how did Satan manage to appear as a snake.

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,602
13,861
113
#21
The Hebrew word has several meanings, one of which is "serpent". Another is "brazen". It's really a simple linguistic issue, and there is no need to be fearful or to speculate.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,609
113
#22
Serpent in the garden:

I also think it's a language error.
I think what actually appeared was a congressman, and they didn't have a word for that... so they just used the closest word they could think of.
 

Happy_hobnob

Active member
Mar 11, 2023
171
29
28
#23
Man is still under a curse of death. The proof is that he still dies. Men still earn a living by the sweat of their brow. Women still travail in childbirth. The Apostle Paul said the whole creation still groans.
I added the part about passing from spiritual death to life because this aspect of the curse has been removed for Christians, but the other aspects have not been removed yet.

If the concern for your friend is his eternal estate, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Read scripture with him.
He will only speak to his sister about it, she's my best mate, she tells me everything he says, but it's difficult for me talk to him, all tho he's a friend, he doesn't want to talk about it, other than to his sister, so I have to respect that.
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#24
He will only speak to his sister about it, she's my best mate, she tells me everything he says, but it's difficult for me talk to him, all tho he's a friend, he doesn't want to talk about it, other than to his sister, so I have to respect that.
In that case, I would pray and maybe fast. I'll be glad to join in either or both.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#25
Snakes are no better or worse than any other created creature, many are beneficial, and if you leave the venomous ones alone, they will leave you alone.
That is not quite accurate. The fact of the matter is that snake worship has been prevalent for a very long time in different parts of the world (and exists to this day). Even the Israelites -- who should have known better -- began to worship that brass serpent Nehushtan (which Moses had made long before). Hezekiah had to destroy this idol when he destroyed all the other idols in Israel (2 Kings 18:4). The connection between serpents and Satan is unmistakable, since it was the serpent which beguiled Eve.
 

soberxp

Senior Member
May 3, 2018
2,511
482
83
#26
I've had some strange experiences. I used to work as a receptionist in a bank. I was responsible for arranging customers' needs.
Once a customer went to our bank to complain about me and said, I got bad service from another bank.And then she's gonna file a complaint against me.
This shocked me. Is it true that Satan can only speak lies?
I wonder How does Satan manipulate human to attack Job's family in the Book of Job?
I don't think I can understand it anyway.
 

Sipsey

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2018
1,502
713
113
#27
That is not quite accurate. The fact of the matter is that snake worship has been prevalent for a very long time in different parts of the world (and exists to this day). Even the Israelites -- who should have known better -- began to worship that brass serpent Nehushtan (which Moses had made long before). Hezekiah had to destroy this idol when he destroyed all the other idols in Israel (2 Kings 18:4). The connection between serpents and Satan is unmistakable, since it was the serpent which beguiled Eve.
If you conclude that the tempter was the Devil who was disguised in the form of a snake, and that somehow makes snakes evil, we must also conclude pigs are evil because we know they can have an evil spirit.

A meteorite fragment was and still is one the most powerful idols of the ancient world. Cows are worshipped in India, the moon and stars are worshipped, and on and on.

We are to worship God, and no other, we are to fear God, and no other, including snakes.
In todays society, self seems to be the object most worshipped.
 

Happy_hobnob

Active member
Mar 11, 2023
171
29
28
#28
If you conclude that the tempter was the Devil who was disguised in the form of a snake, and that somehow makes snakes evil, we must also conclude pigs are evil because we know they can have an evil spirit.

A meteorite fragment was and still is one the most powerful idols of the ancient world. Cows are worshipped in India, the moon and stars are worshipped, and on and on.

We are to worship God, and no other, we are to fear God, and no other, including snakes.
In todays society, self seems to be the object most worshipped.
Moses made brass pole out of snake, and said something like if Your faith is Good and the snake bites you, you will be healed.
Was Moses using a real snake ?
 

Happy_hobnob

Active member
Mar 11, 2023
171
29
28
#29
This would suggest that the snake would not bite those whose faith was not Good and could follow orders, ?
 

Sipsey

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2018
1,502
713
113
#30
Moses made brass pole out of snake, and said something like if Your faith is Good and the snake bites you, you will be healed.
Was Moses using a real snake ?
It was made of brass and symbolic. It was about faith.

I find it ironic that.a serpent in the garden was crucial to the fall of mankind, and here in Numbers Moses uses a symbolic snake on a pole to heal and prevent death. It is also mentioned in John;

Numbers 21:9 (KJV)

[9] And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.


John 3:14 (KJV)

[14] ¶ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
 

Sipsey

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2018
1,502
713
113
#31
This would suggest that the snake would not bite those whose faith was not Good and could follow orders, ?
I dont know if that were true, it states “If they were bitten.” It was the antidote to those that sinned, which resulted in a bite. No one can follow orders perfectly, so we all need to lift up our eyes in faith to the only one with our cure.
 

Happy_hobnob

Active member
Mar 11, 2023
171
29
28
#32
We don't think of Jesus as a literal Lion although He is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and I don't think we should consider the serpent of Genesis any different. He is called that for the convenience of referencing his possession of the characteristics of a snake. As to 'taking the form of an angel of light,' this speaks to presenting himself as a messenger of truth, a 'revealer of reality, but with no legs to stand on. When God said, "on your belly you should go and dust shall you eat,' this refers back to the snake after which characteristics the snake operates, not that his legs were taken away. And, sin it was man's soul that the serpent sought to devour, as this is his appetite (his belly), God gave him only the dust of man to eat since, the only thing the serpent accomplished is the death of man's flesh that returns to dust, but the death of man's soul is reserved for the judgment of God.
Yes this is one of my families dilemma of understanding the snake to be Quoted in a literal way, or, hypothetical way, my best mates brother, tho thinks he's at fault for being afflicted.
We think he's is not suffering mental illness, but quite often he is going vacant. But the problems have escalated to the point where he walked out of church. Because the sermon was about how easy it was to cast away bad spirits or impure thoughts, and he can't. He's convinced he has a bad spirits inflicting him, and keeps talking about how it all his fault.
 

2ndTimeIsTheCharm

Well-known member
Feb 17, 2023
1,936
1,133
113
#33
Yes this is one of my families dilemma of understanding the snake to be Quoted in a literal way, or, hypothetical way, my best mates brother, tho thinks he's at fault for being afflicted.
We think he's is not suffering mental illness, but quite often he is going vacant. But the problems have escalated to the point where he walked out of church. Because the sermon was about how easy it was to cast away bad spirits or impure thoughts, and he can't. He's convinced he has a bad spirits inflicting him, and keeps talking about how it all his fault.
I think if a bad spirit is oppressing your friend, it is working hard to put him down and feel worthless. Maybe do Bible study with him so that he can learn that he has a lot of value to God and not worthless, and that God loves your friend very much.

Demons can be very convincing if a Christian doesn't know what the Bible says or isn't convinced of the truths in it. So regular, MEANINGFUL prayer for your friend may also help:

Matthew 9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer."
 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,894
1,084
113
Oregon
#34
.
We don't think of Jesus as a literal Lion although He is called the Lion of the
Tribe of Judah, and I don't think we should consider the serpent of Genesis
any different. He is called that for the convenience of referencing his
possession of the characteristics of a snake.

That is likely the best explanation; for example Dan is depicted as a serpent
in Gen 49:17. Well; Dan wasn't an actual reptile and neither is Jesus an
actual cat.

Also, Jesus identified the garden's serpent as the Devil rather than a critter.
(John 8:44)

The story indicates that Eve could hear the Devil's speech, but it doesn't
really say she saw him; although it's likely because spirit beings are visible
to the human eye under certain conditions. (Gen 32:2-3, 2Kgs 6:15-17)
That range of our vision has apparently been lost, and no explanation given
for it; although I'm kind of glad because if I could see the hostile beings that
are all around us every day and night of our lives, I think might lose it.

Gen 3:14c . . On your belly shall you crawl and dirt shall you eat all the
days of your life.

It's probably best to interpret Gen 3:14c as poetic language because I have
never seen, nor yet heard of, a species of snake that eats soil for its food.
True, snakes crawl on their bellies; but they probably always did; because
that's the way they're designed. Some snakes live in trees and others live in
water. Those kinds don't spend a whole lot of time on the ground so not all
snakes are alike. I really don't think snakes crawl because they were
condemned to crawl. Nor was every species of snake condemned; just the
one.

A person who crawls and eats dirt is typically someone held in very low
regard; in other words: a worm. And "all the days of your life" is saying that
God's low opinion of the Serpent will never be rescinded.

Serpents will eat dirt in the kingdom of God; possibly as a perpetual
reminder of Man's first great mistake.

"The wolf and the lamb shall graze together, and the lion shall eat straw like
the ox, and the serpent's food shall be earth." (Isa 65:25)

Today, snakes don't eat earth, they eat prey. How serpents will survive on
dirt is unclear, unless their digestive system will be changed to that of a
night crawler.

Serpents are never portrayed in the Bible as beneficial to Man. They are
always of the poisonous variety and a serious threat to Man's health and well
being. That will all be different in the kingdom of God.

"A babe shall play over a viper's hole, and an infant pass his hand over an
adder's den. In all of My sacred mount nothing evil or vile shall be done; for
the land shall be filled with devotion to the Lord as water covers the sea. In
that day, the stock of Jesse that has remained standing shall become a
standard to peoples-- nations shall seek his counsel and his abode shall be
honored." (Isa 11:8-10)
_
 

soberxp

Senior Member
May 3, 2018
2,511
482
83
#35
.



That is likely the best explanation; for example Dan is depicted as a serpent
in Gen 49:17. Well; Dan wasn't an actual reptile and neither is Jesus an
actual cat.


Also, Jesus identified the garden's serpent as the Devil rather than a critter.
(John 8:44)


The story indicates that Eve could hear the Devil's speech, but it doesn't
really say she saw him; although it's likely because spirit beings are visible
to the human eye under certain conditions. (Gen 32:2-3, 2Kgs 6:15-17)
That range of our vision has apparently been lost, and no explanation given
for it; although I'm kind of glad because if I could see the hostile beings that
are all around us every day and night of our lives, I think might lose it.


Gen 3:14c . . On your belly shall you crawl and dirt shall you eat all the
days of your life.


It's probably best to interpret Gen 3:14c as poetic language because I have
never seen, nor yet heard of, a species of snake that eats soil for its food.
True, snakes crawl on their bellies; but they probably always did; because
that's the way they're designed. Some snakes live in trees and others live in
water. Those kinds don't spend a whole lot of time on the ground so not all
snakes are alike. I really don't think snakes crawl because they were
condemned to crawl. Nor was every species of snake condemned; just the
one.


A person who crawls and eats dirt is typically someone held in very low
regard; in other words: a worm. And "all the days of your life" is saying that
God's low opinion of the Serpent will never be rescinded.


Serpents will eat dirt in the kingdom of God; possibly as a perpetual
reminder of Man's first great mistake.


"The wolf and the lamb shall graze together, and the lion shall eat straw like
the ox, and the serpent's food shall be earth." (Isa 65:25)


Today, snakes don't eat earth, they eat prey. How serpents will survive on
dirt is unclear, unless their digestive system will be changed to that of a
night crawler.


Serpents are never portrayed in the Bible as beneficial to Man. They are
always of the poisonous variety and a serious threat to Man's health and well
being. That will all be different in the kingdom of God.


"A babe shall play over a viper's hole, and an infant pass his hand over an
adder's den. In all of My sacred mount nothing evil or vile shall be done; for
the land shall be filled with devotion to the Lord as water covers the sea. In
that day, the stock of Jesse that has remained standing shall become a
standard to peoples-- nations shall seek his counsel and his abode shall be
honored." (Isa 11:8-10)
_
Human was made by dust, and the more human die and the more dust turn to dust, the more bitter the punishment the snake will suffer. This is God's way of showing that the snake is responsible for the meaning of life.

One reason the snake is the father of lies is that he may not admit his fault to Eve, so the truth is not in him, so he is a liar.My understanding here is to set aside the snake's motives, either unintentional or intentional..
 

Happy_hobnob

Active member
Mar 11, 2023
171
29
28
#36
The Hebrew word has several meanings, one of which is "serpent". Another is "brazen". It's really a simple linguistic issue, and there is no need to be fearful or to speculate.
hi yes maybe your correct, I say maybe because if brazen was a hypothetical meaning only Inthe 8ible and also only refering to a bronze staff or gold staff, carried by Moses. Then how do you explain the snake being able to bite those whose faith was Good, but I take it the snake would not bite those whose faith was not good at the time of being unwell in case the sick person became more more unwell.

I have a feeling Moses may have been holding a bronze staff made to look like a serpent in one hand and a real snake in the other. I can't see the that the golden staff was biting people. Am I speculating here if I say that interpretation of brazen was literal also in the bible, or the donkey that spoke in the Bible was literal too
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#37
I think your study on a snake or serpent and its power is fruitless.
Ive read all the post in this thread and believe this is whats going on.
It seems that your friend is suffering from his past life..... before he became saved.
Condemnation comes from the devil...conviction comes from the Holy Spirit.
Behold we are new creatures in CHRIST JESUS....the old man is dead.
Im sure many of us have wrestled with our worthiness when we consider our past. We have none, it is only the worthiness of Christ that we enter in.
Jesus said ...it is not that which enters into a man but that which exits that defiles.

The serpent in genesis whether actual or not had only one power...the power of suggestion. DID GOD SAY.
Doubting GODs word can lead to condemnation.....they saw there nakedness and were ashamed.
I would suggest that your focus be who you are in CHRIST JESUS...a threat to the serpent not a victim.
 

Happy_hobnob

Active member
Mar 11, 2023
171
29
28
#38
.



That is likely the best explanation; for example Dan is depicted as a serpent
in Gen 49:17. Well; Dan wasn't an actual reptile and neither is Jesus an
actual cat.


Also, Jesus identified the garden's serpent as the Devil rather than a critter.
(John 8:44)


The story indicates that Eve could hear the Devil's speech, but it doesn't
really say she saw him; although it's likely because spirit beings are visible
to the human eye under certain conditions. (Gen 32:2-3, 2Kgs 6:15-17)
That range of our vision has apparently been lost, and no explanation given
for it; although I'm kind of glad because if I could see the hostile beings that
are all around us every day and night of our lives, I think might lose it.


Gen 3:14c . . On your belly shall you crawl and dirt shall you eat all the
days of your life.


It's probably best to interpret Gen 3:14c as poetic language because I have
never seen, nor yet heard of, a species of snake that eats soil for its food.
True, snakes crawl on their bellies; but they probably always did; because
that's the way they're designed. Some snakes live in trees and others live in
water. Those kinds don't spend a whole lot of time on the ground so not all
snakes are alike. I really don't think snakes crawl because they were
condemned to crawl. Nor was every species of snake condemned; just the
one.


A person who crawls and eats dirt is typically someone held in very low
regard; in other words: a worm. And "all the days of your life" is saying that
God's low opinion of the Serpent will never be rescinded.


Serpents will eat dirt in the kingdom of God; possibly as a perpetual
reminder of Man's first great mistake.


"The wolf and the lamb shall graze together, and the lion shall eat straw like
the ox, and the serpent's food shall be earth." (Isa 65:25)


Today, snakes don't eat earth, they eat prey. How serpents will survive on
dirt is unclear, unless their digestive system will be changed to that of a
night crawler.


Serpents are never portrayed in the Bible as beneficial to Man. They are
always of the poisonous variety and a serious threat to Man's health and well
being. That will all be different in the kingdom of God.


"A babe shall play over a viper's hole, and an infant pass his hand over an
adder's den. In all of My sacred mount nothing evil or vile shall be done; for
the land shall be filled with devotion to the Lord as water covers the sea. In
that day, the stock of Jesse that has remained standing shall become a
standard to peoples-- nations shall seek his counsel and his abode shall be
honored." (Isa 11:8-10)
_
a snakes venom can be an antidote, to cure your snake bite. But can you conceive that because it is not written in the bible, there is no reason why we can't add it here, also the skin makes good warming clothes, also was Moses cursed by God for making the golden staff serpent or was it God's bleessing to use a real snake venom, so sick people could be healed.

Maybe as a result of that snake staff, people started to worship in the wrong way, but should that be seen as Moses fault or God's fault.

In modern science we use viruses to cure a virus, so it's possible snake venom could cure some illnesses, but I'm no expert on this matter, also snakes could be used by God to get rid of bad people. He does often rid us of bad people.
 

Mem

Senior Member
Sep 23, 2014
7,230
2,208
113
#39
I think your study on a snake or serpent and its power is fruitless.
Ive read all the post in this thread and believe this is whats going on.
It seems that your friend is suffering from his past life..... before he became saved.
Condemnation comes from the devil...conviction comes from the Holy Spirit.
Behold we are new creatures in CHRIST JESUS....the old man is dead.
Im sure many of us have wrestled with our worthiness when we consider our past. We have none, it is only the worthiness of Christ that we enter in.
Jesus said ...it is not that which enters into a man but that which exits that defiles.

The serpent in genesis whether actual or not had only one power...the power of suggestion. DID GOD SAY.
Doubting GODs word can lead to condemnation.....they saw there nakedness and were ashamed.
I would suggest that your focus be who you are in CHRIST JESUS...a threat to the serpent not a victim.
I agree, this seems to be a babe in Christ, saved 2023, trying her gums on the meat of scripture.
 

Happy_hobnob

Active member
Mar 11, 2023
171
29
28
#40
I think your study on a snake or serpent and its power is fruitless.
Ive read all the post in this thread and believe this is whats going on.
It seems that your friend is suffering from his past life..... before he became saved.
Condemnation comes from the devil...conviction comes from the Holy Spirit.
Behold we are new creatures in CHRIST JESUS....the old man is dead.
Im sure many of us have wrestled with our worthiness when we consider our past. We have none, it is only the worthiness of Christ that we enter in.
Jesus said ...it is not that which enters into a man but that which exits that defiles.

The serpent in genesis whether actual or not had only one power...the power of suggestion. DID GOD SAY.
Doubting GODs word can lead to condemnation.....they saw there nakedness and were ashamed.
I would suggest that your focus be who you are in CHRIST JESUS...a threat to the serpent not a victim.
I'm sorry you feel this way. Don't you like snakes either