The Old Testament background of the 1,000 years in Revelation 20:2-7

In the eschatological setting of Isaiah 24:21-23, the LORD will judge the host of heaven and the kings of the earth “after many days” (וּמֵרֹב יָמִים) (Isa 24:22). The phrase rov yamim (“multitude of days”) in Isaiah 24:22 corresponds to the “thousand years” (χίλια ἔτη) in Revelation 20:2–7.

Ezekiel also describes this “multitude of days” as “many days” of peace and blessing in Ezekiel 38:8–16. “After many days” (Ezek 38:8), judgment will come upon Gog (Ezek 38:21–23) in terms similar to Isaiah 24:22 and Revelation 20:7–10 (cf. Jer 32:36–44).

The theme of the Bible

The underlying theme of the entire Bible is the glory of God (Gen 1:3; Rev 22:16) in the kingdom of God (Gen 1:26; Rev 22:16).

The original kingdom of God culminated in the fullness of the first Sabbath rest (Gen 2:1-3) but was usurped in the rebellion of Genesis 3:1-7. Ever since, God has established the biblical covenants (Noahic, Gen 9; Abrahamic, Gen 12, 15, 17; Sinai, Exod 20-24; Priestly, Num 25; Davidic, 2 Sam 7) to ensure the restoration and renewal of the original Edenic kingdom of God (Rev 21-22). The New or Renewed Covenant of Deuteronomy 30:1-9; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:22-38 is a renewal of God’s eternal covenant with the nation of Israel in the Messianic kingdom.