Why Is the Serpent in Genesis Later Called Satan?

Summary

This transcript explores the evolving identity of the figure traditionally known as Satan, beginning with his role as the serpent in Genesis 3. The speaker highlights how this figure's rebellion introduces death and estrangement from God, ultimately giving him dominion over the realm of the dead. As biblical literature progresses, the figure takes on various titles, such as Satan, Mastema, Belial, and Beelzebul, reflecting a shift in theological understanding. The discussion also addresses the apparent contradictions in biblical texts, particularly in Job, arguing that the different names and roles do not constitute a contradiction but rather an evolution of the figure's identity over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The serpent in Genesis 3 is not explicitly called Satan, but it represents the figure of rebellion that introduces death and estrangement from God.
• 😀 The Bible doesn't directly associate the serpent in Genesis 3 with Satan, but over time, especially in the Second Temple period, the connection develops.
• 😀 Satan's evolution from an adversary or accuser in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., in Job 1-2) to a more personalized cosmic ruler happens through linguistic and theological shifts.
• 😀 The rebellion of the serpent in Genesis leads to the concept of death, marking the 'ruin of Eden' and the separation from God's eternal life.
• 😀 The serpent’s rebellion initiates a chain of events where all humans eventually die and enter the underworld, which Satan comes to rule.
• 😀 The term 'Satan' is used in the Hebrew Bible, but it doesn't refer to a proper name; rather, it signifies an adversarial or accusing role (e.g., in Job 1-2).
• 😀 In the Greek-speaking world of the Hellenistic period, the name Satanas becomes a proper personal name for the cosmic rebel, marking the shift from a role to a title.
• 😀 Over time, Satan assumes many titles such as Mastema, Belial, Beelzebul, and others, each reflecting different aspects of his role and authority.
• 😀 The cosmic hierarchy develops as Satan, originally cast down to the earth in Genesis 3, becomes the ruler of the realm of the dead, influencing both the living and the dead.
• 😀 The apparent contradictions between Old and New Testament references to Satan are not contradictions but a deepening understanding of a central figure in biblical theology.

Q & A

Why is the serpent in Genesis 3 never explicitly called Satan?

In Genesis 3, the figure of the serpent is not explicitly referred to as Satan. The association between the serpent and Satan develops later in biblical and theological traditions, particularly in the New Testament. The serpent is seen as a symbol of rebellion, which introduces death and estrangement from God, but the title 'Satan' is not used until Revelation.

How does the rebellion of the serpent in Genesis 3 affect humanity?

The serpent's rebellion introduces death into the human experience, an event that did not exist before. This rebellion leads to the ruination of Eden, the loss of everlasting life, and estrangement from God, creating a new reality where death is now part of the human condition.

What is the significance of the term 'Eretz' in Genesis 3?

'Eretz' is the Hebrew word for earth, but it also refers to the underworld. After the serpent's rebellion, humanity is cast into a world where death exists, and their spirits go to the realm of the dead, where the rebel figure from Genesis 3 is said to have dominion.

How does the serpent's rebellion elevate its status in spiritual hierarchy?

The serpent's rebellion elevates its status because, through the introduction of death, this figure becomes the ruler of the underworld, the realm of the dead. This domain is where all humans, upon death, end up, making the serpent’s rebellion the most significant in terms of cosmic authority.

How does the identity of Satan evolve in biblical and extra-biblical texts?

Satan’s identity evolves over time. While Genesis 3 does not explicitly call the serpent Satan, later texts, particularly in the New Testament and Second Temple Jewish writings, give the rebellious figure various names, such as 'Mastema', 'Belial', 'Beelzebul', and 'Satan'. This evolution reflects a growing understanding of his role as the ultimate adversary of God and ruler of the dead.

What does the term 'Mastema' refer to in relation to Satan?

'Mastema' is a name used in the Dead Sea Scrolls to refer to the rebel figure in Genesis 3. It is derived from the Hebrew root meaning 'to oppose'. The term reflects the evolution of Satan’s identity as it was understood in the Second Temple period.

How is 'Beelzebul' related to the concept of Satan?

'Beelzebul' is a Canaanite term that originally referred to Baal, the lord of the dead. Over time, it became associated with Satan in the Gospels. This connection highlights how Satan’s identity is linked to ancient Canaanite deities and their claims of dominion over the dead and the nations.

Why do critics argue that the Bible contains contradictions regarding Satan’s identity?

Critics argue that the Bible contains contradictions by pointing out that Satan is never explicitly named in Genesis 3, but is referred to as such in later texts like Revelation. They claim this inconsistency undermines the Bible’s coherence. However, this is not a contradiction but a reflection of the evolution of theological language and understanding over time.

What is the role of 'the accuser' in the books of Job and Zechariah?

In the books of Job and Zechariah, the figure referred to as 'Satan' is not a proper name but a title meaning 'the accuser' or 'adversary'. In these texts, Satan acts as a challenger, bringing accusations against humans rather than being portrayed as the ultimate evil figure associated with rebellion as seen later in the New Testament.

What is the purpose of using different names for the rebel figure in biblical and extra-biblical texts?

The use of different names for the rebel figure reflects the theological development over time. These names—such as 'Mastema', 'Belial', 'Beelzebul', and 'Satan'—highlight different aspects of the figure’s identity, from an adversary to the ruler of death, and reflect the evolving understanding of his role in opposition to God.