The Scriptures mention four kingdoms: 1) the kingdom that was to be established in the land of Israel; 2) the kingdom that will be established during a thousand‑year period; 3) the heavenly kingdom; and 4) the kingdom that will be established in the hearts of people. If these are not distinguished clearly, it becomes complicated and difficult to understand. Therefore, there is a need to explain them one by one.

II The Kingdom to Be Established in the Millennium

hough Israelite leaders did not wish to confer upon Him the kingship during His first coming, Jesus will return triumphantly as King, anointed by the Father on His second advent. While many aspects of royal rule are described in the Old Testament, let us examine what is written concerning this theme in Isaiah.

Isaiah

Chapter 2:1-4

1 This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established  as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

The last days refer to the time when the Lord's temple will be established.

The Lord's Temple refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. Today, a mosque stands on that site; it was built by Muslims between AD 685 and 692 and remains standing today. One of the primary aspirations of the Israelites is for the Temple to be rebuilt.

The mountain where the Lord's temple will be established refers to Mount Moriah, which Abraham ascended to offer his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1)

The highest mountains and the hills do not refer to actual physical mountains but to rulers who govern nations. These highest mountains and hills represent kings of various nations.

The mountain where the Lord's temple will be established, raised above the great mountains and small hills, means that God will exalt the ruler over Israel above all other kings in the last days. This time refers to when Jesus, the King of Judah, descends from heaven.

All peoples will gather on this mountain. The kings of various nations will come to Jerusalem to meet with the King, Jesus.

3. Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law.

Many people refer to various nations. They will be encouraged one by one to go to the city of Jerusalem, which is the mountain of the Lord.

He will teach us His ways and we will walk in His paths. These other nations will come to receive instruction from Jesus Christ. At this time, although they do not currently pay attention to or love Jesus Christ, they will be drawn by His guidance and follow Him. This time refers to when He reigns for a thousand years.

4. He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning [a]hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.

This passage refers to Jesus Christ. It declares that He will judge among the nations, transforming their weapons into tools for peace: turning swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks. At this time, there will be no more wars between nations because Jesus, the Lord of peace, will reign over the world. Humanity will live in peace and security. Although we currently hear about countries gathering armies, developing new weapons, and waging war daily, during that thousand-year reign, people will no longer need to learn how to fight; everyone will be free to move and live without fear of violence or persecution. While Scripture does not explicitly mention it, the absence of sinners implies that law enforcement agencies such as police will also be unnecessary.

Isaiah

Chapter 9

6. For to us a Child will be born. To us a Son will be given. And the rule of the nations will be on His shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Teacher, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.

This passage is most commonly read and preached during Christmas season; however, only the first verse pertains to Christ's birth, while the remaining verses concern His thousand-year reign. When Jesus initially came in the flesh, He held no political office or governmental authority. Conversely, upon His return as King for the second time, this prophecy will be fully realized. It reveals four titles by which He will be known: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names reflect the glory and divine attributes of God. In contrast to seeking Jesus today, humanity often seeks human counsel. Although Jesus performed miracles during His earthly ministry, critics accused Him of relying on the power of Beelzebub (Matthew 9:34; Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15). Though Jesus is also the Everlasting Father, He was not accepted by them at that time. The current lack of world peace exists because the Prince of Peace does not yet reign. All aforementioned prophecies will be completely fulfilled during the millennium.

7. There will be no end to His rule and His peace, upon the throne of David and over his nation. He will build it to last and keep it strong with what is right and fair and good from that time and forever. The work of the Lord of All will do this.

During His thousand-year reign, Jesus Christ will sit upon the throne of David and govern the entire world with perfect justice and truth. Although there is no peace in the world today, Jesus will bring enduring peace from the start of His millennium until eternity. We should eagerly anticipate this era, yet many still cling to this present, strife-torn world.

Isaiah
Chapter 11

1. A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;  from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

Jesse was David's father. The stump of Jesse refers to the fact that the royal line of David had ceased to flourish after King Zedekiah of Babylon was captured in 585 B.C. When it is said that the "shoot" will come up again from the stump of Jesse, it refers to the Lord Jesus being born from the lineage of David. In some Bible, the word "shoot" is used to mean a branch. Usually, fruits grow on branches. Trees such as pineapples, durians, coconut trees, and banana plants bear fruit on their branches.

When the Lord Jesus reigns, what kind of fruits will be produced? The fruits will include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In addition, righteousness and faithfulness will also bear fruit.

2. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—

When the Lord Jesus reigns in this world, the Spirit who gives wisdom and understanding, the Spirit who enables planning and decision-making, and the Spirit who brings knowledge and reverence for God will rest upon him. Believers also will have wisdom, be able to plan and decide, and will have the knowledge and fear of the Lord when Christ rules over their lives. Do you have these things in your life?

For during His earthly ministry, the Son of Man had reverence for His heavenly Father. "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." (John 5:19). "By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me." (John 5:30) He said. Also, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work." (John 4:34). Believers should also live according to God's will like Jesus did.

4. with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;  with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

When the Lord Jesus reigns over the earth for a thousand years, He will judge the causes of the poor with righteousness, as prophesied here. Currently, in nations ruled by leaders, the ruling classes oppress the common people unjustly: they confiscate property by force, imprison without cause, and even take their lives. However, Jesus will govern with fairness and justice. We should live in anticipation of that day. In this unjust world, true justice cannot be achieved through political maneuvering, no matter how hard we try. Therefore, everyone must be taught the wisdom to live according to Christ's rule.

6. The wolf will live with the lamb,  the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;  and a little child will lead them. 7 The cow will feed with the bear,    their young will lie down together,  and the lion will eat straw like the ox. 8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den

When the Lord Jesus reigns for a thousand years, humans won't only stop fighting but also there will be no more predators in the animal world. Predators will eat grass like cows. At present, not only do people exploit and kill each other, but animals also fight and kill each other. During that thousand-year period, animals can live together with humans peacefully.

9. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

My holy mountain refers to this world ruled by the Messiah. There will be no more harming or destroying anywhere. At present, there are nations ruled by tyrants and cities inhabited by wicked people. But at that time, just as the sea is covered with water, so the earth will be filled with knowledge of the Lord. How wonderful a time it will be! Everyone should look forward to this time.

10 In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

We have already discussed Jesse in verse 1; since Jesse was David's father, the "Root of Jesse" refers to Jesus Christ. Therefore, He is called "the Son of David" (Matthew 9:27; Matthew 12:23; Matthew 15:22; Matthew 20:30; Matthew 21:9; Matthew 21:15; Mark 10:47; Luke 18:38). Referring to Him as the Son of David signifies that He is the King. A flag symbolizes victory and possession; thus, when a nation wins a battle and conquers territory, it raises its flag. If not victorious or unable to conquer, they cannot raise one. The verse states that nations will gather under this banner. Currently, other nations pay little attention to Jesus Christ and often harbor hatred against the Israelites. However, during the thousand-year reign, all nations will rally under the banner of Jesus Christ, who rules over the earth. Since Jesus Christ will rule the entire world from Jerusalem, Jerusalem will become glorious. At present, Washington remains the most significant city.

11.  In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean.

His people refer to the Israelites. Between 722-720 B.C., the Assyrian Empire conquered the ten northern tribes of Israel and took them away as captives. These people never returned to their homeland but disappeared among the nations where they were taken. The southern kingdom of Judah was captured by Babylon between 606-585 B.C. After seventy years, they returned to their homeland. Those who lived during the time of Christ were these people. Because they did not accept Jesus as their King and crucified Him, in A.D. 70, the Roman government killed those living in Jerusalem and drove out the rest of them from the country, causing them to flee to other nations. After nearly 1900 years, they returned to their homeland and in 1948 declared independence and re-established their nation. Because people have come back from all these countries mentioned above, this prophecy is now fully fulfilled. At present, there are about fifteen million Jews worldwide: six million in the United States, seven million in Israel, and two million in other countries. Those who remain abroad will also return.

12. He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.

Saying He raises up a banner for the nations refers to the growth and expansion of different peoples. Arab countries used to be poor but now have grown very rich due to oil. Since April 14, 1948, when Israel declared independence, many Arab countries began expelling Jews from their lands, and within two years, nearly nine million returned to their homeland.

Due to the significant influx of Muslims into Europe and North America, anti-Semitic movements have arisen, creating difficulties for the Jewish nation that lead them back again. In this manner, God uses those who hate the Jews to ensure they return to their homeland rather than remaining away from it.

13. Ephraim’s jealousy will vanish, and Judah’s enemies will be destroyed; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, nor Judah hostile toward Ephraim.

Among the Israelites, the tribe of Judah was the royal family and therefore proud. The tribe of Ephraim was also proud because Jacob blessed them greatly. The northern kingdom of Israel is also called Ephraim. These two tribes used to fight against each other constantly. However, in one thousand years, there will be no more division between them; they will live together in harmony. At present, those who have returned to live in the State of Israel do not even know their own tribe anymore.

14. They will swoop down on the slopes of Philistia to the west; together they will plunder the people to the east. They will subdue Edom and Moab, and the Ammonites will be subject to them.

The Philistines are those who currently live in the Gaza coastal region. Since the Israelis have been fighting them extensively, this prophecy is now being fulfilled. The other eastern peoples—the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites—are nations located in modern-day Jordan and Saudi Arabia. These countries are not yet conquered by Israel; therefore, they will be subdued in the future.

15. The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; With His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, And strike it in the seven streams, and make men cross over dry-shod. (NLKV)

The tongue of the Egyptian sea refers to the Red Sea. The Red Sea's tongue is a metaphor for an enemy of mankind. Therefore, God says He will destroy it completely. When the Israelites were leaving Egypt, the Egyptian army followed them from behind and the Red Sea blocked their way in front. At that time, the Lord divided the sea into two parts so they could pass through safely. Why does the text refer to "the tongue of the sea"? The tongue is a symbol of causing conflict between people. Nations wage war under its influence. About 3000 years ago, Moses divided the Red Sea with his staff. Isaiah says that the Lord will completely destroy this sea, strike it with a powerful wind so that it breaks into seven streams, and because of the flood, people will be able to cross over on foot without needing to wade through water. Since this has not yet happened, we can expect it to occur in the future.

16. There will be a highway for the remnant of his people that is left from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from Egypt.

It says that just as Israel crossed the Red Sea, God will allow them to cross the sea again. Isaiah mentions the time when Christ will rule for a thousand years and the great highway that will be built (Isaiah 11:16; Isaiah 35:8; Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 62:10). The former Assyrian Empire was located in northern Iraq, southern Turkey, northeastern Syria, and northwest Iran, centered around Nineveh.

Isaiah
Chapter 35

1. The desert and the parched land will be glad;  the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom;  it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord,  the splendor of our God.

Since the desert and wilderness are not living beings, how can they be glad or rejoice like a flower? The desert is naturally barren due to scarce water. Yet it will bloom with abundance, serving as a metaphor for people. When will this happen? It will occur during the thousand-year reign of the Messiah. Currently, humans transform deserts into fertile lands through irrigation and planting; however, human efforts are limited. During the Messiah's reign, the earth's climate and surface will be profoundly transformed.

3. Strengthen the feeble hands,  steady the knees that give way; 4 say to those with fearful hearts,  “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come,  he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

In regions ruled by tyrants and dictators, people live in weakness, fear, and anxiety. Such places lack justice, where the honest and upright are oppressed. Among nations on earth, oppression and persecution are most severe in North Korea, Myanmar, China, Iran, Afghanistan, Sudan, and Russia. When the righteous King and just ruler, Jesus Christ, comes to rule the entire world, the oppressed will be greatly comforted. However, most of those suffering under oppression today will die during the great tribulation and thus will not experience this joy and freedom; only those who survive the great tribulation will witness it.

5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened  and the ears of the deaf unstopped. 6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,  and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness  and streams in the desert.

During the thousand-year reign of Christ, there will be no blind people; all will see. Similarly, there will be no deaf people. This prophecy was partially fulfilled during Jesus' first coming in human form (Matthew 9:27; Matthew 20:29; Mark 10:46; Luke 18:35). Jesus also declared, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised" (Matthew 11:5). When a demon-possessed man was brought to Him, He healed him so that he could see and speak. The crowds were amazed and asked, "Could this be the Son of David?" However, upon hearing of it, the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons only by the power of Beelzebub" (Matthew 12:22-24). Why did the Pharisees reject Jesus as their Lord? Because they were spiritually blind. Yet, during His thousand-year reign, there will be no more suffering or pain.

7. The burning sand will become a pool,  the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay,  grass and reeds and papyrus will grow.

During the Great Tribulation, due to an earthquake or by the power of God, the Earth's surface and its rivers will also undergo transformation. The prophet Ezekiel wrote:

The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side.

3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits[a] and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah,[b] where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” (Ezekiel 47:1-12)

The prophet Ezekiel describes the river as God revealed it to him. Some people interpret it figuratively, while others believe that the river will actually flow from Jerusalem. Nothing is impossible for God. The river flows into the Dead Sea, which is now very salty and lifeless; hence it is called the Dead Sea.

Zechariah also wrote concerning this during Christ's thousand-year reign: "On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it east to the Dead Sea and half of it west to the Mediterranean Sea, in summer and in winter." (Zachariah 14:8)

The water flowing eastward will revive the Dead Sea. There will be many fish in the Dead Sea, and fishermen will cast their nets there. On one side of the river, various fruit trees will grow that are good for food.

8. And a highway will be there;  it will be called the Way of Holiness;  it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it;  wicked fools will not go about on it. 9 No lion will be there,  nor any ravenous beast;  they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there.

Regarding the great highway (cited in Isaiah 11:16; Isaiah 35:8; Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 62:10; Jeremiah 31:21), it is named the "Way of Holiness." Since Scripture does not specify exactly which places this road connects, we must rely on reasonable speculation. It will likely begin in Jerusalem, from where Christ shall reign. Many people will say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; for He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths" (Isaiah 2:3), which probably describes what will happen.  The distinguishing features of this road are that it is not for the unclean to tread. Moreover, even individuals with low intelligence will not get lost on that highway. In contrast, today's roads are filled with sinners traveling back and forth, and those lacking knowledge often get lost. Furthermore, no lion will be found on this road, nor any other wild beast that arises to attack; for no such creature will exist there. Only the chosen ones will travel along this path.

10. And those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing;  everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them,  and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

It is said that those redeemed by the Lord will return without sorrow or lamentation, singing songs of eternal joy and bearing a banner of gladness to Jerusalem, which is also called Zion. Today, Jerusalem has become Israel's largest city, with over one million residents due to people returning from abroad; thus, part of what was prophesied has already been fulfilled. However, because of conflicts with Iran and its allies, complete peace has not yet been achieved.

Isaiah
Chapter 65  

The New Heaven and the New Earth for a Thousand-Year Period (Isaiah 65:17-25)  

17. “See, I will create  new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.

The new heaven and the new earth created by God will be established when Christ returns for the second time during the thousand-year period. This is not the same heaven and earth that will exist eternally. The heaven and earth we now live in are the former ones, as stated. During the thousand-year period, people will no longer remember this present earth.

18. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy.

The new earth and Jerusalem established during the thousand-year period will be a source of joy for the Israelites. Today, the Israelites are often anxious because of various enemies, but they are among the most numerous people on Earth. They fight together when there is a cause, and they dance hand in hand when they meet. God Himself has said that during the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ, they will rejoice even more than they do now.

19. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and take delight in my people; the sound of weeping and of crying will be heard in it no more.

The Lord Jesus wrote about how He wept over Jerusalem: "Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, ⁴² saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. ⁴³ For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, ⁴⁴ and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:41-44). However, during the thousand-year period, Jerusalem will be established for joy, and both Jesus Christ and the Israelites will rejoice together.

20. “Never again will there be in it  an infant who lives but a few days,  or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred  will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred  will be considered accursed.

In the age to come, there will be no children counted by age in Jerusalem, as time itself will be renewed. During this thousand-year period on the new earth, those who live to a hundred years will be regarded as mere infants, indicating that people will live thousands of times longer than they do now. Unlike today, where premature death is common, those who reject God's Word shall face a curse and die. This shows that are still living in the present age rather than the eternal one.

21. They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 22 No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. 

Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:2-3). In the age to com, people will not build their own houses but live in those built by God. The above passage indicates that it is the thousand-year period because it mentions people building homes. Furthermore, they will plant vineyards and grow grapevines. Jesus said: "I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." (Matthew 26:29). There will be no eating or drinking in heaven. Therefore, a place where there is food and drink must be the thousand-year period.

23. They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord,  they and their descendants with them.

It is said that during the thousand-year period, people will no longer have to work hard or bear children with short lives. This would be extremely comforting for parents who grieve over the loss of their children, as they will not experience such sorrow. Those chosen by God shall live in His blessings and enjoy a life free from suffering.

24. Before they call I will answer;  while they are still speaking I will hear.

Today, believers often pray to God, yet He does not always respond immediately. Prayer is frequently perceived as requiring time and effort. However, a unique aspect of the thousand-year reign will be that God answers before a person even calls out, and listens while they are still speaking—this will truly be an amazing experience.

25. The wolf and the lamb will feed together,  and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and dust will be the serpent’s food. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain”

It is written that during the thousand-year period, wild beasts and harmless animals will dwell together. This is also stated in Isaiah 11:6. Currently, the serpent still eats flesh; however, during that time, it will feed only on dust, so there will be nothing to fear.

Top