�And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.� (Luke 10:18)
THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SATAN: The Biblical View of Satan is clearly laid out in the Scriptures. From Genesis to Revelation the narrative of the sacred scriptures presents one unified picture of a personage called Satan, the Devil, that �old� serpent, the Dragon and this being is presented in the Bible as a Created, Rebel who will be Judged, and placed within well defined boundaries by an All Powerful Omnipresent, Omniscient God who holds all power and all authority both in Heaven and in Earth.
�And the devil (Satan) that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.� (Revelation 20:10)
There are many who deny there is a Satan. Though they may be very well versed in the Scriptures, we believe that they get this idea that there is no Satan because they don�t want to believe there is one.
Which is one of the greatest strengths that Satan has. That of being able to convince many, who know better, that he does not exist. And they will no doubt, condemn this study as they have the one on the Genesis 3:15 account.
We find that the first time Satan is mentioned in the Scriptures was:
1 Chronicles 21:1‑2:
�1. SATAN ROSE UP AGAINST ISRAEL AND INCITED DAVID TO TAKE A CENSUS OF ISRAEL.
2. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, "Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are."
SATAN
Satan #7854, "adversary; Satan." This word appears 24 times in the Old Testament. Most uses of the term relate to the cosmic struggle in the unseen world between God and the opposing forces of darkness.
In (Psalm 38:20), David cried out because he was the target of attack by his "adversaries." Possibly David suffered because of mistakes he made; and within the permissive will of God, He used David's enemies to discipline His servant.
In another psalm of distress by an individual, a godly man expressed his deep faith in the Lord. The writer prayed concerning those who were "adversaries" to his soul: "Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt" (Psalm 71:13). He expressed the reality of the powers of darkness against an individual who sought to live for God.
Imprecatory psalms call for judgment upon one's enemies, reflecting the battle in the unseen world between darkness and light. David's enemies became his "adversaries," but he continued to pray for them (Psalm 109:4). Because those enemies repaid him evil for good and hatred for his love, the king prayed: "Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand" (Psalm 109:6). When they spoke evil against his soul, David called for the Lord's reward against his "adversaries" (Psalm 109:20), and finally, became David's accusers had intended him so much harm, he asked that his accusers be clothed with shame and dishonor (Psalm 109:29). In all of these passages, God worked indirectly by permitting individuals to act as "adversaries" of His people.
In another instance, David was merciful with members of Saul's family who cursed him and wished him harm when he fled from Absalom (2 Samuel 16:5ff.). David restrained his army commanders from killing Saul's family who had repented of their misdeeds. The king did not want his officers to be his "adversaries" on the day of victory and joy (2 Samuel 19:22).
God can also be the "adversary." When Balaam went to curse the sons of Israel, God warned him not to do so. When the prophet persisted, God disciplined him: "And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him" (Numbers 22:22). God stood as an "adversary" because no curse could undo the covenants and agreements already made with Israel.
God took up a controversy with Solomon. When Solomon added more and more pagan wives to his harem, God was greatly displeased (Deuteronomy 17:17). But when the king built pagan shrines for his wives, God raised up "adversaries" against him (1 Kings 11:14), a direct action which caused the Edomites and Syrians to revolt against Israel.
Another special instance of intervention was the occasion when "...Satan [literally, "an adversary"] stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel" (1 Chronicles 21:1). (No definite article is here in Hebrew and, therefore, "an adversary" is in mind.) In a parallel passage the Lord moved David to number Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 24:1). Even as the Lord stirred up an "adversary" against Solomon, so here God took a direct action to test David to help him learn a vital lesson. God tests believers to help them make the right choices and not depend upon their own human strength.
In the Book of Job, the word Satan always has the definite article preceding it (Job 1:6‑12; 2:1‑7), so the term emphasizes Satan's role as "the adversary." God permitted Satan to test Job's faith, and the adversary inflicted the patriarch with many evils and sorrows. Satan was not all‑powerful because he indicated that he could not get beyond God's protection of Job (Job 1:10). He penetrated the "hedge" only with God's permission and only for specific instances that would demonstrate God's righteousness. Job became the battleground between the forces of darkness and light. He learned that Satan could be defeated by making the right choices and that God can be glorified in every circumstance.
Zechariah recorded a vision of "...Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him" (literally, "be his adversary"; (Zechariah 3:1)). The Lord rebuked "the adversary" (Zechariah 3:2). Satan was once again in conflict with God's purposes and the angels of God, but "the adversary" was not all‑powerful and was subject to rebuke by God Himself.
A general usage of Satan ("adversary") appears in (1 Kings 5:4): "But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary or evil occurrent." In another instance, David went over to the side of the Philistines; in attempting to fight with them against Israel, some of the Philistine leaders doubted David's sincerity and felt that he would be "an adversary" in any battle between the two armies (1 Samuel 29:4).
In the Septuagint, the word is diabolos.
(from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words)
(Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
In Revelation 9:11, Satan is called Abaddon, and Apollyon.
Revelation 9:11:
�11. They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon.�
ABADDON:
�[ah BAD un] (destruction)‑‑ a term found only once in most English translations of the Bible (Revelation 9:11). Abaddon is a transliteration of a Hebrew word which occurs six other times in the Bible, usually translated "destruction" (Job 26:6; 28:22; 31:12; Psalm 88:11; Proverbs 15:11; 27:20). In three of these places, it occurs in the phrase "Hell and Destruction" (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11; 27:20). The Hebrew nouns translated "Hell" and "Destruction" are Sheol and Abaddon respectively. They appear to be synonymous terms for the abode of the dead or the grave.
�In the Book of Revelation, Abaddon is not a place‑‑ the realm of the dead‑‑ but a person‑‑ the angel who reigns over the abyss.� (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Satan: Strong�s Concordance: #7854� Satan (saw‑tawn'); from 7853; an opponent; especially (with the article prefixed) SATAN, THE ARCH-ENEMY OF GOOD: KJV‑‑ adversary, Satan, withstand.
Satan: #7853� Satan (saw‑tan'); a primitive root; to attack, (figuratively) accuse: KJV‑‑ (be an) adversary, resist.
Satan: Brown-Driver-Briggs� Definition: #7853� Satan‑(Qal) to be or act as an adversary, to resist, to oppose.
The Biblical view of Satan is that, he still stands as the great adversary against Almighty God, seeking to impede and intimidate the purposes and plan of God.
�Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee IN THE DAY THAT THOU WAST CREATED. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. THOU WAST PERFECT IN THY WAYS FROM THE DAY THAT THOU WAST CREATED, TILL INIQUITY WAS FOUND IN THEE. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: THEREFORE I WILL CAST THEE AS PROFANE OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF GOD: AND I WILL DESTROY THEE, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, AND NEVER SHALT THOU BE ANY MORE.� (Ezekiel 28:13‑19)
So we can see clearly, from this, that Satan was a creation of Almighty God. The Scriptures clearly establishes that Satan is a being which is destined to be destroyed. There is one Satan and many Demons presented in the Scriptures.
�Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that IN THE LATTER TIMES SOME SHALL DEPART FROM THE FAITH, GIVING HEED TO SEDUCING SPIRITS, AND DOCTRINES OF DEVILS (This of course is making reference to the Jews whom Christ said were the children of the devil in John 8:44).� (Timothy 4:1)
The Bible does not present Satan as supernatural, omnipresent, omniscient with all power and authority, on the contrary the Bible presents Satan as engaged in a lawless rebellion against Almighty God, who will be defeated, and Judged; now knowing that his days are numbered on the earth, Satan seeks to lead forth the forces of darkness as their captain.
While the Bible teaches that Christ is the embodiment of all light and truth, Satan is the captain of darkness and all unrighteousness. They are NOT co-equals, for his time for opposing God has been regulated by God.
His (Satan�s) sentence of death has been handed down, and Satan knowing that his days are numbered, seeks to lead the forces of darkness in opposition to God in these final days of history.
�And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And 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: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.� (Revelation 20:7-8)
SATAN:
�[SAY tuhn] (adversary)‑‑ the great opposer, or adversary, of God and man; the personal name of the devil.
�The Hebrew word from which Satan comes sometimes refers to human enemies (1 Samuel 29:4; Ps. 109:6). Once it refers to the angel of the Lord who opposed Balaam (Numbers 22:22).
�But whenever this word is used as a proper name in the Old Testament, it refers to the great superhuman enemy of God, man, and good (1 Chronicles 21:1; Job 1‑‑2). This use of the word also occurs frequently in the New Testament.
�Another common name for Satan in the New Testament is "the devil," meaning "slanderer" or "false accuser." Other titles by which Satan is identified in the New Testament include "the tempter" (1 Thessalonians 3:5); "Beelzebub" (Matthew 12:24); "the wicked one" (Matthew 13:19,38); "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31); "the god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4); "Belial" (2 Corinthians 6:15), "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2); and "the accuser of our brethren" (Revelation 12:10).
�History. Two Old Testament passages‑‑ (Isaiah 14:12‑15) and (Ezekiel 28:11‑19)‑‑ furnish a picture of Satan's original condition and the reasons for his loss of that position. These passages were addressed originally to the kings of Babylon and Tyre. But in their long‑range implications, many scholars believe, they refer to Satan himself. They tell of an exalted angelic being, one of God's creatures, who became proud and ambitious. He determined to take over the throne of God for himself. But God removed him from his position of great dignity and honor.
�Building upon this foundation, (Revelation 12) sketches the further stages in Satan's work of evil. In his fall from God's favor, Satan persuaded one third of the angels to join him in his rebellion (Revelation 12:3‑4).
�Throughout the Old Testament period he sought to destroy the messianic line. When the Messiah became a man, Satan tried to eliminate Him (Revelation 12:4‑5).
�During the future period of tribulation before the Messiah's second coming, Satan will be cast out of the heavenly sphere (Revelation 12:7‑12). Then he will direct his animosity toward the Messiah's people (Revelation 12:13‑17). (Revelation 20) notes the final phases of Satan's work. He will be bound for a thousand years and then finally cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:2,10).
�Characteristics. As a result of his original status and authority, Satan has great power and dignity. So great is his strength that Michael the archangel viewed him as a foe too powerful to oppose (Jude 9).
�Satan's influence in worldly affairs is also clearly revealed (John 12:31). His various titles reflect his control of the world system: "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31), "the god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4), and "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2). The Bible declares, "The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19).
�Satan exercises his evil power through demons (Matthew 12:24; 25:41; Revelation 12:7,9). An outburst of demonic activity occurred when Jesus came to earth the first time because of the Savior's attack against Satan's kingdom (Matthew 12:28‑29; Acts 10:38). Another such outburst is expected just before the second coming of Christ, because this will bring about the downfall of Satan and his angels (Revelation 9:3‑17; 12:12; 18:2).
�Satan also has high intelligence. Through it he deceived Adam and Eve and took over their rule of the world for himself (Gen. 1:26; 3:1‑7; 2 Corinthians 11:3). His cleverness enables him to carry out his deceptive work almost at will.
�Yet SATAN�S ATTRIBUTES, IMPRESSIVE AS THEY ARE, ARE NOT LIMITLESS. HIS POWER IS SUBJECT TO GOD�S RESTRICTIONS (Job 1:12; Luke 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:7‑8). The reins of God on his activities are illustrated by Satan's request to God for permission to afflict Job (Job 1:7‑12).
�Satan is permitted to afflict God's people (Luke 13:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Heb. 2:14). But he is never permitted to win an ultimate victory over them (John 14:30‑31; 16:33).
�A part of Satan's continuing ambition to replace God is his passionate yearning to have others worship him (Matthew 4:8‑9; Revelation 13:4,12). Since God has frustrated this desire and put down Satan's rebellion, he has become God's exact opposite. He is "the wicked one" (Matthew 13:19,38), while God is "the Holy One" (Isaiah 1:4).
�Satan's nature is malicious. His efforts in opposing God, His people, and His truth are tireless (Job 1:7; 2:2; Matthew 13:28). He is always opposed to man's best interests (1 Chronicles 21:1; Zechariah 3:1‑2). Through his role in introducing sin into the human family (Genesis 3), Satan has gained the power of death‑‑ a power which Christ has broken through His crucifixion and resurrection (Hebrews 2:14‑15).
�Methods. Of the various methods used by Satan in carrying out his evil work, none is more characteristic than TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). Satan leads people into sin by various means. Sometimes he does it by direct suggestion, as in the case of Judas Iscariot (John 13:2,27); sometimes through his agents who disguise themselves as messengers of God (2 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 John 4:1); and sometimes through a person's own weaknesses (1 Corinthians 7:5). He tempted Christ directly, trying to lead Him into compromise by promising Him worldly authority and power (Luke 4:5‑8).
Satan in tempting Christ reminded Him that it was written that the angels had been charged with protecting Him against harm:
�Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.� (Matthew 4:5-6)
This was in reference to:
�For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.� (Psalm 1:11-13)
�Along with his work of tempting mankind, Satan also delights in deception (1 Timothy 3:6‑7; 2 Timothy 2:26). His lying nature stands in bold contrast to the truth for which Christ stands (John 8:32,44). The great falsehood which he uses so frequently is that good can be attained by doing wrong. This lie is apparent in practically all his temptations (Genesis 3:4‑5). As the great deceiver, Satan is an expert at falsifying truth (2 Corinthans11:13‑15).
�Satan's methods are designed ultimately to silence the gospel. He seeks to stop the spread of God's Word (Matthew 13:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:17‑18). When the gospel is preached, Satan tries to blind people's understanding so they cannot grasp the meaning of the message (2 Corinthans4:3‑4; 2 Thessalonians 2:9‑10). At times he opposes the work of God by violent means (John 13:2,27; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:13‑17).
He brings disorder into the physical world by afflicting human beings (Job 1‑‑2; 2 Corinthans12:7; Hebrews 2:14). Sometimes God allows him to afflict His people for purposes of correction (1 Timothy 1:20).
�Defeat. Satan is destined to fail in his continuing rebellion against God. His final defeat is predicted in the New Testament (Luke 10:18; John 12:31; Revelation 12:9; 20:10).
�The death of Christ on the cross is the basis for Satan's final defeat (Hebrews 2:14‑15; 1 Peter 3:18,22). This event was the grand climax to a sinless life during which Jesus triumphed over the enemy repeatedly (Matthew 4:1‑11; Luke 4:1‑13). The final victory will come when Jesus returns and Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:1‑15).
�Strength for a Christian's victory over sin has also been provided through the death of Christ. We have assurance that "the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet" (Romans 16:20). But such personal victory depends on our will to offer resistance to Satan's temptations (Ephesians 4:25‑27; 1 Peter 5:8‑9). To help Christians win this battle against Satan, God has provided the power of Christ's blood (Revelation 12:11), the continuing prayer of Christ in heaven for believers (Hebrews 7:25), the leading of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and various weapons for spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:13‑18).
�Reality. SOME PEOPLE HAVE TROUBLE ADMITTING THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH AN ENEMY AS SATAN. But his presence and activity are necessary to explain the problems of evil and suffering. THE BIBLE MAKES IT PLAIN THAT SATAN EXISTS AND THAT HIS MAIN WORK IS TO OPPOSE THE RULE OF GOD IN THE AFFAIRS OF HIS PEOPLE.
�Many wonder why God would allow Satan, this great embodiment of evil, to exist in His creation. No completely satisfying answer to this question has been found. Perhaps He allows it to show that evil and wrongdoing do not provide the key to the ultimate meaning of life which man so desperately desires.� (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The second time we find the use of the word Satan is found in Job 1:6: �Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.� (KJV)
The word �Satan� is used 19 times in the Old Testament and 36 times in the New Testament. It is used one time in Chronicles; 14 times in the Book of Job; 1 time in Psalms; 3 times in Zechariah; 4 times in Matthew; 6 times in Mark; 6 times in Luke; 1 time in John; 2 times in Acts; 1 time in Romans; 2 times in 1 Corinthians; 3 times in 2 Corinthians; 1 time in 1 Thessalonians; 1 time in 2 Thessalonians; 2 times in 1 Timothy; 7 times in Revelation.
Devil: Strong�s Concordance #4567� Satanas (sat‑an‑as'); of Aramaic origin corresponding to 4566 (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil: KJV‑‑ Satan.
Devil: Strong�s Concordance #4566� Satan (sat‑an'); of Hebrew origin [7854]; Satan, i.e. the devil: KJV‑‑ Satan. Compare 4567.
Devil: Strong�s Concordance #4567� Satanas (sat‑an‑as'); of Aramaic origin corresponding to 4566 (with the definite affix); the accuser, i.e. the devil: KJV‑‑ Satan.
Devil: Thayer�s Definition #4567� Satanas‑ adversary (one who opposes another in purpose or act), the name given to
a) the prince of evil spirits, the inveterate adversary of God and Christ
1) he incites apostasy from God and to sin
2) circumventing men by his wiles
3) the worshipers of idols are said to be under his control
4) by his demons he is able to take possession of men and inflict them with diseases
5) by God's assistance he is overcome
6) on Christ's return from heaven he will be bound with chains for a thousand years
b) a Satan‑like man
�DEVIL : �(accuser)‑‑ the main title for the fallen angelic being who is the supreme enemy of God and man. Satan is his name, and devil is what he is‑the accuser or deceiver. The title "devil" appears 35 times in the NKJV. In every case it is preceded by the article "the," indicating a title rather than a name. The term comes from a Greek word that means "a false witness" or "malicious accuser."
�Several descriptive phrases applied to the devil in the New Testament point out the nature of his wicked personality and the extent of his evil deeds.
�The Wicked or Evil One (Matthew 6:13; 13:19,38; 1 John 2:13). This phrase depicts the devil's fundamental nature. He is in direct opposition to everything God is or all he wishes to do. He is the source of all evil and wickedness. While the KJV reads, "Deliver us from evil," the NKJV more accurately reads, "Deliver us from the evil one." Humanity needs this deliverance, for the devil "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
�Enemy (Matthew 13:25,28,39). The devil is man's worst enemy. This is one enemy Jesus does not want us to love. He is an enemy of Christ, the church, and the gospel; and he is tireless in his efforts to uproot good and sow evil.
�Murderer (John 8:44). "He was a murderer from the beginning" are strong words from the lips of Jesus. The devil killed Abel and the prophets, and he wanted to kill Jesus before His time (John 8:40).
�Deceiver (Revelation 20:10). Starting with Eve, the devil has attempted to deceive every living soul. Evil men operating under the power of the evil one will continue to deceive (2 Timothy 3:13).
�Beelzebub, Prince of Demons (Matthew 9:34; 12:24). The religious leaders of Jesus' time were guilty of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit because they claimed the miracles of Jesus were actually conducted by the devil. The KJV and some other versions incorrectly translate "demons" as "devils." There are many demons but only one devil. His name is Beelzebub, the chief leader of the fallen angels known as demons.
The first use of the word Beelzebub is in Matthew 10:25‑26:
�It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.�
It is used three times in Matthew, one time in Mark, and three times in Luke. It used as baal-zebub
in the Old Testament. The first use of this is in reference to the god of the Philistines. It is used 4 times in 2 Kings.
BEELZEBUL
So it ought to be read in (Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15), etc. The Jews, in ridicule, changed Baal‑zebub, the Ekronite god of flies, into Beelzebul, "god of dung" (which however is [zebel], as they changed Beth‑el ("house of God") into Beth‑aven (house of vanity), when the golden calf was set up there. Zebul means "dwelling," lord of this lower world, "prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2), and taking up his "dwelling" in human bodies (Matthew 12:45). Thus "master of the house" and "master of the dwelling" (Beelzebul) stand in happy contrast (Matthew 10:25). As the Ekronite god was applied to by Ahaziah to cast out his disease, so the Jews taunted Jesus as using the same idol power to cast out demons. Idols and demons, moreover, had a close connection (1 Corinthians 10:20‑21). Beelzebul was thought to be the foul prince of both. (from Fausset's Bible Dictionary)
�Ruler of This World (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Three times Jesus called the devil the "ruler of this world." The devil offered the world to Jesus if He would worship him (Luke 4:5‑7), but the Lord refused with these words, "Get behind me Satan" (Luke 4:8). At Calvary God dealt a death blow to this world ruler. It is only a matter of time before God will win the final victory at the end of time (1 John 3:8; Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:7).
�The devil is strong, but Christians are stronger through the Lord (Ephesians 6:11). They have the protection needed to withstand his assaults. The devil tempts, but God provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13); the devil tries to take advantage of people (2 Corinthians 2:11), but he will flee if fought (James 4:7). The devil should not be feared, for Jesus is more powerful than this deceiving prince of the demons (1 John 4:4).� (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary) (Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The word Dragon is used 19 times in the Old and New Testament. 1 time in Nehemiah; 1 time in Psalms; 2 times in Isaiah; 1 time in Jeremiah; 1 time in Ezekiel; and 13 times in Revelation.
Dragon: Brown-Driver-Briggs� Definition #
8577 tanniyn or tanniym (Ezekiel 29:3)‑a dragon, a serpent, a sea monster
a) a dragon or a dinosaur
b) a sea or a river monster
c) a serpent, a venomous snake
DRAGON: �Figurative. In the NT "dragon" (Gk. drakon) is... used figuratively of Satan. The reason for this scriptural symbol is to be sought not only in the union of gigantic power with craft and malignity, of which the serpent is the natural emblem, but also in the record of the serpent's participation in the temptation (Genesis 3).
�In Christian art the dragon is the emblem of sin in general and idolatry in particular, having usually the form of a gigantic winged crocodile.� (from New Unger's Bible Dictionary) (originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois.� Copyright (C) 1988.)
The word �Serpent� is used 30 times in the Old Testament, and 8 times in the New Testament. 6 times in Genesis; 4 times in Exodus; 4 times in Numbers; 1 time in 2 Kings; 1 time in Job; 2 times in Psalms; 2 times is Proverbs; 2 times in Ecclesiastes; 4 times in Isaiah; 1 time in Jeremiah; 2 times in Amos; 1 time in Micah; 1 time in Matthew; 1 time in Luke; 1 time in John; 1 time in 2 Corinthians; and 4 times in Revelation.
Serpent: Strong�s Concordance #3789� ophis (of'‑is); probably from 3700 (through the idea of sharpness of vision); a snake, figuratively (as a type of sly cunning) an artful malicious person, especially Satan: KJV‑‑ serpent.
Serpent: Thayer�s Definition #3789� ophis‑
1) a snake, a serpent
2) with the ancients, the serpent was an emblem of cunning and wisdom. The serpent who deceived Eve was regarded by the Jews as the Devil.
SERPENT: �Figurative. The malice of the wicked is compared to the "venom of a serpent" (Psalms 58:4); cf. (Psalms 140:3)); the poisonous bite of the serpent is a figure of the harmful influence of wine (Proverbs 23:31‑32); unexpected evil is like the bite of a serpent lurking in a wall (Ecclesiastes 10:8), and there is no profit for the charmer of an uncharmed serpent that bites (10:11); enemies who harass and destroy are compared to serpents (Isaiah 14:29; Jeremiah 8:17), whereas the voice of discomfited Egypt is likened to serpents roused from their lair by the woodcutter (Jeremiah 46:22). The serpent is a figure for hypocrites (Matthew 23:33), those who are prudent (Matthew 10:16); and the handling of serpents (Mark 16:18) is mentioned as a proof of supernatural protection (Acts 28:36)). See Brazen Serpent; Satan.� (from New Unger's Bible Dictionary) (originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois.� Copyright (C) 1988.)
Whether it is accepted or not, Satan is still the Prince of this world. (John 14:30) Paul calls him �The god of this world� (2 Corinthians 4:4) and in Ephesians he is called �The prince of the power of the air.� (Ephesians 2:2) While the Satanic power is limited, particularly so since the resurrection of Christ, yet he is still able to use for his ends stupendous forces which are arrayed against God�s Israel people.
The art of divination and demon worship with all its accompanying evils attained a high degree of perfection in the Antediluvian world, leading to a wave of immorality and crime. The book of Enoch states of that Antediluvian civilization that the people of that age �Have all learned all the secrets of the angels, and all the violence of Satan, and all their powers; the most secret ones, and all the powers of those who practice sorcery and the powers of witchcraft.�
Enoch informs us God declared that �Because of their unrighteousness their judgment has been determined upon and shall not be withheld by me forever. Because of the sorcerers which they have searched out and learnt the earth and those who dwell upon it shall be destroyed.� Such, then, were the conditions prior to the Deluge which necessitated just such a catastrophe in order to cleanse the earth of all such evil.
Christ warned that at the close of the present age there would come a duplication of the conditions in Noah�s day (Matthew 24:37) and among the signs of these times is the fact that here in the united States alone at least 80,000 full time fortunetellers are carrying on their art.
This number, according to many sources is a very conservative estimate. All one has to do is watch the television for awhile and they will see the advertisements for �physic readers� (which is just another name for fortuneteller). The present war with its train of baffling anxieties has brought about the greatest boom in its history to the prediction business.
Peter, an eyewitness to the transfiguration, speaking of that experience, tells us:
�We have also a more sure word of prophecy where unto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holymen of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.� (2 Peter 1:19-21)
All that humanity needs and requires for encouragement and understanding of the future is contained in prophecy as written and recorded in the Bible. And so it is with the recording of facts concerning a Satan or Devil. It is recorded in the Book of Job that God and Satan had a discussion about Job:
�Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and SATAN CAME ALSO AMONG THEM. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, WHENCE CAMEST THOU? THEN SATAN ANSWERED THE LORD, AND SAID, FROM GOING TO AND FRO IN THE EARTH, AND FROM WALKING UP AND DOWN IN IT. And THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then SATAN ANSWERED THE LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. And THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. SO SATAN WENT FORTH FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD.� (Job 1:6-12)
Satan is mentioned 14 times in the book of Job alone. (Job 1:6-9; 1:12; 2:1-4; 2:6-7)
Here we have Satan speaking directly to Almighty God, but the nay sayers, those who don�t believe that there is an actual Satan, by their saying there is no Satan, are showing that they don�t believe this scripture. But let them answer the question: �Who or what man has gone before Yahweh and carried on such a conversation with Him?�
Many men and women are tempted to turn aside and seek information from forbidden sources, remember the words of Isaiah:
�And when they shall say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto the wizards that peep and mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead?� (Isaiah 8:19)
The truth or falsity of the fortuneteller�s and astrologer�s predictions are not under discussion here, nor is any attempt being made in this study to question certain spiritualistic manifestations; attention is merely being called to the fact that God has prohibited His people from dealing in such things and also to His judgments which have been pronounced upon those who refuse to heed His warning.
The question, then, naturally arises, Why is God so against such things? ESPECIALLY IF THEY DO NOT EXIST AND THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SATAN, DEVIL OR DRAGON? The answer is clear from a study of history of such matters, because all these things stem from the evil or ancient Devil or Satan or Dragon worship as practiced by the pagans. Tales of magic, sorcery and witchcraft are interwoven with human history from earliest times and, such practices were one of causes for God�s destruction of the Antediluvian civilization and His driving of the Canaanites out of Palestine.
God in His Word goes on to show the powerlessness of the astrologers, fortunetellers, Satan, or Devil, or Dragon. He speaks of the mischief that is to come and the trouble that could not be put off with the coming of sudden desolation; and to those who are relying upon them to save them He says,
�Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorcerers, wherein thou has laboured from thy youth; if so thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail.� (Isaiah 47:12)
He is asking them to consider now how helpless they are to deliver them in the day of real trouble the terrible day of the Lord. Here is salient warning in modern English from the Ferrar Fenton Translation:
�You fool! Can they help you ? You fool! Can they strengthen? Your advisers exhaust! Let them stand up and save you! Your sky-mappers, star-gazers, who teach by the Moon! To what have they all brought you?� (Isaiah 47:12-15)
The result, so the Lord declares, is that the astrologers, stargazers, Satan, Devil, Dragon, fortunetellers and monthly prognosticators not only cannot save those who thus rely upon them but THEY CANNOT EVEN SAVE THEMSELVES FROM THE COMING DISASTER AND TROUBLE!
�And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, AND SATAN STANDING AT HIS RIGHT HAND TO RESIST HIM. And THE LORD SAID UNTO SATAN, The LORD rebuke thee, O SATAN; EVEN THE LORD THAT HATH CHOSEN JERUSALEM REBUKE THEE: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?� (Zechariah 3:1-2) (KJV)
It is sure, and is recorded in the Scriptures, that he and his hosts will be tormented forever and ever by the fires of Divine judgment.
�And THE DEVIL (Satan) that deceived them WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.� (Revelation 20:10) (KJV)
WE ARE LIVING TODAY IN AN AGE OF DOCTRINAL TEACHINGS AIMED AT DECEIVING, IF POSSIBLE, THE VERY ELECT. Can any doubt the following scripture is true?
�For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.� (Mark 13:22) (KJV)
Among these doctrines of deception is the assumption that all who believe in the doctrine of a Satan are lacking in spirituality, not having been baptized by the Holy Spirit. It is certainly a travesty on truth to liken the modern counterfeit �Judeo-Christian clergy and their congregations.�
Such a doctrine is not of God but of men and is a lie born in the Pit, particularly designed to cause emotional upsets and instigate dissension among the followers of Christ. Have we not seen the discord that has been among our brothers and sisters on this list and others because of the false teachings of the Judeos: That there is no Satan.
It is essential, therefore, for the sake of those who wish to know what the truth of the matter is, that the subject be fully examined. Our contacts with those holding this doctrinal belief have extended over a period of many years. This has afforded an excellent opportunity to watch the results of an emotionalism that tends to feed the ego and crate self-righteousness and arrogance. We have seen some desperately seeking to the �gift of tongues,� as some of the Judeo-Christian churches teach.
The book, War On the Saints, was published in 1912 as a textbook for believers on the subject of Christian doctrine and the work of Satan and his deceiving spirits. Unfortunately it is not now available, being out of print, but the following excerpts are quoted from this book because of their bearing upon this study of Satan and his actions:
�It is of primary importance to understand what a true baptism of the Spirit is, the conditions of its reception, and the effects of obtaining it. It is not an influence coming upon the body, nor, according to the records in the Acts of the Apostles, does not result in physical manifestations, such as convulsions, twitchings and writhings of the human frame (which can be seen in some of the churches in America today and yesterday and will no doubt continue in the future); nor does it rob a man of the full intelligent action of the mind, or ever make him irresponsible for his speech and actions.
�In brief, the place of the indwelling of the Spirit of God in man gives the key to all true manifestations connected with the Baptism of the Spirit, as well as the conditions for receiving it, and the results in personal experience and service. That place is the human spirit. Once let the believer understand that his spirit is the organ through which the Holy Spirit caries out all His operations in and through him, he will be able to discern the true meaning of being filled with the Holy Ghost, and how to DETECT THE WORKINGS OF SATAN IN THE REALM OF THE SENSES.
�The Baptism of the Holy Spirit may be described as an influx, sudden or gradual, or the Spirit of God into a man�s spirit, which liberates it from the vessel of the soul (a mans mind, not his spirit), and raises it into a place of dominance over the soul (mind) and body. The freed spirit then becomes of Divine power. The mind (soul) receives, at the same time, a clarifying quickening, and the �eye of the understanding� is filled with light. (Ephesians 1:18) The body becomes entirely under the man�s complete control, as the result of the dominance of the spirit, and often receives a quickening in strength for endurance in the warfare service he finds he has emerged into.
�That the Spirit of God perates through the organ of a man�s spirit, as shown in the epistles of Paul, needs to be kept in mind in reading the records of the working of the Holy Spirit in the Acts of the Apostles.
�On the day of Pentecost, the 120 disciples; and WOMEN, were filled in the spirit, as the Spirit of God filled the atmosphere, and their tongues were liberated, so that they themselves (both MEN AND WOMEN), as intelligent personalities, could speak of the mighty works of God as the Spirit gave utterance, i.e., gave them the power to speak (in foreign tongues). The record gives no hint that they became automatons, or that the Spirit Himself spoke through them, or instead of them. They themselves were given intelligent insight into, and utterance about, the wonderful things of God as they were �moved� in spirit by Him.
This must have been a real wonder to the Jews because they had already said the Apostles were unlearned men.
�Now when they (the Jews) saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.� (Acts 4:13)
�This influx of the Divine spirit into their spirit, not only left their mental powers in full action, but clarified them, and increased their keenness of discernment and power of thought, as seen in the action and the words of Peter, who spoke with such convincing power that through his words, inspired by the Spirit, but spoken by him in the intelligent clearness of mind, three thousand were converted. The true influence of God the Holy Spirit was manifested through him, not in �control� of those who heard him, but in deep conviction in their consciences which turned them to God, not conquered by terror of God, but by a godly awe, which led them to godly sorrow and repentance.
�The �falling upon� of the Spirit (Acts 2:15-18) is therefore upon the spirit, clothing it with Divine light and power, and raising it into union of spirt with the glorified Lord in heaven; at the same time baptizing the believer into one spirt with every other member of the mystical Body of Christ, joined to the Head in heaven.
�All who are thus liberated and clothed in spirit are �made to drink of one spirit� (1 Corinthians 12:13) the Holy spirit, who then, through the spirt capacity of each member of the Body, is able to distribute to each the gifts of the Spirit, for effective witness to the risen Head (Christ), �divined to each one severally even as he will.� (See 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)...
The Holy Spirit fills the human spirit of the believer, and communicates to him the very Spirit of Christ, joining him in one spirit to the Spirit of the building up of a new creation in His likeness. (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:2-13) Through this, instead of being turned inward to a self-centered apprehension of Christ, he is, by the influx of the Spirit of God into his spirit, lifted, so to speak, out of the narrow limit of himself, into a spiritual sphere where he finds himself one spirit with others who are joined to the living Head forming one body, or spirt organism, for the influx and outflowing of the Spirit of the Lord.� (War On the Saints, pp. 284-287; Documentary Studies, by Howard B. Rand, pp. 173-175)
When God was about to lead His Israel people out of Egypt, Pharaoh attempted to thwart His purposes. Through the Egyptian opposition to the Exodus, SATAN WAS ENDEAVORING TO HINDER A MOVE THAT WAS TO LEAD TOT HE ORGANIZATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD AT MOUNT SINAI. (Can anyone say that Pharaoh was Satan?)
�For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth. And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.� (Exodus 9:15-16) (KJV)
Now at the end of the age which is upon us; God is about to lead His people out of material and economic bondage instituted by a system of oppression that has been responsible for much suffering, want and an early grave for many. He is raising up Gog and Magog, through whom He will show His power. SATAN IS ACTIVELY OPPOSING THE DIVINE PURPOSE AGAIN, USING THE ATHEISTICAL LEADERS OF GODLESS COMMUNISM AS INSTRUMENTS OF DESTRUCTION IN HIS ENDEAVOR TO DESTROY GOD�S PEOPLE BEFORE THEY ARE ABLE TO LEAVE THE PRESENT ORDER AND ENTER INTO THE PERFECTION OF THE KINGDOM ADMINISTRATION OF CHRIST.
Just as God spared Pharaoh for the day when, through that heathen ruler His Name would be proclaimed throughout the earth, so Soviet Russia and China today is being preserved by God for the day of reckoning when, through their sudden and overwhelming destruction, He will be made known to all nations.
Let those who fear and tremble as they watch the Soviets prepare for atomic warfare, as they have been doing for the past 50 years; even though our Satanic controlled leaders lie and give them billions of dollars that should be going to our people, contemplate these purposes of God.
The Kremlin and its Jewish hordes will never be able to take over world rule, nor be allowed to go bey0nd the boundary set by God in letting loose upon the world evil forces of destruction. When their (Russia and China) all-out attack begins, which will destroy many of out people because of our collective sins, such as murdering innocent babies, letting the queers, perverts, degenerates, lying leaders and etc., hold sway over our people) it will bring into action the fierce anger of the Lord who has declared:
�But on that day when Gog shall invade the land of Israel (The United States of America, England, and the other Israel nations of the world)... my fury shall rise in my nostrils. And in my indignation, in the fire of my wrath, I swear: On that day shall there be an earthquake in the land of Israel, so great that the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, all the reptiles that creep upon the ground, and every human being upon the surface of the earth, shall tremble at my presence, the mountains shall be torn down, the cliffs shall tremble at my presence, the mountains (nations) shall be torn down, the cliffs shall tumble, and every wall shall fall to the ground. I will summon against hi every kind of terror...and every man�s sword shall be against his brother; I will proceed against him also with pestilence and bloodshed; and I will rain upon him and his hordes, and upon the many peoples that are with hi, a lashing rain, accompanied by hailstones, fire, and brimstone. So will I reveal my greatness and my holiness, and will make myself known in the sight of many nations; and they shall know that I am the Lord...I will turn you round, and drive you on; I will bring you up from the farthest north, and lead you against the mountains (nations) of Israel, you and all your hordes, and the peoples that are with you: to ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field, will I leave you as food. On the open field shall you lie; for I have spoken it... Behold it comes, and it shall be...this is the day which I spoke.� ( Ezekiel 38:18-23; 39:2-8, Smith & Goodspeed Translation)
As we watch the activities of the Jews and listen to the boasting of their lap-dogs and boot-licks, there comes to mind the words of the proclamation issued by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon:
�I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?� (Daniel 4:34-35)
The Jews say they honor Almighty God, but they do lie and their hearts are far from Him, as it is written:
�Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people (the Jews) draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.� (Isaiah 29:13) (KJV)
Christ was killed because of His opposition to the activities of the subversive forces of His day; and so are many of our Israel Christian Brothers and Sisters today. He opposed the commercial activity in the temple.
The result was that the rulers (the Jews, not the Romans) in the nation were determined to destroy Him. Is teachings, if accepted, would have destroyed the Jewish system upon which they depended. SATAN HIMSELF, THE FATHER OF THE WORLD SYSTEM OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, REALIZED THAT, IF CHRIST SUCCEEDED, HIS OWN KINGDOM WOULD PASS AWAY. SO HE WORKED THROUGH JUDAS AND THROUGH THE JEWS, THE PHARISEES AND THE SADDUCEES. Christ said to the Jewish leaders of His day;
�Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth.� (John 8:44)
The crucifixion was the hour of triumph for the forces of evil, or so they thought. The Son of God died upon the stake and even the very heavens were darkened when He died. But the hour of triumph for SATAN became the hour of his defeat because of the resurrection. Christ came forth from the grave, to be forever beyond the power of evil forces to again interfere with Him. SATAN DID NOT FORESEE THIS TRIUMPH. Thus, the hour of darkness for the forces of righteousness PROVED TO BE THE HOUR OF SATAN�S DEFEAT THROUGH THE TRIUMPHANT RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD.
Just as surely AS SATAN UNDERTOOK TO CRUCIFY THE KING OF THE KINGDOM IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT HIS DEATH AND DESTRUCTION, SO TODAY SATAN IS STILL BENDING ALL HIS ENERGY AND EVERY EFFORT TO CRUCIFY THE KINGDOM. THROUGH EVIL HE IS BRINGING THE ISRAEL NATIONS TO THE PLACE WHERE HE CAN LET LOOSE HIS FORCES TO DESTROY SATAN, THE JEWS AND THEIR MINIONS. THERE IS NO REASON TO DOUBT THAT SATAN WILL SUCCEED IN BRINGING ABOUT THE COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE JEWISH SYSTEM FOR WHICH MEN HAVE LABORED.
Then will come the restoration, when Israel shall return to her God-given laws. In the restoration of the laws of the king, God�s people will be above the power of all subversive activities of the Jews and evil men under the control of Satan. The things that made the destruction of the people possible will have passed away because the King Himself will have returned in triumphant glory to establish the power and authority of His Kingdom.
It is through the means of deceiving spirits that Satan has been able to greatly increase his power over the human race because, through the activities of evil spirits, he has succeeded in leading hundreds of thousands astray. But such means heathen religions have flourished and their devilish doctrines have secured a foothold even among God�s people in Christian lands. A decisive blow should be struck against Satan�s kingdom and his vast army of demon sprits would to a large extent become impotent if the true state of the dead were recognized by all Christian men and women.
Paul refers to the appearance of a power that is Satanic in origin and deceptive to the extreme, but to which many will give support. He pointed out:
�The other�s appearance, BY THE CONTRIVANCE OF SATAN, WILL BE FULL POWER AND PRETENDED SIGNS AND WONDERS, AND FULL OF WICKED DECEPTION FOR MEN WHO ARE GOING TO DESTRUCTION (such as those in government who are leading our people astray), because they refused to live the truth and be saved. This is why God sends upon them a misleading influence, to make them believe what is false, who that all who have refused to believe the truth but have preferred disobedience may be condemned.� (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12, Smith & Goodspeed Translation)
Who is this �other� of whom Paul is speaking, WHO IS SATANIC IN ORIGIN, DECEIVING THE PEOPLE AND IN OPPOSITION TO GOD AND THE TRUTH BUT PRETENDING TO WORK MIRACLES? The first is a mystery but this other is a delusion. Its chief characteristic was to be that it would be �full of wicked deception� and it is universally recognized that this is the hallmark of the ideology of Judaism which is leading many astray because they will not believe the truth. In this we see the fulfillment of the statement:
�And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.� (2 Thessalonians 2:11)
This movement, with its evil propaganda, is certainly the embodiment of the doctrines of devils. It propagates falsehood in laying claim to be for peace while all the time it stirs up trouble, spreads terror and brings about bloodshed wherever possible. Its watchword is chaos.
Mystery Babylon the Great has been active for many years; in fact, since the all of Imperial Rome, but until the evil adversary Bolshevism (Judaism) made its appearance, the double sign had not been given indicating that the Day of the Lord is at hand. But now the vent signs have been made manifest and we know the Day of the Lord; which Paul stated could not come until both of these events became actualities, has now come.
The final signal, and a forerunner of the coming the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord itself, was given when the Zionists established themselves in Palestine by force and through violence. Two years later the night of Darkness of the Day of the lord began with the irruption of the Heathen hordes in Asia when the Koran war commenced on June 25, 1950, and then the Vietnam war, Grenada, Panama, Iraq, and Bosnia.
Much more could be said about Satan, but if this does not convince people that there is a lateral Satan, then there is no amount of documentation that could prove it to them.