Rev 20:8-9 | RWP | e4.org | To deceive the nations ( πλανησα τα εθνη ). First aorist active infinitive of purpose of πλαναω , Satan's chief task (chapters 12 to 18, in particular ; ; ; , ). Which are in the four corners of the earth ( τα εν ταις τεσσαρσ γωνιαις της γης ). Clearly the reign with Christ, if on earth, was not shared in by all on earth, for Satan finds a large and ready following on his release. See ( ) for "the four corners of the earth." Gog and Magog ( τον Γωγ κα Μαγωγ ). Accusative in explanatory apposition with τα εθνη (the nations). Magog is first mentioned in . The reference here seems to be , where both are mentioned. Josephus ( Ant . I. 6. 1) identifies Magog with the Scythians, with Gog as their prince. In the rabbinical writings Gog and Magog appear as the enemies of the Messiah. Some early Christian writers thought of the Goths and Huns, but Augustine refuses to narrow the imagery and sees only the final protest of the world against Christianity. To gather them together to the war ( συναγαγειν αυτους εις τον πολεμον ). Second aorist active infinitive of purpose of συναγω , a congenial task for Satan after his confinement. See for this very phrase and also ; . Of whom ( ων--αυτων ). Pleonasm or redundant pronoun as in and often (of whom--of them). As the sand of the sea ( ως η αμμος της θαλασσης ). Already in . Clearly then the millennium, whatever it is, does not mean a period when Satan has no following on earth, for this vast host rallies at once to his standard.

‏ Revelation of John 20:8-9

To deceive the nations ( πλανησα τα εθνη ). First aorist active infinitive of purpose of πλαναω, Satan's chief task (chapters 12 to 18, in particular 12:9; 13:14; 19:20; 20:3, 10).

Which are in the four corners of the earth ( τα εν ταις τεσσαρσ γωνιαις της γης ). Clearly the reign with Christ, if on earth, was not shared in by all on earth, for Satan finds a large and ready following on his release. See 7:1 (Isa 11:12) for "the four corners of the earth."

Gog and Magog ( τον Γωγ κα Μαγωγ ). Accusative in explanatory apposition with τα εθνη (the nations). Magog is first mentioned in Ge 10:2. The reference here seems to be Eze 38:2, where both are mentioned. Josephus (Ant. I. 6. 1) identifies Magog with the Scythians, with Gog as their prince. In the rabbinical writings Gog and Magog appear as the enemies of the Messiah. Some early Christian writers thought of the Goths and Huns, but Augustine refuses to narrow the imagery and sees only the final protest of the world against Christianity.

To gather them together to the war ( συναγαγειν αυτους εις τον πολεμον ). Second aorist active infinitive of purpose of συναγω, a congenial task for Satan after his confinement. See 16:14 for this very phrase and also 17:14; 19:19.

Of whom ( ων--αυτων ). Pleonasm or redundant pronoun as in 3:8 and often (of whom--of them).

As the sand of the sea ( ως η αμμος της θαλασσης ). Already in 12:18. Clearly then the millennium, whatever it is, does not mean a period when Satan has no following on earth, for this vast host rallies at once to his standard.

They went up ( ανεβησαν ). Second aorist active indicative of αναβαινω, a return to the manner of the seer as in verses 4, 5.

Over the breadth of the earth ( επ το πλατος της γης ). Πλατος is old word, in N.T. only here, 21:16; Eph 3:18. The hosts of Satan spread over the earth.

Compassed ( εκυκλευσαν ). First aorist (prophetic) active indicative of κυκλευω, to encircle, late verb (Strabo) from κυκλος (circle), in N.T. only here and margin in Joh 10:24 (for εκυκλωσαν from κυκλοω ).

The camp of the saints ( την παρεμβολην των αγιων ). Παρεμβολη ( παρα, εν, βαλλω ) is common late word for military camp, in LXX for the Israelites in the desert (Ex 29:14, etc.), in N.T. for Roman barracks (Ac 24:34, 37) and for an army in line of battle (Heb 11:34; Re 20:9).

The beloved city ( την πολιν την ηγαπημενην ). Perfect passive participle of αγαπαω, "the city the beloved." See Ps 78:68; 87:2 for Jerusalem so described. So Charles takes it here, but Swete holds it to be "the Church the New Zion" that is meant.

And fire came down out of heaven ( κα κατεβη πυρ εκ του ουρανου ). Second aorist (prophetic) active indicative of καταβαινω. Cf. Ge 19:24; 39:6; Eze 38:22; 2Ki 1:10, 12; Lu 9:54 (about John).

Devoured them ( κατεφαγεν αυτους ). Second aorist (prophetic) active of κατεσθιω, to eat up (down). Vivid climax to this last great battle with Satan.