Revelation 20:4-6 speaks of the blessing of the first resurrection and depicts the saints ruling and reigning with Christ for a thousand years. “The figure of one thousand years is only found in Revelation 20. But it is recorded six different times in this one chapter” (Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of the Messiah, p. 369).
“The basis for the belief in the Messianic kingdom is twofold. First, there are the unfulfilled promises of the Jewish covenants, promises that can only be fulfilled in a Messianic kingdom. Second, there are the unfulfilled prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures, prophecies that speak of the coming Messiah who will reign on David’s throne and rule over a peaceful kingdom. There is a great amount of material in the Hebrew Scriptures on the Messianic kingdom, and the belief in such a kingdom rests on the basis of a literal interpretation of this massive material” (Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of the Messiah, p. 369-370).
This week, we are going to discover rich truths from a few of these millennial Scriptures.
Christ Himself will teach His Word from the Temple resulting in International Peace and the Absence of War for 1000 years.
Isaiah 2:1-4, Micah 4:1-5
Isaiah 2:1-4 and Micah 4:1-5 provide a beautiful description of the worldwide worship of God that will take place during the Millennium. These passages reveal that the topographical changes that will take place in Jerusalem at the Second Coming will result in the future Temple being built on a high mountain, high above the hills. People from all over the world will stream there to worship. Christ Himself will teach His ways from that high mountain. The people will respond in surrender to His teaching, and His Word will go forth from Jerusalem. Christ will “mediate between the nations and will settle international disputes” (Isaiah 2:4 NLT). This infers that the nations will listen to Him and “hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (Isaiah 2:4 NLT). The end of verse 4 is remarkable, “Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” There will be nothing to fear, as “Micah adds that the Millennium will be a time of personal peace and prosperity (Micah 4:4), with Israel’s total allegiance being to God (v. 5)” (Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of the Messiah, p. 378).
A Kingdom of everlasting joy and gladness
Isaiah 35:1-10
Isaiah 35:1-10 tells us the whole earth will rejoice at God’s renovation of the earth. There will be an abundance of flowers, and the desert will turn as green as lush mountains. There will be streams in the desert and a highway of holiness where only the righteous will travel. God will make all things new. The healing of the Lord will cure the blind, deaf, mute, and lame. “Streams will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland” (verse 6 NLT). “Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness” (Isaiah 35:10 NLT).
All elements of God’s creation will be at peace.
Isaiah 11:6-9
This incredible passage (Isaiah 11:6-9) speaks of the effects Christ’s rule will have on the animal kingdom. “The wolf and the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.” In the Millennial kingdom, there will be no such thing as “prey” and “predators.” All animals will be at peace with each other and man. “The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm” (verse 8). “The earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (verse 9b NASB1995).
Longevity & Fullness of Life with the Absence of Grief
Isaiah 65:17-25
“In verses 17-25, Isaiah provides some details about the new heavens and new earth. While many believe this refers to the eternal order, these new heavens and new earth are not to be confused with those of Revelation 21-22. The latter describes the new heavens and new earth of the eternal order, while the Isaiah passage describes those of the Messianic kingdom, which will actually be a renovation of the present heavens and earth. Those mentioned in Revelation are not a renovation, but a brand new order” (Fruchtenbaum, The Footsteps of the Messiah, p. 376).
This passage begins by depicting a miraculous renovation of our planet and atmospheric heavens. God’s blessing will allow for the longevity of human life, with the average lifespan being at least 100 years. Verse 20 says that “the one who dies at 100 will be thought to be a mere child; the one who fails to reach 100 will be considered accursed” (NIV). Later in the passage, Isaiah says that God’s people will live as long as trees! Some trees live to be over 1000 years old. Lifespan will be greatly enhanced, similar to pre-flood conditions. In the days of Messiah’s kingdom, people will not only live long lives but full lives with abundant provision from God Himself. They will be satisfied with the work of their hands and live in peace. God will answer their prayers before they even ask Him. Their children will be blessed. Again we see the animal kingdom living in complete peace.
Imagine being born in the Millennium! Fruchtenbaum says, “When the kingdom begins, all people, both Jews and Gentiles, will be believers.” He goes on to say, “In the process of time, there will be birth in the kingdom of both Jews and Gentiles. these newly born individuals will continue to inherit the sin nature from their natural parents and will also need regeneration. Although Satan is confined and temptation is thus reduced, the sin nature is quite capable of rebelling against God apart from satanic activity. In time, there will be unsaved people living in the kingdom, and they need regeneration. As in the past, the means of salvation will be by grace through faith, and the content of faith will be the death of Messiah for sin and His subsequent resurrection” (Footsteps of the Messiah, p. 376-377).
A Kingdom of Perpetual Light
Isaiah 60:18-22
God’s Shekinah glory will illuminate the city of Jerusalem. This is fascinating as Isaiah 30:26 speaks of the moon being as bright as the sun and the sun being 7 times brighter, “like the light of seven days.” We cannot comprehend what this will be like, but the glory and healing power of this light will be awesome to behold.
A Time of Rest and Continuous Revival for the Remnant of Israel
Jeremiah 31:34-40
I love this passage so much because again we see that our God is a covenant-keeping God! He will keep His promises to Israel! What a glorious day this will be. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will put His instructions deep within the hearts of all Israel. “And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know Me already, says the LORD. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins” (Jer. 31:34 NLT).
Kingdom Agriculture will be Abundant and Bountiful
Amos 9:11-15, Isaiah 30:23-25
Amos 9:11-15 speaks of the eternality of Israel’s restoration. Kingdom agriculture will be plentiful. “The grain and grapes will grow faster than they can be harvested” (Amos 9:13 NLT). There seems to be an emphasis on the rebuilding of Israel’s “ruined cities,” where they will live and “plant vineyards and gardens.” Isaiah 30:23-25 says that the LORD will bless Israel with “rain at planting time. There will be wonderful harvests and plenty of livestock” (Is. 30:23 NLT).
The Millennial River
Zechariah 14:8-9
Zechariah 14:1-9 describes the topographical changes in and around Jerusalem at the return of Christ. There will be a millennial river filled with life-giving waters flowing out of Jerusalem continuously in both summer and winter. “And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one LORD – His name alone will be worshiped” (v. 9).
Wow, these passages are amazing, aren’t they? I feel I barely scratched the surface as there are many more passages not covered here that depict the Messianic kingdom. We will continue to discover more Scripture and study additional aspects of this glorious future kingdom over the next 10 weeks.
Week 3 Homework Reflections:
This week, take some time to read each of the passages mentioned above. If you have time, write in your journal everything you learn about the Millennial Kingdom from each passage. Although most of these passages deal directly with Israel, we can still learn so much about the Millennial Kingdom in general. As saints and children of God, we will be part of this kingdom one day and will once again walk on the earth, but this time with glorified bodies!
Simply Persuaded 