Revelation 20:1-3

The Binding of Satan

One of God's angelic messengers is portrayed as being sent down from heaven with a key to the abyss. In the New Testament, “abyss” is particularly used of the abode of demons and their leader, Satan (Luke 8:31; Revelation 9:1-2; Revelation 9:11; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:1; Revelation 20:3). The key represents power over Satan (compare Revelation 1:18). The great chain is literally "upon the hand" (A.S.V. margin) of Satan and may be the same as the little book of Revelation 10:2, which was also in, or upon, the hand of an angel.

Satan is again described as the dragon because he is ferocious; the old serpent, because he was the deceiver of Eden; the Devil, because he is man's accuser or slanderer; and Satan, because he is man's adversary (Revelation 12:9). Satan had to be restrained for men to be able to enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 12:24-30; Colossians 2:15). The only way for man to overcome the fear of death and the bondage of sin was through Christ's resurrection (Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 1:18). One thousand is a multiple of 10, thus a perfect number standing for a complete period of time. Notice, Satan is still able to work (1 Peter 5:8), but he cannot tempt the Christian without God making a way to escape nor can he hold the Christian in bondage to death. Satan was cast into the abyss and restrained from doing the work he desired to do. He will be loosed for a little time, which Shelly says is a loosing for judgment (Revelation 20:1-3).