Polar Bear

[ December 18, 2002: Message edited by: Polar Bear ]

[ December 18, 2002: Message edited by: Polar Bear ]</p>

semyaza

This a complicated question, mostly because you seem to be assuming that the Bible presents a consistent narrative of the character of satan. Like most Biblical concepts the idea of Satan evolved slowly over time.

It may surprise you to learn that Satan is almost completely absent from the Old Testament. Instead, we find that it is god who creates both good and evil, who renders both reward and punishment. The passages that most Christians apply to Satan (Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28) are, in fact, concerned with completely different entities.

One of the very few times that Satan is mentioned is in the early part of Job, where he is said to be one of the 'ben El', i.e. the Sons of God. These were not angels, as many suppose, but were in fact the literal Sons of God. The phrase is used consistently in Ugaritic literature of the Canaanite pantheon, of which El was the Father. In this sense, then, Satan is presented as one of the gods, who acts somewhat independently, but is still ultimately under the control of El himself.

Over time, Satan emerged in Jewish folk religion as a powerful being in his own right, the author of all things evil, and the relentless opponent of God. This change, however, took place in inter-testamental times - as a result, the New Testament presents what appears to be a completely different character. His origin is not explained.

No. According to the old testament, that honor belongs to god himself (Isaiah 45:7). In the New Testament, Satan is said to be the 'Father of Lies', but the exact meaning of that phrase is not explained.

See above.

Hell is not mentioned in the Old Testament (the word usually tanslated 'hell' is in fact the hebrew word for 'grave' or 'death'). In the New Testament, the only clue is that hell is said to have been prepared 'for the devil and his angels' (Matthew 25:41) Outside of the Gospels and Revelations, there is very little mention of hell.

See above.

Since the concept of Satan is completely man-made, there is no guarantee of consistency or rationale.