ensuring that God’s kingdom will come in its fullness.
This verse should fill us with hope. Though Satan is still active in this world, his power is limited. He cannot stop the gospel from reaching every tribe, tongue, and nation. And one day, his defeat will be complete when Christ returns to judge the living and the dead.
Living in Light of the Binding
As we reflect on Revelation 20:2, let’s remember that we live in the age of gospel triumph. Satan is bound, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is going forth to the ends of the earth. This is a call to boldness in sharing the gospel and to confidence in God’s sovereign plan.
Finally, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus, the One who binds Satan, rescues sinners, and reigns as King. In Him, we have victory over sin, death, and the devil. And in Him, we have the sure hope of eternal life.
May this truth encourage your heart and deepen your love for Christ!
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