Who is Satan?
People’s beliefs concerning Satan can range from the silly…that he is an ugly small guy in a little red suit with horns who sits on our shoulder urging us to sin, to the abstract…that Satan is the personification of evil, to out right non-belief…that Satan is purely created by religious zealots. If you understand the Holy Scriptures however, it is clear that Satan is real and has great powers and the ability to deceive and impact our lives and the world we live in.
Let us begin our review of “Who is Satan?” by first looking at the meaning of the name Satan. The name Satan in both the Hebrew and Greek languages means adversary or one who opposes. Selah (i.e. think about it). Understanding that Satan’s name means adversary and that he is our adversary gives saints a clear understanding of why he is so dangerous.
And not only does the name Satan mean adversary, there are many other names and titles given to Satan throughout the Old and New Testaments giving us additional information about the character of Satan and his ways. Satan in the Scriptures is also known as Abbaddon (Hebrew- which means destruction), Lucifer (Hebrew –“Heylel” which means light bearer), Beelzebub (lord of the flies), Belial (Hebrew and Greek which means worthless), the Devil (Greek for slanderer), the Dragon, the Serpent, the Evil One, the Wicked One, the Lawless One, the Accuser, and many more.
With the understanding of Satan’s character and ways through his name and titles, let us start from the beginning. Satan and all angels are created beings and were created by Messiah YahwehShua.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Yahweh, and the Word was Elohim. 2 The same was in the beginning with Yahweh. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Colossians 1:16 For by him (i.e. Messiah) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Ezekiel 28:13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of Elohim; 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.
Psalm 148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. 3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. 4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh: for he commanded, and they were created.
It is interesting to note that Satan was created as a special class of angels. He was the anointed cherub, the most powerful of Yahweh’s angelic beings.
Ezekiel 28:14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of Elohim; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.
It is also interesting to note in the prophet Ezekiel’s vision in chapter one and ten, the cherubim (plural of cherub) had four wings. Under their wings were human-like hands that could be used to carry things. All the surfaces of the cherubim, including the wings, were covered with eyes. Each cherub had four faces, one of a cherub, the second of a man, the third of a lion, and the fourth of an eagle. The book of Isaiah (verse 6:1-3) and the book of Revelation (verse 4:6-8) describes a similar creature called seraphim. This type of angel was full of eyes, had six wings, each with faces of a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle.
Angels including Satan were created before the creation of man and our world. And as we will read, the whole angelic realm including Satan was there at the creation of our world.
Job 38:4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; 7 When the morning stars (1) sang together, and all the sons of Elohim (1) shouted for joy?
(1) Stars (Revelation 1:20, 9:1-2, and 12:3-7) and Sons of Elohim (Job 1:6 and 2:1) are references to angels.
Proverbs 8:22 Yahweh possessed (7069) me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
7069 hn’q’ qanah {kaw-naw’} • a primitive root; TWOT – 2039; v • AV – Buy 46, get 15, purchased 5, buyer 3, possessor 3, possessed 2, owner 1, recover 1, redeemed 1, misc 7; 84 • 1) to get, acquire, create, buy, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to get, acquire, obtain 1a1a) of God originating, creating, redeeming His people 1a1a1) possessor 1a1b) of Eve acquiring 1a1c) of acquiring knowledge, wisdom 1a2) to buy 1b) (Niphal) to be bought 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to possess
All angels including Satan are created beings like man. But unlike man, they were created spirit beings. Man on the other hand was created from the dust of the earth and is flesh and blood, which is very different than spirit. Angels are not divine and are not to be worshipped (Revelation 19:10 & 22:8-9). As a separate order of creatures, they are distinct from human beings.
Hebrew 1:7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Psalm 104:4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:
Genesis 2:7 And Yahweh Elohim formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Angels have greater power than man right now, yet are limited in power (James 4:7). But when saints are glorified, we will judge and be more powerful than angels.
Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of Yahweh descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
Acts 5:19 But the angel of Yahweh by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth,
Revelation 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.
2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before Yahweh.
1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
So why were angels including Satan created? Angels were created (1) to worship Yahweh, (2) to obey His Word, (3) to be Yahweh’s messengers, (4) to execute Yahweh’s judgment, and (5) to be ministering spirits to saints.
(1) Angels were created to worship Yahweh.
Isaiah 6:1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also Yahweh sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims (type of angel): each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Sovereign Yahweh El Shaddai, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,………
(2) Angels were created to obey Yahweh’s Word.
Psalm 103:20 Bless Yahweh, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21 Bless ye Yahweh, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.
(3) And not only were angels created to worship and obey Yahweh, but to be messengers of His will to mankind. The word “angel” actually comes from the Greek word “angelos”, which means “messenger.” The corresponding Hebrew word for angels “malak” has the same meaning as messenger.
And these messengers have been communicating Yahweh’s will to mankind since the creation of the world.
Acts 7:38 This is he (Moses), that was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
Galatians 3:19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;
Sometimes Yahweh used these messengers to directly communicate his will. Below are Old and New Testament examples of angels directly communicating Yahweh’s will.
Luke 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, Yahweh is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with Elohim. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Yah’shua. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and Yahweh Elohim shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshdow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of Yahweh.
Daniel 12:5 Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Sovereign, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
(4) Angels were also created by Yahweh to execute judgment. Examples include the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the End Times judgments found in the book of Revelation.
(5) And lastly, Angels were created to be ministering spirits to believers including our Savior when He made himself of no reputation and came down to earth as a man.
Hebrews 1:13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Psalm 34:7 The angel of Yahweh encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psalm 91:9 Because thou hast made Yahweh, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Matthew 4:10 Then saith Yah’shua unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship Yahweh thy Elohim, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Angels, including Satan, were created by Messiah to be righteous spirits and to do good. Angels were created holy without sin. So what happened to Satan and the other fallen angels? To some it up in one word, PRIDE. Satan, who being lifted up by his own beauty and majesty, sought to exalt himself above Yahweh. Satan wants to be worshipped! Notice in the following passage in Isaiah the many “I will” statements.
Ezekiel 28:15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 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 Elohim: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up (i.e. pride) 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.
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Elohim: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
1 Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
It is interesting to note that Satan looks and sounds beautiful, a far cry from mankind’s depiction of him as a snake in the Garden of Eden or an ugly small guy in a little red suit with horns. In fact one of Satan names is Lucifer (Hebrew –“Heylel”) which means light bearer. This is another diversion tactic of Satan. Mankind looks for some ghastly creature, when Satan can be beautiful and masquerades with his dominion (i.e. demons) as minister of righteousness and angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 and Galatians 1:8).
Satan and the other fallen angels (i.e. “demons”) who rebelled against Yahweh represent one third of all angels. Satan is the leader of these fallen angels (Matthew 12:25-27 and Luke 11:15)
Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven (i.e. fallen angels), and did cast them to the earth:
Although we don’t know the exact number of angels that were created, according to Scriptures, there are many.
Revelation 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
Hebrew 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living Elohim, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
If my math is correct, ten thousand time ten thousand is 100 million. This would be the least amount of angels Yahweh created.
So why all the fuss about Satan and demons? It seems like society has downplayed and even made light of Satan. Many don’t believe in Satan and his dominion. This is Satan’s greatest advantage against both believers and non-believers in that they do not believe he exists and don’t understand the danger of Satan and his dominion. But true saints will understand the devastating power and cunning of Satan to turn a believer away from the truth and one’s salvation.
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
One of the ways Satan can tempt a saint is by mixing truth with lies. And Satan is very, very good at this. He has done this to man from the very beginning in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil (i.e. cunning) than any beast of the field which Yahweh Elohim had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath Elohim said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, Elohim hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For Elohim doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as Elohim, knowing good and evil.
To Adam and Eve, Satan repeated Yahweh’s truth that by eating the forbidden fruit their eyes would be open. But Satan mixed in the lie that Adam and Eve would not die if they ate of the forbidden fruit, contrary to Yahweh’s warning to them that they would die.
Satan has not only tempted man since the Garden of Eden, he actually tempted Messiah while on this Earth.
Matthew 4:1 Then was Yah’shua led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of Yahweh, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of Yahweh, 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. 7 Yah’shua said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt Yahweh thy Elohim. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Yah’shua unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship Yahweh thy Elohim, and him only shalt thou serve.
Notice that Yah’shua did not challenge Satan’s claim that he had the kingdoms of the world to give to Him. After all, Satan is the “prince of this world” and the “god of this world”. Satan has the power to give the riches of this world to anyone who will bow down and worship him. Selah (i.e. think about it). Saints need to take a hard look on how they are receiving financial and other blessings.
John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (also see John 14:30, and 16:11)
2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our evangel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious evangel of Messiah, who is the image of Elohim, should shine unto them.
We know Satan has tempted man from the beginning. We also know that Satan tempted Messiah while a man on this earth. Then logically, we should be prepared that he will try to tempt saints. So what should we do? Scriptures state that we need to put on the whole armor of Yahweh.
Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of Elohim, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the evangel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of Elohim 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. 17 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
We need to stay close to Messiah, and obey His word. If we do this, Satan and his dominion cannot touch us.
1 John 5:18 We know that whosoever is born of Yahweh sinneth not; but he that is begotten of Yahweh keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to Yahweh. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 2:13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of Yahweh abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of Yahweh, little children, and have overcome them (i.e. Satan and his dominion): because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
And if we don’t obey Yahweh’s Word and trust Him in all ways, including forgiving and removing sin from our lives, we become vulnerable to Satan.
2 Corinthians 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Messiah; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Ephesians 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.
Matthew 18:32 Then his sovereign, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his sovereign was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Another reason we want to stay close to YahwehShua and obey His Word is that Satan can blind people to the truth.
Acts 26:15 And I (Paul) said, Who art thou, Sovereign? And he said, I am YahwehShua whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto Yahweh, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our evangel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god (i.e. Satan) of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious evangel of Messiah, who is the image of Elohim, should shine unto them.
Revelation12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Lastly we need to stay close to YahwehShua because Satan knows his time is short.
Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one Elohim; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Remember, as saints we have turned from our sins and the ways of the world controlled by Satan to the truth and ways of our Savior, Yahweh Messiah.
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
And if we don’t walk in Yahweh’s truth, Satan and his dominion have and will deceive those who do not have a love of the truth through power, signs, miracles, and lying wonders.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom Sovereign YahwehShua shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of Yahweh Almighty.
Revelation 19:20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
In some Christian denominations, Satan is hard at work performing lying signs and wonders. Therefore it is critical to test the spirit to see if they are from Satan or from Yahweh.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of Yahweh: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Messiah. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Yah’shua whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another evangel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Did you know that Satan and his dominion even have the power to possess and oppress a person?
Luke 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3 Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Luke 8:30 And Yah’shua asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
Matthew 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:
Acts 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
Acts 10:38 How Yahweh anointed Yah’shua of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for Yahweh was with him.
Acts 16:16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high Elohim, which shew unto us the way of salvation. 18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of YahwehShua Messiah to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Again, Yah’shua never disputed Satan’s claim that he had the kingdoms of this world to give (Matthew 4:10). Satan IS the prince (John 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11) and the god of this world (1 Corinthians 4:4). Sometimes we believe that our fight is against other humans, but the truth is our fight is against spiritual wickedness in high places. And in charge of the spiritual wickedness in high places is Satan.
1 John 5:19 We know that we are of Yahweh, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one (NKJ).
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of Yahweh, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
And Satan reigns with lies and deceptions, encouraging mankind to fulfill its lusts.
John 8:44 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, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he (Satan) is a liar, and the father of it.
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires
of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
There is an invisible spiritual war going on in our world. Daniel had a sneak peak of this spiritual war in one of his visions where the archangel Gabriel battled with the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece. Both princes are part of Satan and other fallen angels (i.e. demons) dominion. This spiritual war is for the souls of men and is fought on the spiritual plane. Satan cannot force men into his service because he has limited power (James 4:7). So Satan must encourage people to want to do his will instead of Yahweh’s will. The basis of Satan’s persuasion is our own desires (James 1:13-15) and pride.
Daniel 10:12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy Elohim, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. …..
20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. 21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.
Jude 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Sovereign rebuke thee.
Revelation 12:7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
It is interesting to note in the Scriptures, although angels in spirit form may be neither male or female, when angels take on human form they only appear as male (Genesis 6:1-2, 18:2 and Ezekiel 9:2). All Scriptural references address Satan and angels generally by the personal pronoun “he”. Only two angels are named in the Scriptures. Those names are Gabriel and Michael, which are male names.
Depicting angels as soft women or chubby babies is false and part of Satanic deception. Angels are always big and powerful. Angels who encounter humans in the Scriptures many times tell them “do not fear”. Plus depicting angels incorrectly or trying to depict them in Scriptural terms may be breaking the 2nd Commandment commanding no images of anything of heaven above (Exodus 20:4-5). Plus we know that we are not supposed to worship angels in any form (Colossians 2:18, Revelation 22:8-9 and Matthew 4:9-10).
Did you know that at one point in time, Satan and his dominion could transform themselves into physical beings just like righteous angels today can transform themselves into physical beings?
Genesis 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of Elohim (i.e. angels) came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. 5 And Elohim saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Based on the following Scriptures, it appears that fallen angels (Genesis 6:4) ability to transform themselves into physical beings was taken away and Yahweh has confined them to a mist-like, darkened state until the day of judgement.
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness (2217) unto the judgment of the great day.
2 Peter 2:4 For if Yahweh spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell (5020 tartaro,w tartaroo used once in the Scriptures), and delivered them into chains of darkness (2217), to be reserved unto judgment;
2217 zophos {dzof’-os} • akin to the base of 3509;; n m • AV – darkness 2, mist 1, blackness 1; 4 • 1) darkness, blackness 1a) used of the darkness of the nether world
Although Satan has tremendous influence on this world, Yahweh has allowed this to happen. Why Yahweh has allowed this to happen is sometime difficult to understand. Scriptures say that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Yahweh knows the end from the beginning and we must accept that this is His plan for mankind. And that His plan for mankind includes allowing Satan to tempt Yahweh’s servants. Even Yahweh’s servant Job, being an excellent example.
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them. 7 And Yahweh said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And Yahweh 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 Elohim, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, Doth Job fear Elohim for nought? 10 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. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And Yahweh 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 Yahweh.
Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of Elohim came to present themselves before Yahweh, and Satan came also among them to present himself before Yahweh. 2 And Yahweh said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered Yahweh, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 3 And Yahweh 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 Elohim, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. 4 And Satan answered Yahweh, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life. 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 6 And Yahweh said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
Luke 22:31 And the Sovereign said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Not only does Satan tempt us, lie to us, deceive us, encourage us to sin, and blind us to the truth, he makes railing accusations against us to Yahweh day and night.
Zechariah 3:1 And he shewed me Yah’shua the high priest standing before the angel of Yahweh, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2 And Yahweh said unto Satan, Yahweh rebuke thee, O Satan; even Yahweh that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our Elohim, and the power of his Messiah: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our Elohim day and night.
From the beginning Satan wanted to be like the Most High.
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of Elohim: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
And what better way to be like the Most High than to have your name worshipped by billions of people!
All of the world’s false religions are part of Satan’s deception. Satan has deceived mankind into worshipping him through a multitude of false names, including God/GOD.
In most English versions of the Old Testament; God/GOD is used for the Hebrew words El/Eloah/Elohim. El and Eloah means Mighty One and Elohim is plural, meaning Mighty Ones. El/Eloah/Elohim are not names, but titles. There is no connection between El/Eloah/Elohim and God/GOD. Meaning you cannot translate El/Eloah/Elohim to God/GOD. God/GOD is a proper name, but not of the Most High. It was added to the Scriptures likely by the Greeks who were obviously not inspired by the true Holy Spirit. Couple this with the Jews taking the name of Yahweh out of the Scriptures and the name of the Almighty is out and the name of the devil is in!!!
According to R. James Strong, author of the famous Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, God is a Babylonian demon. [SECB, Abingdon Press, 28th edition, 1979, Hebrew/Chaldee Dictionary, entry #1408].
According to the official explanation of the Catholic Church, on their newadvent.org website, God is the name of several demonic entities, including the supreme Greek deity Zeus! [newadvent.org, God:etymology].
According to Dr. E.W. Bullinger, compiler of Zondervan’s Companion Bible, God is identified as a Syrian demon of Fate. [Companion Bible, Isaiah 65:11 notes]
Also the Greek LXX (Septuagint), written 250 years before Messiah by seventy Jewish scholars, translated the Hebrew word dG” (pronounced “Gawd”) to “daimoni” or “the demon”.
Transliteration of the name means the phonetic representation of the original name needs to be kept as closely as possible to the original name. My name is Chuck. If my name was transliterated into Russian, the Russian transliteration should sound as close to Chuck as possible. The following verses and the definitions of the underlying Hebrew word dG” (pronounced “gawd”) are conclusive evidence that we should never use God/GOD when talking about Yahweh, the Holy One of the Scriptures.
Isaiah 65:11 But ye are they that forsake Yahweh that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for dG“-1409 (Gad/God pronounced “gawd”) (1), and that furnish the drink offering unto that number. 12 Therefore will I number you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter: because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.
(1) 1409 dG” gad {gawd} •from 01464 (in the sense of distributing); TWOT – 313d; n m • AV – troop 2; 2 • 1) fortune, good fortune
1464 guwd {goode} • a primitive root [akin to 01413]; TWOT – 325; v • AV – overcome 2, invade with troops 1; 3 • 1) to invade, attack 1a) (Qal) to attack
Yahweh states that forsaking Him is equivalent to substituting “God” for His true name “Yahweh”. I don’t know about you, but I think I will pray to Yahweh and not God (“gawd”)!!! There is no doubt this demonic name is pronounced “God”. And the meaning of “God” is one that “invades, attacks, and divides” as demonstrated in the above Hebrew word definitions. Obviously “God” is not the personal name of the true Almighty, who is loving and merciful.
This may sound far-fetched to a lot of people, but we know that Satan has been deceiving mankind since the Garden of Eden and what better way to deceive than to mix truth (inspired Scriptures) with lies (that the Almighty’s name is God).
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Messiah. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his (Satan) ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
With Satan as the prince and god of this world, there is no hope of peace on earth. That is why we look forward to Messiah’s return and His 1,000 year kingdom, when Satan and his dominion will be removed.
Revelation 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
But the better news than Satan being bound for 1,000 years is that Yahweh, through his Son, has destroyed Satan’s power over death!
Hebrew 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he (Messiah) might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Genesis 3:13 And Yahweh Elohim said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And Yahweh Elohim said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
And with Life triumphing over Death because of His victory over Satan, Yahweh’s love reigns supreme. Through the defeat of Satan by the shedding of blood and resurrection of our Savior, Yahweh reconciles All of His creation through YahwehShua the Messiah, even Satan. After going to the Lake of Fire as judgement, Yahweh’s supreme love is manifested in that He gives unrepentant man and fallen angels, including Satan, eternal life in the New Heavens and Earth. Although the unrepentant and fallen angels are given life, they live outside the gates of New Jerusalem, apart from Yahweh and the Lamb, living eternally without pain, sorrow, or death. For more information on this topic, please read “Yahweh’s Supreme Love”.
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his stake, by him (Messiah) to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Revelation 21:4 And Yahweh shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (i.e. New Jerusalem). 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Yahweh’s supreme love for His creation is amazing. This is summed up in Paul’s letter to the Romans in which he writes, “who shall separate us from the love of Messiah?”
Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of Yahweh, which is in Messiah YahwehShua our Sovereign.
HalleluYah!
(7/16a)