Charles Ellicott Commentary Revelation 20:7

"And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison," — Revelation 20:7 (ASV)

THE LOOSING OF SATAN AND HIS FINAL OVERTHROW.

And when the thousand years are expired.—Rather, And when the thousand years have been finished. The binding of Satan implied restraint placed on his power and freedom of action; the loosing means the removal of these restraints.

The reign of Christ with His saints has been a witness to the power of our Master over the wicked one. This witness has also been an opportunity for the world. It was the earthly approximation to the ideal picture. It testified how completely all power in heaven and in earth was given to Christ, and how there lay, therefore, within the reach of people the power of Him who would tread down their true enemies, and turn His hand against their adversaries (Psalms 81:13–14).

But the time of opportunity must end. O that Israel would have hearkened, is a cry that might have its counterpart over the history of earth’s lost opportunities. Christendom is planted in the world to be a framework of regenerating power to humankind, just as the Law and its adjuncts were designed to be in Israel. But, as there the old idolatrous influences broke in upon the rule of God’s covenant, so here we find the vision picturing to us how Christendom will be invaded by the influences of the evil one, when humankind has let slip this splendid opportunity of a truly golden age.