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The Millennial Kingdom is derived from the Latin words (mile), meaning "one thousand" and annim, meaning "year". This kingdom takes place immediately following the physical return of the Messiah Jesus Christ to earth. We don't know very much about this time. If one follows a literal translation of the scripture, one can expect this time or age to last 1000 years.
Does this mean the Kingdom has to be exactly 1,000 years? There are instances in Scripture where large numbers like this were rounded off and used simply to designate a very, very long period of time (e.g., Psalms 90:4, 105:8).(1)
One of the purposes of the 1000 year earthly kingdom of Christ will be to vindicate His chosen people Israel before the eyes of all nations. There will probably be another yet to be created temple. This would be the temple that Ezekiel envisioned in chapters 40-48. Although the size of this new temple will be much larger than any temple ever built, tribulation prophecies predict a reshaping of this geographical area with earthquakes and other events.
Consider Zechariah 14:4
And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south.
Since the Messiah will rule as king over all the world it is not unreasonable to believe that Ezekiel's temple is a literal temple and the boarders and boundaries of Jerusalem will be greatly increased (to maybe 40 miles in circumference) under the kingship of Messiah.
We do know that Jesus will reign from Jerusalem as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. His political authority will be respected (Daniel 2:35, Isaiah 11:4). At this time the kingdom of God will be fully realized on earth. Messiahs' Kingship will be characterized by righteousness and justice. The center of his government will be in Jerusalem (Isa. 2:3). Messiah as King was for told by Isaiah in one of the best known prophecies Unto Us A Child Is Born (Isaiah 9:6).
Israel will live in a time of unprecedented peace as the prophecy says in Isaiah 2:4 And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.
Other bible verses that talk about the peace that this kingdom will bring include Isaiah 11:5-9, Isaiah 55:25 and Micah 4:3.
One of the names for the Messiah is The Prince Of Peace.
Other Characteristics Of Messiah's Millennial Kingdom: Joy (Isa. 9-3-4), Glory (Isa. 24:23), Justice (Isa. 9:7), Full knowledge (Isa. 11:1-2), Instruction and learning (Isa. 2:2-3). Longevity of age (Isa. 65:20) and Harmony in the animal kingdom (Isa.11:6-9 and 65:25).
Also during this millennial kingdom the removal of the curse of the land along with the elimination of sickness can be expected. (Isa 11:6-9 and 33:24).
"I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a 
Son of Man was coming, And He
came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. "And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)
Several traditional Jewish commentators including Rashi recognizes this as the Messiah and the beginning of the Messianic kingdom.
Zechariah 13:1 may describe the Millennial Kingdom.
Reference can also be found in Zechariah 14:20-21.
Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)
"He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and His kingdom will have no end. " (Luke 1:32-33)
It is believed that the Messiah will build another temple, a Millennial Temple to allow worship including memorial sacrifices during this 1000 year kingdom.
Tell him this is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD. It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.' (Zechariah 6:12-13).
This may also be the temple that some believe is referenced indirectly in Isaiah 2:3.
Who will live during the Millennium Kingdom? Some believe that Daniel 12:1-2,13 offers support for the Old Testament Saints being resurrected and living during this time. This would agree with Christian theology that teaches some will be resurrected at the time of The Rapture and return with Jesus. Although Christians believe that only those who knew Christ will take part in this resurrection, the bible makes it clear that several Old Testament Saints "looked forward" to a time when the Messiah would come. The prophets talked about it, Moses predicted it and I am sure at least part of Israel believed in it.
Along with the Old Testament Saints will be believers in Jesus who were raptured (also known as the church). The kingdom will also be made up of Tribulation Saints both Jew and Gentile. These saints are made up of those who put their faith in Messiah Jesus after the rapture, during the Tribulation Period.
What will be the ruling law during the Millennium? The covenant that will be in place is the same covenant that is already in place for believers in the Messiah. The New Covenant promised in Jer. 31:31. This covenant allows for the Messiah to be King of all Kings, with God's true purpose and desires for us to be written in our hearts, not on a scroll or in a book. It may include things that will pay tribute to the Messiah and all of His accomplishments. Will there be a sacrificial system instituted? Please read Will Animal Sacrifices Be Reinstated During The Millennial Kingdom? Our desire to do right over wrong will be the norm along with loving your neighbor as one loves themselves. Out of this genuine desire to do good will come a lifestyle that is pleasing to the Lord, regardless of what it consists of.
Some biblical feast like the Feast of Tabernacles may still be celebrated, probably by looking back and appreciating the accomplishments of the Messiah, our redeemer. who will be dwelling with us during the Millennium. Many interpret Zech. 14:15-19 to teach that during the Millennial Kingdom reign of Messiah, any nation or family that fails to come to Jerusalem to observe Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) will receive no rain for their lands.
Cities of Refuge: Three New Cities of Refuge? There may be three cities of refuge established when the millennial Kingdom is here. This is based on the idea that Deut. 19-7-9 talk about these cities and expanded borders for Israel. Since Israels final borders have not been expanded yet it is believed that with these final borders these three cities of refuge will also be established.
Maimonides supports this view. (Hilkhot Rotze’ah u-Shmirat ha-Nefesh, 8.4):(2)
There are three main views concerning the Millennial Kingdom.
Pre-Millennialism (supported by this page) PostMillennialism and Amillennialism.
The Millennial Kingdom seem to come to an end with one large final battle known as the battle of Gog and Magog. Originally these were the names of ancient enemies of the Lord. Magog was the grandson of Noah (Gen:10:2) and founder of a kingdom North of the Black and Caspian Seas. Gog is apparently the leader of a rebel army known collectively as Magog. The battle described in Revelation 20:8-9 is similar to the one described by Ezekiel in his book around chapters 38 and 39.(3)
Nothing in this prophecy (battle of Gog and Magog) corresponds with the details of Israel’s invasion by either the Babylonians (586 B.C.) or the Romans (70 A.D. ). Therefore, any literal fulfillment of this prophecy must yet be in the future.(4)
At the close of the Millennium, there will be an immediate transition into the Eternal State - which is merely an extension of the King's temporal reign into timeless eternity, when references to numbers of years will be meaningless.(1)
What Happens To The Devil During The 1000 Year Millennial Kingdom?
Praying for this time or kingdom to come is found in the example that Jesus taught us when He taught what is known as the Lords Prayer. (Thy Kingdom Come).
Some believe that this will be a fulfillment of Psalm 2:6-9 ushering in the most incredible kingdom in all of human history. Fulfillment of this part of Psalm 2 finds the Messiah, the anointed king, having the nations for His inheritance. Even with the Messiah ruling as king, some people will choose to violate his rulings causing admonition and judgment.
Some believe that this stage of prophetic time followed by the Great White Throne Judgment will immediately precede eternity.
The possibility exist that everyone will once again speak the same language. This idea comes from a loose interpretation of Zephaniah 3:9.
Some believe that King David will be resurrected and rule under Christ. Biblical references for this idea are (Ezek. 34:23-24 and Ezek. 37:24-25. Also Jer. 30:9 and Jer. 33:15-17).
At the end of the Millennial Kingdom is the Great White Throne Judgment.
Often Isaiah 11:1-10 and Psalm 72 1:19 are linked together. Psalm 72 Is A Messianic Psalm that looks forward to the Millennial Kingdom.
Giving Jesus the title, "The Son of David" points to His Kingship.
On Passover the Seder Meal ends with "Next Year in Jerusalem." This is in direct reference to the Messiah coming and setting up His Kingdom there.
Because the Bible says "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31), some believe the Messianic Age has already begun. The Messianic Age is often considered to be the period between Christ's first and second comings. Although it spans close to 2000 years it is still considered by some to be the last days.
The talmud teaches that even in the days of the Messianic Era there will still be poor people. The main difference will be Israel will no longer be subject to foreign powers. This is based on Deuteronomy 15:11.(5)
1). Messianic Perspectives (Christian Jew Foundation) Jan/Feb 2009.
2). (http://www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/massey/hel.html).
3). The MacArthur Study Bible p.1992.
4). The Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy by Tim Lahaye and Ed Hindson.
5). Talmud -Mas. Berachoth 34b.
The Daniel Papers, Discover Series, RBC Ministries.
Things to Come by Dwight J. Pentecost.
The basis of the Premillennial Faith by Charles Ryrie.
Artscroll Tanach Series, Daniel p.206.
