Revelation 20:3

“And cast him into the bottomless pit, etc.] Or deep, into which the devils desired they might not be sent, and which they dreaded as a torment, it may be, because a place of confinement, (<420831>Luke 8:31 <400829>Matthew 8:29) for this is called a prison, (<662007>Revelation 20:7) and is distinguished from the lake of fire, into which the devil is afterwards cast, (<662010>Revelation 20:10). And shut him up; that so he might not rove about in the air, nor go to and fro in the earth, nor walk about like a roaring lion, seeking to affright, disturb, or devour: and set a seal upon him; or upon the door of the pit, for further security, as was upon the stone at the mouth of the lion's den,…”

“shut him--A, B, Vulgate, Syriac, and ANDREAS omit "him." set a seal upon him--Greek, "over him," that is, sealed up the door of the abyss over his head. A surer seal to keep him from getting out than his seal over Jesus in the tomb of Joseph, which was burst on the resurrection morn. Satan's binding at' this juncture is not arbitrary, but is the necessary consequence of the events (Rev 19:20); just as Satan's being cast out of heaven, where he had previously been the accuser of the brethren, was the legitimate judgment which passed on him through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ (Rev 12:7-10). Satan imagined that he had overcome Christ on Golgotha, and that his power was…”

“And cast him into the bottomless pit - See the notes on Revelation 9:1. A state of peace and prosperity would exist as if Satan, the great disturber, were confined in the nether world as a prisoner. And shut him up - Closed the massive doors of the dark prison-house upon him. Compare the notes on Job 10:21-22. And set a seal upon him - Or, rather, “upon it” - ἐπάνω αὐτοῦ epanō autou. The seal was placed upon the “door” or “gate” of the prison, not because this would fasten the gate or door of itself, and make it secure, for this was secured by the key, but because it prevented intrusion, or any secret opening of it without its being known. See the Daniel 6:17 note, and Matthew 27:66…”

“And set a seal upon him - How far these expressions are to be taken literally, how far figuratively only, who can tell? That he might deceive the nations no more - One benefit only is here expressed, as resulting from the confinement of Satan. But how many and great blessings are implied! For the grand enemy being removed, the kingdom of God holds on its uninterrupted course among the nations; and the great mystery of God, so long foretold, is at length fulfilled; namely, when the beast is destroyed and Satan bound. This fulfilment approaches nearer and nearer; and contains things of the utmost importance, the knowledge of which becomes every day more distinct and easy. In the mean time it…”

“20:3 This incarceration, portrayed as the bottomless pit, is a preliminary defeat for Satan and the powers of evil. Various New Testament passages describe the effect of Christ’s work on Satan (Luke 10:17-20; Acts 10:38; 26:18; Rom 16:20; Eph 6:11; Jas 4:7; see Matt 12:24; 16:19; 18:18; John 12:31; 1 Jn 3:8). Christ’s presence with his people binds evil powers (see 2 Thes 2:7), reminding persecuted Christians that there is a future with God. • so Satan could not deceive: Deception is the trademark of the devil, who is a liar (see John 8:44; 1 Jn 3:8); no liar will enter heaven (Rev 21:8, 27; 22:15). The faithful believers who experience Christ’s reign will not be deceived. • The little while…”

“cast: Rev 20:1, Rev 17:8 and set: Dan 6:17; Mat 27:66 should deceive: Rev 20:8, Rev 12:9, Rev 13:14, Rev 16:14-16, Rev 17:2; Mat 24:24; Co2 11:3, Co2 11:13-15; Th2 2:9-11 the thousand: Psa 90:4; Pe2 3:8 and after: Rev 20:7-10 Revelation 20:4”