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by Kevin Pauley
But I fear that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your minds may be corrupted from a complete and pure devotion to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 11:3 HCSB
Snakes have long been a problem for humans. A cunning, articulate snake was our undoing in the Garden of Eden. [1] In the Negev, poisonous snakes (probably the saw-scale viper) were sent as a judgment against the people of Israel’s grumbling.[2]
Isaiah referred twice[3] to “flying” or fleeing[4] serpents as part of a description of judgment or devastation. He then predicted that on the Day of the Lord, Yahweh would bring judgment on THE fleeing, twisting serpent with a harsh, great and strong sword.[5]
John said that a war would break out in heaven - a tremendous battle to be fought between Michael and his angels and a dragon.[6] The dragon will have his own angels but will not be allowed to prevail. One of the consequences of his defeat will be his complete banishment from Heaven. Apparently, Lucifer (who is later identified as this Dragon) still has regular access to the heavenly throne room.[7] Jesus said that He watched Satan fall from heaven like a lightning flash[8] so whether Jesus was speaking prophetically (which is my guess) or John was giving historical support for the underlying reason future events would take place, I don’t know.
What I DO know is that the Dragon loses his heavenly battle and is thrown down to earth, and his angels with him. He will attempt to destroy the nation of Israel but her remnant will be protected from him for three and a half years.[9] In his frustration, the Dragon will turn on the rest of her offspring - those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony about Jesus.[10]
He will empower the Antichrist to the point that the man’s fatal wound will be healed. Because of this the whole world will follow the false Christ lowing, “Who is like the beast?” Satan will also put his words in the mouth of a false prophet and give him the ability to call down fire from heaven.[11]
Toward the end of his time on earth, the Dragon will, with the connivance of his minions, cause all the kings of the whole world to assemble at Armagedon for the battle of the great day of God, the Almighty.[12] There, at the height of their powers, they will be undone.[13] After the Antichrist and his False Prophet are taken prisoner, the Dragon, that ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan will be bound for 1,000 years.[14]
He will be released for a short while, and will foolishly try one more time to rebel against Christ’s rightful rule. In spite of an army that looks like the sand of the sea, ironically fire will come down from heaven to consume them[15] and God’s prophecy will come true - the serpent's food will be dust![16]
[1] Genesis 3:1 cp 2 Corinthians 11:3
[4] Strong’s #5774According to Gesenius the emphasis would be to “fly away” or flee as in Proverbs 26:2; Isaiah 11:14; Habakkuk 1:8; Isaiah 60:8; Psalm 91:5. Think of a serpent slithering away quickly into the brush.
[13] Revelation 19:15. Compare that to Revelation 1:16 and Isaiah 27:1
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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