Its been said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. There is no clearer evidence of this than what had transpired eons ago with the most awesome creature God had ever created, Lucifer. The existence of a personal Satan and his activities are necessary to explain the source of evil and some of the suffering we now experience in our world today. The Bible makes it clear that Satan does exist and that his main work is to oppose the rule and will of God in the affairs of man. To do a study on Satan is called Satanology. This becomes an important and informative subject, because we can understand our world better and recognize his fingerprints. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. The best attack of an enemy is to either maske you think he is not there or he is not really an enemy.

What kind of angel is Satan? There are numerous heavenly creatures that we know of. Angels, Seraphim and Cherubim. Angels are those who have no wings and appear as man on earth, they are the lowest order of these celestial beings. Seraphim which means burning ones are the next highest species they have 6 wings, they use 2 to cover their face, 2 to cover their feet and 2 for flying. They are also described as having four faces.  1) human 2) calf 3) lion 4) eagle.(Isa.6:2-7; Rev.4:6-11, 5:6-14, 6:1,3,5,7, 7:11-12, 14:3, 15:7, 19:4-5)   They constantly sing out “Holy, holy, holy is Yahweh of hosts, the whole earth is filled with his glory”(Isa.6:3), and “Holy, holy, holy, lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Rev.4:8) God uses these beings in judgment especially in the tribulation.

Cherubim are another type of angelic creature, it means to guard or cover they are constantly around God’s throne in worship, they have special relationship to God as they are underneath it bearing it. (Rev.4:8).(found 91 times in the word - 90 in the Old Testament) Some are with 2 wings and 1 face -a face of a man. Some are with 2 faces of a man and a lion and some are with 4 wings and 4 faces- a man, a lion, an ox and an eagle. Satan was created in this species, he is a Cherub and has often been referred to as the two faced type in a joke, but rightly so.(Ez.1:5, 6, 8, 10-11, 18.)  So the order of angelic creatures are angels, Seraphim and Cherubim being the highest. Satan is of the Cherub class.

Before anything created came to be there was only eternity in the past. When God created the heavens there was a time when all the angels were united and harmony existed in heaven. They were together in worship and service to God their creator this is put when the earth was first created before man is on it.

God in his discussion with Job askd over 80 questions, several were about  his afflicting trial. God asked Job "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”(Job 38:4-7) Here we have both the symbolic usage of angels (morning stars) and what God calls them, sons of God. The angels including Satan knew God as their Father as they were created as Sons of God. Which implies that there are no female angels. (Both the angels and stars are called the host of heaven Deut.4:19,17:3 1 Kings 22:19; Ps.33:6; Rev.12:3-4, the star can speak symbolically of the heavenly hosts and spirits created by God). 

Since all the angels were in unity what changed? What made this majestic angelic creature fall?

In both Ezekiel and Isaiah there double applications. In Ez.28:1-10 He compares the contemporary human king of Tyre to the Lucifer/ satan a former spiritual leader. This human king on earth was led to think of himself as deity, as was Satan. Ezekiel’s vision begins with the earthly ruler and then gives us a greater revelation of what is behind the power of his throne. These are some of the more in depth yet difficult passages to reconcile with the Genesis record.

In Ezek 28:11-12: “Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Son of man, take up a lamentation for the king of Tyre, and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: “You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” V.12, He was called the seal of perfection meaning he filled up a blueprint of wisdom and beauty that was unique in comparison to all the other angels and creatures God made. Of all of God’s created beings he alone filled up this pattern in his wisdom and beauty incomparable by any other created being. He was not created evil but was perfect in his creation.

V.13 “You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering: the sardius, topaz, and diamond, Beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and emerald with gold.” The original garden that God made in Eden on earth seemed to be with stones. (The Hebrew word Mcukkah is a unique word used here from the root cakak meaning to entwine or to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect.) whether these stones were under him or on him have scholars 

It was this place, Eden that was Satan’s stomping ground, his original possession, one of his estates before his fall, and most likely one of the sanctuaries he defiled. Many of these stones the high priests would wear later on their breastplate. The stones named here are also found in the High priest's breastplate (Ex 28:17-20), but their order is different, and three stones named in Exodus (the third row) are missing. There are only nine stones named instead of twelve; (of the four rows of three in each the third is omitted in the Hebrew, but is supplied in the Septuagint) Ezek 28:11-19. Both Bdellium, oynx stones and gold are also found in the Eden that Adam had dominion over (Gen 2:11-12). The prophet may have purposely varied the description because the number twelve is consistently used   related to the tribes of Israel. These same twelve precious stones later form the twelve foundations to the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:14,19-21).

This Eden is called the garden of God. Eden and Garden of God are not the exact same ground, as the garden of God is in a Eden that is prior to man being there. It implies that the earth was Satan’s habitation prior to mans.   This could explain Satan’s anger in wanting to destroy God’s new creation that was put there to rule the garden that was once his. The Garden of Eden is described before its unfallen state, as a mineral garden as the precious stones are mentioned. Later on when it is made suitable for man it is made into a vegetable and fruit garden. (In Ez.31 it mentions the ancient Eden of Adam as the Garden of God 3 times [meaning to hedge about a fenced in area])

Satan once had authority over this planet which seems to imply that God gave different the angels authority over portions of the universe. The Earth was given to the one called the son of the dawn (morning; Day star) before he became Satan. Some scholars find the earth being judged in between Gen.1:1 and 2 and position Satan’s fall in this time period. As Satan was judged the earth was judged along with him which may explain Gen.1:2 saying it became without form and void- dark without order. We know that he was Satan (fallen) before He came to Adam and Eve. And we see how the earth was judged because of his deception even though Eve did not initiate the sin but participated in it. How much greater was the judgment for this creature who had the greatest position in heaven.

The primordial judgment- Gen.1:1-2 God’s spirit comes to the earth and it is a mass of chaos and makes order out of it.  The two views are- that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth are a summary of what is to precede. Another is that this is a separate event from the 6 days of creation. Gen.1:1 describes something out of nothing. The  Hebrew Bara means to create and is used only of God. The other words are made and formed which is used of both God and man. So some scholars find the judgment taking place between the verses of one and two. 

Gen.1:2 did he create without form or void? Isa.45:18 became chaos God creates and puts things in an ordered state.

The Hebrew word -Tohu Vohu was or became- waste and void (Isa.34:11, Jer.4:23 when the two words tohu Vohu are used together in the Old Testament it relates to divine judgment. Look at what proceeds Gen.1:2: darkness was over the face of the deep. This event most explain as related to the fall of Satan (Ez.38:11-19). Here in the narrative we find the earth already existing before the 6 days having water before it was refashioned. The first thing that is done is the removal of darkness over the planet. The next thing God did was make an atmosphere with water above and water below. 2 Pt.3:5-7 describe two worlds the one that was and is, one out of water and one in the water (the flood). (although this could just mean the waters encompassed the world in the flood). Some creation scientists say that there was a protective covering around the earth, which they believe was this water. The next thing done on day 3 was to make land appear and separate the water and then proceeded to make the trees and vegetables that will sustain life the other creatures.

In Gen.1:3 God refashions the earth for man whom He will create from the ground personally give life and  authority over the garden (in Gen.2:2 The earth is restored to its original unfallen state.) As the Holy Spirit moves over the waters. The light then separates the darkness that was from the judgment. Ps.18:7-15

The gap theory places an undetermined lengthy period of time between Genesis 1: 1 and 1:2. Some use this as an accommodation to the current view of science. Although some see a scriptural validity to some catastrophic occurrence in this time period there is absolutely no validity for other hominids or people prior to man.

V.13 continues to tell us “The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.” The timbrels and pipes that were prepared for him mean music, most have identified these to be wind pipes and some type of kettledrum, he was the worship leader in heaven. He had rhythm and creativity which was all given to Him the day he was created. He was the choir director having a high priestly ministry. Being the leader of the angels, the sons of God in worship and the closest to the throne of their creator, he was positioned above it as the canopy. But his position of glory had a price. (In Isa.14 we have insight into his attitude and actions that made him fall.)  “in the day you were created” shows us Lucifer is not eternal but had a beginning that was not apart from the rest of the angels. Being created he is limited.

14."You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. He is called the anointed cherub who covereth. Certainly this is not the earthly king, the king of Tyre that this could be said of. Being perfect, blameless and called the anointed cherub.

 Satan had the highest station of any angel, the word “anointed” indicates his special position above all other angels, even other cherubs which is the type of angel he is. This is an angel of the highest order first in power and authority over all the other creatures. This position was given to him by God. Cherubs are the closest angels to God’s throne. He was the arch Cherub, He was a canopy over the throne while the other angels were under it and around it. Satan is mentioned in Ezek.28 explaining how he led the mutiny in heaven at this time he is called anointed and a lightbearer.  Scripture describes that other cherubim carry God’s throne, the angel of light (son of the morning) who became Satan was the canopy over it. Similarly later on Moses was instructed to make two golden cherubim with outstretched wings on the lid covering the mercy-Seat for the OT tabernacle (Heb.9:5 called cherubim of glory).  Cherubim were the most used symbols in the tabernacle as they appeared on the tapestry and later appeared on the walls of Solomon’s temple. The tabernacle was an earthly sanctuary to reflect the heavenly one. 1 Pet. 1:12 explains that God’s work are “things which angels desire to look into.” The word that is used of the angels looking into means “to stoop to a thing in order to look at it; to look at with head bowed forward; to look into with the body bent; to stoop and look into; carefully, to inspect curiously, to become acquainted with something.” This is reminiscent of the Cherubim on the lid of the ark of the Covenant, instead of looking at each other they are looking in over the mercy seat, God’s work with man.

V.14. This is the Mountain of God in heaven, whether this is completely symbolic, a metaphor or literal it is hard to say. (There are two other places called a mountain of God, on earth one where his glory was revealed Exod. 3:1 Moses,  “came to Horeb, the mountain of God.” Ps 68:15 A mountain of God is the mountain of Bashan. When a mountain is used symbolically it represents rulers and kingdoms, so this too fits in that he was rejected from the government of God.

[Thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire]- He is known as the shining one reflecting God’s glory from the stones. Fiery stones probably explains the ground being paved with precious stones, that reflected like fire, which is probably a reference to the glory of God in the dwelling place of God. God’s glory is often represented as fire and light. He had access over the stones which seem to have reflected God’s glory in heaven. 

Ex 24:10,17 describes God on Mt. Sinai “under whose feet was as it were a paved work of sapphire” while His glory was like “devouring fire.” Satan was privileged to come and go in the place of God’s throne and glory and reflect it.

15. “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.” He had no flaws but had the ability to choose. He was the wisest and most beautiful of God’s creatures. This “perfection” was not tried, there were no flaws suspected until the “iniquity” which laid beneath was found.  Satan was a creature of exquisite beauty and wisdom having no comparison- until iniquity was birthed in him. How far did Satan fall? When this happened his destiny was sealed and there is no way to turn him back from becoming a sinning angel There is no redemption for angels. Probably because they were closest to God and had access to his presence, so they had more revelation.

16 “By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I will destroy you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones.”

V.16 “the abundance of his traffic” is a term explaining how he went from angel to angel causing a rebellion in heaven.” His boastful lie of the 5 “I wills” in Isa.14 was spread convincing the others to follow. This is what led to the revolt and one third of the angels following him. His sin increased and leavened other angels, and they too lost their holiness. God called this violence that came from his nature. Where there once was harmony there is now disruption. He was quickly removed from heaven, he was judged and lost his position. He was destroyed from his position in ministry to God. This affected two places on earth and in heaven. Cast from the mountain of God and destroyed in the midst of the fiery stones.

V.17 “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you.” V.17 gives us a clue to the initial pride in his heart. Apparently Lucifer looked to himself and became enamored with his own beauty. He became self focused. As we will see in Isa.14 In his heart he wanted to be exalted and have a higher estate in relation to the other angels and to God. He wanted to sit on the throne himself and be worshipped like God by the other creatures.

Going back to Ezek.28:2, Ezekiel started to compare the situation of the prince of Tyre with that of the Satan, he draws a comparison between his desire and fall of the earthly king and the desire and fall from heaven by the anointed cherub. The prophet states “Because your heart is lifted up And you say I am a God, I sit in the seat of God.” This is the posturings of the Antichrist of whom the King of Tyre is a type. Pride is the first sin and it brought a swift condemnation. It was both Lucifer, the king of Tyre and many others such as Nebuchadnezzar who fell when their heart was lifted up. In Dan 5:18-21 Daniel addresses the king about his father Nebuchadnezzar.V.20 “But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory.” Pride has been the downfall of many a ruler, even in the Church. 1 Tim 3:6 Paul tells us that to be a teacher in the Church one should “not be a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” So if one desires to teach they need to be patient and wait until they are mature and equipped or they will grasp for the position beforehand. The same sin that Satan was tempted in becomes the bait for him to use on Eve and Adam and all of mankind today. That we can be self sufficient and be like God.

Solomon wrote “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud”(Prov.16:18-20)

This will be the modus operandi of the final antichrist. The ultimate fulfillment is when Satan reveals himself in the tribulation “As God in the temple of God.”(2 Thess.2:4) for the purpose of being worshipped by every human being. Earthly kings and rulers who lift themselves up receiving honor that is due God rule in the spirit of Satan. He is then cast down from this position of ministry given to him and his nature is corrupted permanently.   

18 “You defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trading; therefore I brought fire from your midst; it devoured you, and I turned you to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all who saw you.” He lost at least two positions that he was in control of. He was cast out of the mountain of God which is in heaven. The other portion is has a past and future tense. The past he was judged in his second sanctuary the fiery stones in the garden of God. In the future God will destroy him by fire for all to see as he takes a body of a man in the tribulation period and is stopped by the 2^nd coming of Christ.

Satan was formerly was a creature of exquisite beauty and wisdom having no comparison. He wanted to ascend to greater heights. He wanted to be exalted above the glory of God with a desire to be like his creator. Not in character but, all that was due to God would now be directed toward him. He wanted to be God. It was pride that corrupted his perfect state. Although we are not informed specifically on this sin that made him prideful or exactly how it happened. Scripture tells us it was sin in his heart  that corrupted his wisdom and led to his external sin that brought 1/3^rd the other angels along in rebellion.

The angelic fall was a one time event, a test that God allowed, which has now confirmed the angels in their nature, unable to change back. So neither the good angels can become evil nor can the evil angels change back to their former nature.

Now there are two classes of angels: Holy, Mk.8:38, elect 1 Tim.5:21 and the evil (Mt.25:41 angels who rebelled.) When the angels fell they received the title of demons and Satan became the prince of Demons (Mt.12:24) and they are the Devils angels (Mt.25:41).   They are organized as an army in ranks and positions as Eph.6:11-12 explains. (also Col.2:15) This includes both the good and evil angels. Hosts refer to a military organization (God is called the Lord of hosts= armies). God’s army is twice the size of Satan’s, for every evil angel- there are 2 good ones (Rev.12:3).

Isaiah 14

The Isa.14 gives us more insight to the details of the fall.  These passages relate to the Babylonian king comparing who he is like and how he will have the same downfall. Just as the king of Tyre was a type so is the king of Babylon in the tribulation period. 

Isa.14:12-20: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!

He is called the day star-Heb.Ben Shaachar. Son of the morning-Isa 14:12 Heb. heeyleel  which means the bright and shining one. (Lucifer is the name in Latin, and is not the correct one.) He was a (bright) morning star and is now exhibited as having fallen from his place to the earth. This is a poetic comparison of a magnificent anointed angel the son of the morning (morning star). This is not a unique title as all the angels are called morning stars (Job 38:4-7) but he is separated among the others. He is no longer called by this title after the fall.

The title [Son of the morning] is a Hebraism, it signifies a bright star or the offspring of morning; it belongs to the morning. The word ‘son’ often denotes possession of, or that one thing belongs to another. Meaning that it has the nature of that thing or title it is attached to. A similar name for a  star in one place represents the Son of God himself. Rev 21:16: `Jesus is called the “bright and morning star.” (Rev 2:28) Angels are sons named after God, as Michael means, “who is like God”, Gabriel means “mighty like God.” While these angels and others are given their name by God Satan was called the son of the morning but was not satisfied and declared himself, “I will be like the most high” exalting his own position. Once he asserted his own will he was doomed to eternal separation, there is no redemption for Satan or any other angel. Anyone who exalts themselves instead if surrendering by having dependence to the will of God follows in the footsteps of Lucifer. This is why God resists the proud and exalts the humble, it is the way he operates his kingdom as Jesus gave us the example in his life.

Nothing conjures up a more vivid picture than the idea of that star falling to the earth! This has a dual fulfillment as he has already fallen and will be cast to the earth again in the middle of the tribulation period. As Michael and the good angels will fight in heaven and he will lose his access there to be confined on earth for a short time to unleash his wrath. (Revelation 12:7-9- As Jesus said he saw Satan fall, like lightning.) 

Luke 10:17-18: “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." Jesus replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. There are few ways to interpret this. Some say it is prophetic when he will be cast to the earth in the tribulation period (Rev.12). The other interpretation is that Jesus was there when Satan fell which was before the earth had Adam and Eve on it. In its immediate context it is about seeing Satan’s kingdom being crushed because of their authority to cast out demons. And that one day in the future the prince will fall because of what Jesus will do. We have assurance that “the God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet” (Rom. 16:20).

Jesus went on to explain “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven”(Luke 10:19). We are on the register in heaven while Satan who once was is no longer.

V.13-14 “For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.”

There are 5 “I wills” mentioned in Isa.14, all are indicative of his corrupted heart and his desire to leave the position assigned to him by God. This is his desire of self-promotion instead of his God given position, for he already had the highest position of any creature. Some have found this to be a declaration of when he was in the garden of God. Scripture states one of his positions was over the throne of God. To reconcile this passage it may mean he was on earth when he made this declaration, away from God’s throne wanting to ascend into heaven. It could be from his station on earth he wanted to be exalted his throne to the throne of God in heaven. In each succeeding declaration of “I will” he exalts himself further and further.

Another will enters the universe

In the beginning there was only one will throughout the universe, God’s.  It is here we find another will enters the universe that is motivated by rebellion against the first will, God’s. This marks the beginning of sin in the universe. It shows that no one is above this fall today no matter how close we are to God, for Lucifer was the closest. However only Christians who have submitted to the Lordship of Christ can say “thy will be done.” It was Satan’s voice who challenged the angels to follow him, rather than God. Because of this rebellion in heaven and it being brought to earth through Adam we now we have untold billions of “I wills” running around the planet! Why has God allowed this to go this route and for so long? God will demonstrate once and for all that no good can ever come apart from His will, only God’s will is perfect: perfect in wisdom, perfect in righteousness, perfect in justice. He will demonstrate this to mankind and the angels as he deals with humanity in various judgments that lead up to the 2^nd coming of Christ.

Here Satan wanted a higher position than what was given to Him by God his creator, this was pride. “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God”(Isa.14:13). He wanted to be exalted above the stars of God. I don’t believe he was  referring to the stars we see at night in the heavens. Symbolically “The stars” are often also used to express heavenly principalities, it means other angels, (Rev.1:20,9:1,12:4) both the good and evil angels. Daniel refers to this usage of stars referring to the believers, he said, we shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever (Dan.12:3). He is speaking of the future glory of believers, this is a type of glory that angels already possessed. And Job said when “the morning stars sang together” (Job 38:4-7). Satan did not want to be counted among the other angels as a creature but as God, although he too was created along with them.

His intention is to sit on the mount of the congregation. Where God was to be worshipped by His people. The sheer audacity of any creature in wanting to receive the attention and what is only due God is high treason. Especially for one that knew better. This is what makes his fall all the more insidious.

Ps 89:5-7: “And the heavens will praise Your wonders, O LORD; your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. For who in the heavens can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” Satan wanted the position of governing all the angels in heaven, which is God’s alone. But ones self promotion to a greater position cannot come from their self desire as Ps.75:6-7 states “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: he puts down one, and exalts another.” (Ps 75:6-7) Jesus came to show that we are to be servant’s, Satan comes and promotes people exalting them quickly making them proud. Of course with this attitude they will eventually fall as pride comes before a fall.

He wanted to take God’s place (Ps.48:2; Isa.2:2 4:5-6) to become the ruler, even the messiah over Israel.  Not in a good sense but only to steal the worship due God. This he will accomplish to a certain extent by deception when he comes as the counterfeit messiah and will rule during the Tribulation period. In the sides of the north which refers to two places-in heaven and on earth, the sides of Mount Moriah, on which the temple was built; north of Mount Zion (Ps 48:2).

There is something of importance on the north side as the important functions of the tabernacle were on the north side. The place of meeting between God and His people, is in the temple on Mount Zion at Jerusalem. In Dan 11:37: it says of the final world ruler “ he shall magnify himself above all" and in 2 Thess. 2:4 “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” He will be against everything that is worshipped, both true and false- except himself. After many antichrists have come this will be the ultimate and final Antichrist, Satan’s man on earth whom he will rule through.  

After Lucifer declares 'I will ascend into heaven, he then says he will sit in “ the farthest sides of the north

This appears to not be on earth but in heaven where the angels worship. v.14. “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.” Ascend above the clouds is a symbol for God’s glory (Ex.16:10,40:34-38; 1 Kings 8:10-11 Mt.26:64) in the Old testament fire, light, and clouds showed the presence of God was there. Jesus had ascended in a cloud and will come back in cloud, in the fathers glory which he had before the world began (Jn.17). 

Why choose the name of God “the Most High”? He could have said I will be like the creator or use God’s name Yahweh or I Am, but instead he choose this one. When Abraham met Melchezedik the king of Salem of his time he blessed Abraham using the description of God as the “most high God possessor of heaven and earth”(Gen.14:18-19) This gives us insight into Satan’s pride, he didn’t intend to share God’s rulership in any way but replace him. Moses  sang a prophetic song and spoke of God as the most high as He “divided to the nations their inheritance” (Deut.32:7-8).  This has been the goal of many a tyrant in history who follows the nature of Satan by wanting to possess all the earth.  In Isa.10:12-13 The king of Assyria a type of the anti Christ boasts in himself –Isaiah says of his boasting v.12 “Therefore it shall come to pass, when the LORD has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, “I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.” For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent; also I have removed the boundaries of the people, and have robbed their treasuries; so I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man.”

God is the possessor of heaven and earth, Satan wanted this authority and control for himself. To desire to be like the uncreated one, was to usurp his authority as he did in the Garden when He had Eve listen to Him instead of God.

But the Lord says v.15 “Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.” This will be Satan’s future abode the one who thought he would ascend into heaven will be brought down the lowest place. The prophet Isaiah goes back to the past and then the future in his discourse. 

 Scripture says hell was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Most likely made in the 6 days of creation.  If people go there it is only because they have refused the way out from it. Isaiah 5:14 says, God had enlarged it, so that its mouth may open without measure to receive the proud. It was expanded for people who reject the gospel and those who follow the devils ways. The gospel is God’s way to rescue people from going there

His end is told in V.16-20 “Those who see you will gaze at you, and consider you, saying: 'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, Who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities, who did not open the house of his prisoners?' "All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory, everyone in his own house; But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch, like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land and slain your people. The brood of evildoers shall never be named.”

Who is Satan and what is his nature

There are a number of misconceptions about Satan one is that he is not an individual person but an evil force or only a principle or influence. Another mistake is that everything that is evil, every sin in a person’s life is blamed on him. James explains the principle and effect of all sin. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14, 15). Every time the human will exercises itself against God’s divine will there is sin is in operation. It is in our heart constantly but it brings it fruit when acted upon. Scripture says whatever is not of faith is sin. God has made the rules under which sin will be sinned. Only as believers is it possible to choose contrary to the heart of fallen man, but it is not always easy it is an act of our submitting our own will to his obeying what we know in the word. And our old nature wars (battles) against it. 

Some Christians are just plain superstitious and are held in fear. They seeing defilement in various ways. shaking hands, or avoid going in a place because a person who might be possessed was there or saying certain things that are worldly are of the devil. While some this is valid not all is. There is no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness, there is no communion between light and darkness. There is no transaction unless one willingly involves themselves in the occult or practices sin as if they had no change of nature. Satan avoids the light just as we are to avoid the darkness.  

Then on the other hand there are some who are much too confident in their approach and fight Satan’s kingdom in unbiblical ways.  Eph.6:11-12 proceeds to give the orders of spiritual beings who are superior to man in both power and intelligence, they also differ from each other in the same way. Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear that our fight is not against humanity but these angels that influence the world behind the scenes. Dan 10:13 shows that there are humans as well as superhuman agencies in world governments involved in the satanic world system. The devil ran Egypt when Israel was captive. He was behind Pharaoh who would not submit to God’s request through Moses. 

Dionysius the Areopagite in the fourth century, divided the heavenly beings into three hierarchies, each of which was supposed to contain three choirs or orders. The highest of these hierarchies was composed of the cherubim, the seraphim, and the thrones; the second included dominions, virtues, and powers; the third contained the others mentioned in Scripture, principalities, archangels and angels. While this is not biblically accurate he did rightly recognize there were differences in the organization of angels. 

The celestial Order of Eph.6:11-12

Principalities = (Gr. Archai) are governing authority over nations, having positions over nations through the king or president. (both good and bad) 

Powers = (Gr.Dynameis) angels invested with authority and ability, possibly to do supernatural feats, miracles.

Rulers of the darkness of this age = expresses the powers of authority and influence over the world system and rulers

Spiritual Hosts of wickedness= express their character and evil nature as an opposing army they have military organization.

So we can see there are different degrees of power and wickedness among the fallen angelic creatures. Scripture points out that Satan is the prince of this world, (John 12:31) the God of this world (2 Cor. 4:4) and the prince of power of the (Eph. 2:2). He is also the prince of demons (Mt.12:24) and they are the Devils angels (Mt.25:41). So he is their general in the war for the people of earth. 

Jude states that we should be careful in saying asinine statements of these beings since they still hold a position greater than we for the time being. We are not to chase demons and speak insincerely of them or as Jude puts it railing, yelling or scolding them. Despite they are enemies of God and the Church they hold a position we are to acknowledge. Satan is still a dignitary of the highest order we are not to disrespect his office and position even though he is an enemy of God and his people. Jude relates those who rebel against the government are those who speak evil of dignitaries.  Most Greek scholars have interpreted these as the angels, which certainly fits the context. As Peter (2 Pt.2) seems to make the same point of those “who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries. Whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a railing accusation against them before the Lord.” Satan may be fallen but he still is a dignitary of the highest order and over ranks even Michael. This is why Michael could not challenge him over the body of Moses (Jude 8-9) and he was to be rebuked by the Lord only. There is not another fallen angel that is equal to Satan.

The Scripture gives believers assurances but we are not to be ignorant we are to know his devices and our weaknesses.

Satan is a creature he is not omnipotent, nor omni present. As an angel he cannot be in several places at once. He is localized and traveling involves time. Neither does he have unlimited power, he has great authority but there is a limit. He is also mighty in wisdom and intelligence but still limited and what he has is corrupted. It has been said if Einstein was a genius having intelligence measured by 200, Satan could have as much as a million. But he still cannot outsmart God, nor a believer in God’s will. Satan has a limit in dealing with a believer as God protects his own. Otherwise we are no better off then one who is a non- believer without God.

In no area has Satan won the vote of a Christian’s confidence than by circulating the idea that he can know the future or read our mind. So how are psychics and spiritist’s correct at times? The spirits certainly can bring situations to pass especially with those who are the children of disobedience and not under God’s influence. Satan and his fallen angels do not possess the qualities of God such as omniscience or omnipotence. But he does know our human nature and how we will respond to weaknesses. It is on this ground he operates to lead us to do the opposite of God’s will. As believers we have the power from the Holy Spirit to resist him and not do his will but God’s. He is not the cause of every sin we commit and often gets too much credit for everything going wrong. We are very capable of sinning on our own. This will be proven to those who enter the Millennium period without glorified immortal bodies. Satan will be bound for a thousand years (almost the whole length of the Millennium) and there will still be sin and sinners in the world without him. Isa.65:20-25: “No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days; for the child shall die one hundred years old, but the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.” Man will be given 100 years to repent.  It is at this time God will bless the work of our hands abundantly and there will be no violence. V.24-25 “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, the lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,” says the LORD.”

Satan’s main opposition today is toward the gospel. 2 Cor. 4:3-4 “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.” He opposes it by promoting a philosophy that either rejects God or a counterfeit religion having people influenced to walk in this course. He counterfeits religious systems distorts the gospel and will counterfeit Christ and others by apparitions He counterfeits doctrine as well (1 Tim.4:1-3; Rev.2:24). By this he blinds people to the true gospel. He also takes the route that there are many religions all just as valid as one another. That God has not made a particular way to himself but many ways, that we can choose whatever road we want. Sound familiar?

He promotes unity with all to weaken the truth, he also minimizes sin and the need for a cure. The only way to overcome this- By the cross through the gospel. “through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5) to have a new birth and be given the power to live a life opposite of what we once lived as.

As we live in the truth, God’s light shines out to the world and the works of darkness are destroyed. Christ is made known by our being living epistles living the message of the love of God shed inside our hearts. It is all because of Christ’s journey from heaven to earth- into death back to life ascending to heaven and sending the Holy Spirit to those who have believed on the gospel.

The names of Satan

The name Satan is used 19 times in the Old Testament and 35 times in the Greek New Testament. It means Adversary as in one opposing and resisting God’s kingdom. He is mentioned in 7 of the 39 books of the Old Testament. In the historical books, the poetic and in the prophetic. In the New Testament he is mentioned in the 19 of the 27 books and three other times where it implies demons it is in reference to his person. 9 different writers mention him at least once. The New Testament revelation has much to say about the one who often hides behind world events through history. 

The word serpent is used for the Devil when he is deceiving. Belial (2 Cor.6:15) means worthless or wicked which is describing his character. He is personified as a roaring lion (1Pt.5:8) and a great red dragon (Rev.12:3,2,7,9,13).Each show a character trait or activity of his.

He is called the Day star- son of the morning, which means the bright and shining one. Lucifer is the name in Latin, heeyleel in Hebrew. This may be in reference to the other angels called sons and stars except that it makes the point that he had a higher estate.  He can still be an angel of light 2 Cor.11:14, but he needs to transform and has deceptive character. This does not mean his features have changed, and he is a grotesque monster of some sort. Only his nature changed, he is still able to look beautiful. He does not come in a red suit with a pitchfork but as a beautiful spirit, a deceased relative, a heavenly angel even as women such as Mary who will ask for devotion to her heart. In the new age movement and other religions like Bahai you have what they call light bearers, the many who in different ages that are part progressive revelation of God and start new religions is the way of Lucifer the light bearer.

Abbaddon in Rev.9:11 means destroyer which is probably another leading demon who destroys our physical and spiritual life. The Pharisees called Jesus Baalzebub which in Judaism was a leading demon, the Lord of the flies (Mt.10:25; 12:24,27) This was  one of the Philistine gods the lord of the royal palace (2 Kings 1:2,3,6,16).

The word Devil (Greek diabolos, “accuser” is used 35 times). It means one who slanders another for the purpose of injury, a maligner, e.g., a “malicious gossip who reports falsely” (1 Tim. 3:11; 2 Tim. 3:3; Titus 2:3.) It reflects his characteristic of lying. This is what Satan did when he fell, he gossiped falsehood to the other angels and led them away from God.  He continues to be Israel’s accuser [Zech.3:1-2].  (There is a Rabinnic tradition that he goes to heaven on the feast of Trumpets to accuse Israel before God).  And he is the accuser of the brethren.  The name   accuser or slanderer is one who defames God and the believer before God. He was very active in the ministry of Jesus and later opposing the apostles in their propagating the gospel. 

How He works

There are two ways he misleads mankind. One is by saying that all religions are valid and all lead to the same place.

Sometimes He is able to achieve the same result by denials. He is in the advertising business to say there is no religion including Christianity. There is no personal God and with the same logic no Satan. The denial of the existence of God carries with it a denial of his existence as well. The enemy does not want men to think he exists. If there is no enemy, there is no preparation for defense. If there is no preparation for defense, the enemy can attack wherever he will having no concern that his cover is blown.  The result is the same whatever avenue is taken, destruction. But Christ made it clear that Satan does exist and if an individual respects Christ they will listen to his testimony ( Mt.4:10; Mk.3:26:Lk13:16)

If there is no absolute truth to be reckoned with, there is no lie and no father of lies. If there is no eternal Judge, there is no sin and no author of sin. If there is no heaven, there is no hell. There is nothing to be afraid of if God is non-existent. Despite the UN nominating John Lennon’s song as their theme for world unity it only promoted one of the lies the enemy holds the whole world in swat by. The best strategy was to begin the rumor of his own non-existence, which has been very successful. One of Satan's greatest strategies has been the attempt to keep men in ignorance of the real nature of his being and the purposes he has.

He has also done well to promote himself as a mythical figure in a red suit with two small horns protruding with cloven hoofs and a pointed tail. This is nonsense as Scripture describes him in the very opposite. A beautiful creature one that rules governments. Also to be known as the master torturer and the present ruler of Hell tormenting other souls which even some Christians believe. He has not been to hell and has no intention of going there. He does not know what hell is like except from the word of God. When he finally arrives there he will be no more than any other serving his sentence of punishment under the justice of God.

He also takes the route that there many religions all just as valid as one another. That God has not made a particular way to himself but many ways that we can choose whatever road we want.

The doctrine of Satan

Satan’s temptation to Jesus was about the word of God just as he tempted Eve. He questions the word brings in doubt and distorts its meaning. He can take away the word or can add to it.

Matt 4:1-10: “’Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."  But He answered and said, “It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

The bread of God in real life was symbolized by unleaven because God’s word does not puff up but humbles. It is pure having no sin. Jesus was our unleaven bread. Leaven puffs up it has no value nutritional value, so when you take out the leaven the only thing you have left is a thin wafer of unleaven bread called matza.  If you have seen matza it is striped and it is pierced, in the Talmud, the Rabbis say the Matza corresponds to the flesh of the Lamb. It is striped, it is pierced and it is broken. By his stripes we are healed, he was pierced for our transgressions, and he was broken. It is a picture of Jesus on the cross. But there is no leaven, because leaven is a picture of sin, especially the sin of pride, as it puffs up. Pride was the first sin, Satan wanted to be God  , he fed the same line to Adam and Eve “you can be like God” their first sin was pride. This is his doctrine he teaches even today.

Matt 4:5-7 “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,' and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” V.7 Jesus responds, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God. The chief of the rebels knows every line and word of the Scriptures as he quoted it to Christ, but he does not understand it in the correct sense. His wisdom is now corrupted and he is no longer able to think straight. Although he knows the word and God, he cannot understand what it means as it is the Holy Spirit who gives one the correct understanding and one needs faith. The demons believe but it is not faith that can save.

Satan’s abilities are great.  He is able to give wealth and power (Mk.4:9) he can offer to give one security.  

Isa.32:7: “Also the schemes of the schemer are evil; he devises wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaks justice.” Those who take advantage of the poor with promises of riches that are motivated by covetedness have their source from the Devil. He can give riches as he offered them to Christ who did not dispute it. He gives a pawn for the queen and anyone who sits down to play his game of chess always loses. 

V.8-10 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” (Luke’s order switches the last two so that he is brought to the temple last instead of worship last) While it is Satan that was created to worship Christ here is Jesus coming to earth being on his terrain and is challenged as God to worship the creature. 

Satan is able to give these three things, the kingdom the power and the glory, it is Satan is offering Christ for his worship. Although Lucifer fell He is still able to have this right of possession and authority, and the kingdoms of the world as they are under his jurisdiction for the time being. 

Christ seeing perfectly what he was doing responds “It is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God and him only shalt thou serve” (Lk.4:8).

Luke gives us the source of the temptation V.13-14 “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. Then Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and news of Him went out through all the surrounding region.” When we overcome temptations brought by the devil God gives us the control in the spirit.

Satan thinks the kingdom the power and glory is all his. Jesus spoke of the Father “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”(Matt 6:13).Jesus knows the enemy is always there to tempt so he prays that God will not allow it, but if he does he always gives us a means of escape. We may not take it but it is there.  

We see in Rev. 4:10-11 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns, saying: "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” 

His end is told in V.16-20 “Those who see you will gaze at you, and consider you, saying: 'Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, Who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities, who did not open the house of his prisoners?' "All the kings of the nations, all of them, sleep in glory, everyone in his own house; But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch, like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land and slain your people. The brood of evildoers shall never be named.”

The demons also believe and tremble (James 2:19). As the demons in the people they inhabited cried out when Jesus came near have you come to torture us before our time?  When Jesus comes back to judge is when the Devil will be sentenced and confined Matt 25:41: "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: After the Beast and false prophet are captured they are cast alive into the lake of fire to be the first occupants of this new place of judgment (some think hell is the same place?) 

Rev 20:1-5: “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.” He began as a serpent in the Garden and he is judged as the serpent in the end  

 He is bound for a literal 1,000 years while Christ and those who followed him rule over the earth. Afterwards he is let out for a short time to test the people on the earth once more at the end of the Millennium. 

As a result of Satan being bound the people will live in peace Isaiah 14:3-6  The golden city is Babylon that will be destroyed in the tribulation. The chief ones (great goats) Isa.14:9-11 So Isaiah goes from his future demise back to when he first fell and then to the future. 

Rev 20:10-11 “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.” Here is Satan’s final judgment 

After Jesus squashes the last rebellion He judges all those who have lived that were not part of the first resurrection and they are sent to the same place.

So begins a new heaven and earth in perfection as God intended as sin the repercussions of it (death) and the Devil are dealt with permanently. The saints live happily forever after.