Revelation 20:9

KJV

And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they went up {G305} on {G1909} the breadth {G4114} of the earth {G1093}, and {G2532} compassed {G2944} the camp {G3925} of the saints {G40} about {G2944}, and {G2532} the beloved {G25} city {G4172}: and {G2532} fire {G4442} came down {G2597} from {G575} God {G2316} out of {G1537} heaven {G3772}, and {G2532} devoured {G2719} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and they came up over the breadth of the Land and surrounded the camp of God’s people and the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.

Berean Standard Bible

And they marched across the broad expanse of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and consumed them.

American Standard Version

And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 20:9 vividly depicts the climactic and decisive end of Satan's final rebellion against God and His people following the thousand-year reign of Christ, often referred to as the Millennium. Despite a period of unparalleled peace and divine rule, evil is given one last opportunity to manifest its inherent opposition to God, only to be met with an immediate, overwhelming, and supernatural judgment that utterly consumes the forces arrayed against the divine kingdom and the "beloved city." This passage underscores God's absolute sovereignty and the ultimate futility of all rebellion against Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a crucial turning point in the eschatological narrative of Revelation. It immediately follows the release of Satan from his thousand-year imprisonment in the bottomless pit, as detailed in [Revelation 20:7](/revelation/20-7 "Revelation 20:7 - Satan's Release"). Upon his release, Satan immediately goes out "to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle" ([Revelation 20:8](/revelation/20-8 "Revelation 20:8 - Gathering for Battle")). This final, audacious assault on the "camp of the saints" and "beloved city" (Jerusalem) is presented as the ultimate, definitive test of humanity's allegiance, even after a millennium of direct divine rule. Verse 9 then describes the swift and final divine response, leading directly into the eternal judgment of Satan and his followers in [Revelation 20:10](/revelation/20-10 "Revelation 20:10 - Satan's Final Doom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "Gog and Magog" in [Revelation 20:8](/revelation/20-8 "Revelation 20:8 - The Nations of Gog and Magog") draws directly from the prophecies in [Ezekiel 38-39](/ezekiel/38 "Ezekiel 38-39 - Prophecy Against Gog"), where these names symbolize the ultimate enemies of God's people, representing a vast, hostile coalition from the ends of the earth. While some interpret this literally, in Revelation, it functions more as a symbolic representation of all nations opposed to God. The concept of "compassing" or besieging a city was a common military tactic in the ancient world, signifying a complete encirclement with the intent to conquer. However, in this context, the siege is divinely interrupted before it can even begin to pose a threat. The "beloved city" refers to Jerusalem, a city with profound theological and historical significance to both Jews and Christians, often called "the city of God" or "the holy city" throughout scripture, emphasizing its special status in God's plan.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 20:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Revelation and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Futility of Rebellion** against God; even a vast, globally assembled army is utterly powerless against divine intervention. This highlights God's **Absolute Sovereignty** and unchallengeable power, demonstrating that no force, no matter how great, can ultimately thwart His purposes or overcome His kingdom. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Protection for the Saints**; the "camp of the saints" and "beloved city" are not left to their own defenses but are divinely safeguarded. God's intervention is immediate and decisive, showcasing His unwavering commitment to His people. Finally, the swift and immediate destruction by "fire came down from God out of heaven" signifies **Swift and Final Judgment**, leaving no room for prolonged conflict or further deception, thereby cementing the ultimate triumph of good over evil, a theme prevalent throughout [Revelation](/revelation/1 "The Revelation of Jesus Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **compassed (Greek, _kyklóō'_):** Derived from the word for "circle," this verb means "to encircle, to surround." In military contexts, it denotes a siege or blockade. Here, it emphasizes the complete encirclement of the "camp of the saints" and the "beloved city," indicating a full-scale assault. However, the immediate divine intervention means the encirclement is merely a prelude to their own destruction, never allowing the siege to truly commence.
* **beloved (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This word signifies a deep, unconditional love, often used to describe God's love for humanity or Christ's love for the church. Applied to "the city," it highlights Jerusalem's unique and cherished status in God's eyes. It is not merely a geographical location but a place divinely chosen and protected, reflecting God's profound affection and covenant faithfulness towards it and its inhabitants, the saints.
* **devoured (Greek, _katesthíō'_):** This verb means "to eat down, to consume entirely, to devour." It implies a complete and destructive consumption, leaving nothing behind. In this context, it vividly portrays the utter annihilation of the rebellious forces by divine fire, emphasizing the totality and finality of God's judgment. There is no escape, no remnants, only complete destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they went up on the breadth of the earth":** This clause describes the global scope of the final rebellion. "They" refers to the nations deceived by Satan, gathered from "the four quarters of the earth" as mentioned in [Revelation 20:8](/revelation/20-8 "Revelation 20:8 - The Gathering of Nations"). "Breadth of the earth" emphasizes that this is a worldwide mobilization, indicating the vastness and universality of the forces arrayed against God's kingdom, signifying the culmination of all human rebellion.
* **"and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city":** This details the objective of the gathered forces: to besiege and conquer God's people and His dwelling place. The "camp of the saints" refers to the faithful, likely those who have survived the tribulation and entered the millennial reign, residing with Christ in Jerusalem. The "beloved city" is unequivocally Jerusalem, the earthly capital of Christ's millennial kingdom, which holds a special place in God's heart and plan. The encirclement signifies the ultimate, concentrated assault of evil against divine righteousness.
* **"and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.":** This is the swift, decisive, and supernatural climax. Before the encircling armies can even launch their attack, divine judgment is unleashed. "Fire from God out of heaven" is a clear sign of direct, miraculous intervention, reminiscent of Old Testament judgments. This fire completely "devoured" the rebellious forces, signifying their instantaneous and utter annihilation, leaving no survivors and no possibility of further threat. This act underscores God's absolute power and the futility of any opposition to His will.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 20:9 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "fire from God out of heaven" symbolizing divine wrath, judgment, and purification, echoing similar imagery throughout biblical history (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah). The "camp of the saints" and "beloved city" are also symbolic, representing God's protected people and His chosen dwelling place, embodying the spiritual and physical locus of His kingdom. The rapid sequence of events—encirclement followed by immediate destruction—creates a sense of **Dramatic Irony**; the vast, globally assembled forces believe they are on the verge of victory, yet their very act of aggression triggers their instantaneous demise. The description of "devoured them" uses vivid **Imagery** to emphasize the totality and finality of the judgment, leaving no doubt about the overwhelming power of God's intervention. Furthermore, the passage functions as a **Climax** to the narrative of Satan's final rebellion, providing a definitive resolution to the conflict between good and evil before the ultimate eternal state is established.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:9 serves as a profound theological statement on God's ultimate sovereignty and the inevitable triumph of His kingdom. It demonstrates that evil, no matter how widespread or organized, possesses no true power against the divine will. The immediate and overwhelming destruction of the rebellious forces by fire from heaven underscores that God's justice is swift, absolute, and requires no human assistance. This passage reinforces the biblical truth that God is the ultimate protector of His people, and His plans cannot be thwarted. It speaks to the futility of human rebellion and the certainty of divine judgment for all who persist in opposing God. Ultimately, it provides assurance that the forces of darkness will be utterly vanquished, paving the way for the eternal reign of righteousness.

* [Genesis 19:24](/genesis/19-24 "Genesis 19:24 - Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah")
* [Ezekiel 38:22](/ezekiel/38-22 "Ezekiel 38:22 - God's Judgment on Gog")
* [2 Thessalonians 1:7-8](/2_thessalonians/1-7-8 "2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 - Vengeance on the Disobedient")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 20:9 offers profound assurance and a sobering warning. For believers, it is a powerful reminder that God's ultimate victory is not merely a hope but a certainty. No matter how overwhelming the forces of evil may appear in our world, or how dire circumstances may seem, God's sovereignty remains absolute, and His protection over His people is unwavering. This truth should instill deep peace and confidence, enabling us to persevere through trials and opposition, knowing that our ultimate security rests in His mighty hands. It encourages us to trust in His perfect timing and His just judgments, even when we cannot fully comprehend them. For those who resist God, this verse serves as a stark warning of the inevitable and inescapable consequences of rebellion. It calls for repentance and submission to Christ's reign, for there will be no escape from divine judgment for those who ultimately reject His authority and grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment in this verse impact your understanding of His power and justice?**
* **In what ways does this passage offer comfort and assurance to believers facing opposition or uncertainty today?**
* **What does the futility of Satan's final rebellion teach us about the ultimate outcome of all evil and human resistance to God?**
* **How should the concept of the "beloved city" and the "camp of the saints" shape our understanding of God's care for His people?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" that went up on the breadth of the earth?**

Answer: "They" refers to the nations of the world, specifically those who have been deceived by Satan after his release from the bottomless pit at the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ. As stated in [Revelation 20:8](/revelation/20-8 "Revelation 20:8 - Gog and Magog"), Satan "shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle." These are individuals who, despite experiencing a millennium of Christ's righteous rule, still harbor rebellion in their hearts and choose to follow Satan in one final, futile assault against God and His people.

**What is "the beloved city"?**

Answer: "The beloved city" is a clear reference to Jerusalem. Throughout biblical history, Jerusalem has been uniquely cherished by God, often referred to as "the holy city" or "the city of God." In the context of Revelation 20, it is understood to be the earthly capital of Christ's millennial kingdom, where He reigns directly. Its designation as "beloved" emphasizes its special status in God's plan and His unwavering protective care over it and its inhabitants, the saints. This is consistent with its significance in passages like [Psalm 87:2](/psalms/87-2 "Psalm 87:2 - The Lord Loves the Gates of Zion") and [Isaiah 60:14](/isaiah/60-14 "Isaiah 60:14 - Zion, the City of the Lord").

**Why is Satan allowed one final rebellion after the Millennium?**

Answer: The allowance for Satan's final rebellion, as described in [Revelation 20:7-9](/revelation/20-7-9 "Revelation 20:7-9 - Satan's Final Rebellion and Defeat"), serves several theological purposes. It conclusively demonstrates that even a perfect environment under Christ's direct rule cannot change a heart set on rebellion. It proves that human sinfulness is not merely a product of environment or temptation but originates from a deeper, inherent rejection of God's authority. This final test reveals the true allegiance of all humanity, distinguishing those who genuinely love God from those whose obedience was merely circumstantial. It also serves to fully expose the utter depravity and futility of evil, leading to its final, irreversible judgment, thereby vindicating God's justice and righteousness before all creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:9, though depicting a future judgment, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "fire from God out of heaven" that devours the rebellious forces is a manifestation of divine justice and power, attributes perfectly embodied in Christ. He is the one who, in His first coming, disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). His atoning sacrifice on Calvary was the decisive blow against sin and death, guaranteeing the ultimate defeat of Satan and all his works. This future judgment in Revelation 20:9 is merely the final, public execution of a victory already secured by Christ's redemptive work. Furthermore, the "camp of the saints" and the "beloved city" are protected because they are united with Christ, who is the Head of the Church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")) and the King of kings ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). His second coming will usher in this perfect reign, and His presence is the ultimate defense against all evil. Thus, the swift and total annihilation of the enemy forces in Revelation 20:9 is a powerful testament to the absolute and unchallengeable authority of the resurrected Christ, who will ultimately cast every enemy under His feet and establish His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells ([1 Corinthians 15:25-28](/1_corinthians/15-25-28 "1 Corinthians 15:25-28 - Christ's Reign Until All Enemies are Under His Feet")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 38:16

And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.

Ezekiel 39:6

And I will send a fire on Magog, and among them that dwell carelessly in the isles: and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Ezekiel 38:22

And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that [are] with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.

Ezekiel 38:9

Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.

Psalms 106:18

And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.

2 Thessalonians 1:8

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Psalms 97:3

A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.