Critics of the
Bible enjoy ridiculing the book of Genesis. Zeroing in on the explanation of
why there is suffering, sickness and social unrest, they try and dismiss the
Bible’s message, history and prophesy. The ‘Serpent’ of Genesis three is a case
in point. The image invoked is either of a talking dinosaur or slimy snake. The
word used is ‘nahash’ and means shinning, upright creature. Why early translators
called this as yet unrevealed creature ‘the serpent’ must have been determined
by the curse imposed. That is, crawling on its stomach, therefore a snake.
Language has many
ways of using words. From the literal to allegorical, from fact to fiction,
parable to synonyms and so many other ways. This is compounded when translating
from one language into another, especially ancient texts. In understanding the
Bible, the same difficulties arise. Whilst I understand the Bible from an
historical and literal framework it doesn’t mean I’m unaware of the poetical, symbolic
or other descriptive terms. ‘A figure of speech is never used, except for the
purpose of calling attention to, emphasising and intensifying, the reality
of the literal sense, and the truth of the historical facts.’
(Bullinger in ‘The Common Bible’)
Therefore, in grasping
the full meaning of the ‘Serpent, the tree and Eve’ we need to read it with the
whole of Scriptures open. Like any good mystery story, the true identity of the
evil genius is often not known until much later. In fact, you meet him many
times within the Bible’s pages under different names. It is in the final book,
Revelation, the Serpent is unmasked, he is the dragon, the old serpent, the
devil and Satan, (Revelation 12).
Another term is Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1) I have a blogspot about him and the
Worm (9/16/2018). The
apostle Paul refers to him and his angels as having the power to make themselves
appear as ‘angels of light, (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Genesis 3 paves the foundation for appreciating
the mystery of evil and the spiritual force using mankind to oppose the Creator.
He is called ‘the God of this world’ I John 5:19. His ambition is to usurp that
which the Lord reserved for Himself, i.e. Mount Zion (Psalm 48.) and destroy the
nation of the Messiah. The Serpent has endeavoured to do this through various
nations such as Ancient Egypt, Babylon Nazi Germany and the current Arab countries
of the Middle East. All have or will fail. You gain an insight into his unseen
presence in the account of Ezekiel 28.
The Serpent in any
of his disguises is unmasked as a deceiver, hater, destroyer, murderer, one who
twists the Word of God. The Bible tells us that his hold over us has been
broken at the cross. Colossians 2:11-15 says Jesus paid the price and cancelled
the charges against us. We cannot be blackmailed over sins confessed, removed
and buried. Revelation 20 outlines the ultimate destruction of the serpent and
his kingdoms.
Take Genesis
seriously, literal and relevant and you will find your faith is stronger, your
understanding of the cross and salvation exciting, your love of Jesus deeper,
your gratitude to The Father growing and the commitment to being the temple of
the Holy Spirit more willing.
©Ray Hawkins
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