![]() While the present chapter does not explicitly identify the serpent with Satan, such an identification is a legitimate inference and is clearly what the apostle John has in view in Rev. This interpretation requires that the serpent be viewed as more than a mere snake, something which the narrative itself implies, given the serpent’s ability to speak and the vile things he says. 3:15 has been labeled the “Protoevangelium,” the first announcement of the gospel. This defeat is implied by the serpent’s being bruised in the head, which is more serious than the offspring of Eve being bruised in the heel. While many modern commentators interpret this part of the curse as merely describing the natural hostility that exists between men and snakes, it has traditionally been understood as pointing forward to the defeat of the serpent by a future descendant of the woman, and this interpretation fits well with the words and the context. Having deceived the woman, the serpent will have ongoing hostility with the woman, which will be perpetuated by their respective offspring. This is conveyed both literally and figuratively by the serpent’s going on its belly and eating dust. ![]() Indicted for its part in tempting the woman, the serpent will be viewed with contempt from now on. ‘arum) now God declares it more cursed (Hb. Verse 1 declared the serpent “more crafty” (Hb. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Read More The LORD God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. Though the devil may threaten to “devour” Christians, they nonetheless have assurance that they will be guarded by God’s power (1 Pet. seeking someone to devour, hoping that believers will be terrified in their hardship and persecutions, or that they will be deceived and fall into sin. Peter uses the graphic image of a lion to describe Satan’s destructive threat: he prowls around. Christians need to be spiritually vigilant, watching for attacks from the devil, their great enemy and opponent. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. All commentary notes adapted from the ESV Study Bible. ![]() This article is part of the Key Bible Verses series. ![]()
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