Chapter V
Satan's Rebellion
Pride goes before destruction,
and a haughty spirit before the fall
Proverbs 16:18
When the nation of Israel first became a monarchy, its king was instructed by the prophet Samuel to make war with the Amalekites. The Amalekites were comparable to a terrorist state of today. They preyed on the weak and were vicious in battle. When Israel was wandering in the desert after coming out of Egypt, the Amalekites launched a ferocious attack on them. This war is described in the seventeenth chapter of the book of Exodus.
God knew that hostilities toward Israel would continue from generation to generation and that the Amalekites would be a constant source of agitation to His people. For this reason, He made a promise to Moses that the day would come when He would put an end to this horrible enemy (Ex.17:14-16). What He was conveying to King Saul, through His servant Samuel, was that “this is that day.”
The instructions given by Samuel came directly from God Himself, and were very specific. Saul and the armies of Israel were to utterly destroy this sinful nation. They were to lay waste everything it possessed. Nothing was to be taken and no one was to be spared. In essence, God was instructing Saul to wipe the Amalekites from the face of the earth. Here were His exact words.
Here were His exact words.
Thus says the Lord of Hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how that he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass. (1Sam. 15:2-3)
Upon hearing these instructions, Saul gathered a great army and waged war on the Amalekites and their leader, King Agag. However, at some point during the war, Saul made some “slight modifications” to the battle plan. Instead of doing what God had directed him to do, Saul confiscated some of the livestock and treasure held by the enemy, and spared the life of their king. It seemed like such a small thing to him. After all, he had won the battle and routed an evil nation!
A Huge Mistake
What Saul failed to realize was that his decision was literally making a liar out of God. It was compromising a promise the Almighty had made nearly five hundred years earlier. It also revealed an attitude in Saul that would ultimately lead to his downfall as the king of God’s people.
By failing to comply with the instructions given by God’s servant, Saul was suggesting that he knew better than God Himself when it came to dealing with evil. He even rationalized his behavior by suggesting that what was confiscated could be used in offerings to God (1 Sam. 15:15). Imagine a man – even a king – thinking he knew better than God when it came to worshiping the Great Creator and Sustainer of the universe. But that is exactly what Saul was doing. This attitude reeked with arrogance and it devastated Samuel. When word came to him concerning what Saul had done, he “cried unto the Lord all night” (1Sam. 15:11).
Shortly after the war, Samuel paid a visit to Saul. As he approached the camp, he saw firsthand what the king had done. Samuel heard the sounds of livestock that had been taken in battle.
While Saul was thinking that God’s prophet had come to congratulate him on the victory, Samuel was there for another reason: he was bringing a message from his Lord, and the news was not good. Samuel began his words by explaining to Saul how God came to choose him as the king of His people.
Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell you what the Lord has said to me this night. And he (Saul) said unto him, Say on. And Samuel said, When you were little in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed you king over Israel? (1Sam. 15:16-17)
Here, Samuel was telling the king that God desires the meek, not the proud, to serve His people. Furthermore, Samuel was stating that there was a time when Saul was such a man. Additionally, because of his meekness, God chose him to reign over Israel. Sadly, however, things were now different because Saul was different. Samuel then presents evidence of this change in Saul’s heart.
And the Lord sent you on a journey, and said, Go and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed. Wherefore then did you not obey the voice of the Lord, but did fly upon the spoil, and did evil in the sight of the Lord? (1Sam. 15:18-19)
Samuel Reproving Saul
by the colonial artist John Singleton Copley 1798
At this point the author now addressed the literal creation of the material universe – the heavens and the earth, and once again the existence of the “invisible” is presented.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were made of things which do not appear. (Heb. 11:3)
With these words, the Bible is proclaiming that the physical universe we see around us was made by the “word of God” out of something that is not seen – something other than physical matter.
Although the scriptures do not specifically state what this “something” was, it is clear that it was not corruptible in nature. This being the case, the ingredient God used when fashioning the universe must have been some form of spiritual material that had the capacity to be converted into a massive energy source. This material was a type of “spiritual essence.” God then used this essence to create a highly concentrated molecular structure. This structure may very well have contained virtually all the elements that exist in the universe today.
Experts in the scientific community have suggested that the molecular structure from which the universe came once possessed a perfect density. In other words, it was perfectly solid. To put this in perspective, imagine God placing the entire universe in His hand and squeezing all the air out of it. It was so concentrated that there was literally no space between the atomic particles of which matter consists.
Furthermore, the density of this structure was so great that its size would be remarkably small. Many leading quantum-physicists have suggested that it was no larger than a small coin. Imagine the entire universe being the size of a dime! Some have even suggested that it was so tiny that it could not even be detected by the most powerful microscope on earth today. Such a fact is just mind-boggling because the universe in its current state is so vast.
This concentrated molecular structure is in all likelihood what God made from incorruptible “spirit essence.” In this process, the incorruptible became corruptible. Spirit became matter. This atomic structure would then be used by the Great Creator to form an architectural wonder that would come to be known as the universe. It was at this point that God spoke the “word” that would “frame the world.” He commanded this massively powerful source of energy to “go forth!” and go forth it did!
This concentrated molecular structure is in all likelihood what God made from incorruptible “spirit essence.” In this process, the incorruptible became corruptible. Spirit became matter. This atomic structure would then be used by the Great Creator to form an architectural wonder that would come to be known as the universe. It was at this point that God spoke the “word” that would “frame the world.” He commanded this massively powerful source of energy to “go forth!” and go forth it did!
At this point, Saul became defensive and argued that his actions were actually intended to serve God. He contended that what was taken could be used in worship (1Sam. 15:20-21). However, Samuel knew better and informed Saul that God was not interested in “offerings,” but rather in obedience (1Sam. 15:22). He then issued a crushing pronouncement concerning what Saul had done and the consequences he would have to suffer. Notice what Samuel says.
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king. (1Sam. 15:23)
In these thirty-two words, judgment was pronounced on the first king of Israel. All that Saul had been given was going to be stripped from him because of his own pride and arrogance. Because Saul thought he had a better way of doing things than the God who made him, his throne was going to be given over to someone who understood that Israel belonged to God, not to a king.
This would be the last time Samuel would see Saul alive. However, he couldn’t help but mourn for him. Samuel loved Saul. But he also loved the nation God had raised up. This must have been a very sad time for this great prophet. Even sadder were the words that reflected God’s view of Saul’s rebellion.
And the Lord repented that He had made Saul king over Israel (1Sam. 15:35)
This is how the Great God will deal with pride that goes unchecked. God knows all too well where such an attitude can lead and how destructive it can be. This is because He saw pride actually wage war against His Plan for mankind.
Pride and Human History
The story of Saul asserting his right to reject God’s instructions and do things his own way is not the only example of pride raising its ugly head. Throughout human history, leaders of nations have followed that same path. Some have even gone so far as to demand that they be worshiped as gods. Whether it was the pharaohs of Egypt or the Caesars who ruled Rome, man has been obsessed with his own self-worth. Even religious leaders down through the ages have taken upon themselves titles such as “reverend” and “Holy Father” – and they continue to do so to this very day. There is even a prominent international society that refers to its leader as “Worshipful Master.” Imagine such a title given to a man!
King Nebuchadnezzar
One of the greatest examples of human pride and arrogance recorded in the scriptures occurred during the days of the Chaldean empire under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. Like countless rulers before him, Nebuchadnezzar demanded to be worshiped. He even crafted laws that compelled his subjects to bow before images of himself. Those who refused would be put to death (Dan. 3:4-6). But Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t satisfied with the forced adoration of others. He was even so bold as to lavish praises upon himself for the things he had done. At one time this monarch looked out across the great city of Babylon and just couldn’t contain himself. Notice what he said.
The king spoke, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty? (Dan. 4:30)
Now compare these words with those spoken by the true God who once walked on the earth as a man.
I can of my own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father which has sent me. (Jn. 5:30)
Imagine how different Saul’s life would have been if he had spoken such words. Imagine how different the world would be if mankind could truly embrace such an attitude.
The Birth of Pride
Tragically, pride and arrogance are not limited to the human experience. These horrible character defects even appeared in the angelic realm long before man was created – and their appearance would lead to catastrophic results.
The Bible indicates that at some point after being commissioned to prepare the earth for man, Lucifer began to have second thoughts. His change in heart may have been very gradual at first. But eventually it became more obvious.
Although the scriptures do not specifically reveal how Lucifer’s discontent first manifested itself, some have suggested it may have been reflected in the prehistoric world he presided over. For example: is it possible that the massive reptilian creatures that roamed the earth were created at the behest of Lucifer? Many of these animals were cold blooded and predatory in nature. Such creatures were vastly different from those that will live when God establishes His millennial Kingdom on earth. At that time, the nature in animals will render them peaceable creatures. Animals that are natural enemies today will dwell together without fear. The prophet Isaiah described this new relationship in words of great hope.
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid: and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and the little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den. (Isa. 11:6-8)
The words of Isaiah declare that God’s millennial Kingdom will be vastly different from the world that precedes it. This being the case, is it possible that as Lucifer became so fixated on violence, he actually designed creatures that would play to his fantasies?
There are also some who believe that Lucifer may have been responsible for designing prehistoric man. This idea is based on the belief that Lucifer did it to mock God’s Plan of expanding His Family through corruptible human beings. In other words, prehistoric man may have been nothing more than a cynical attempt by an embittered archangel to illustrate how foolish God’s Destiny for mankind really was.
At this point, it is important to understand that many of the views regarding what Lucifer did billions of years ago are conjecture. In other words, we cannot know for sure what role Lucifer played with respect to the prehistoric world. The Bible simply does not speak with force on this subject. However, it is also important to understand that the Bible most certainly does not contradict the view that Lucifer may have played a critical role in defining this era of our planet. That role started out very supportive of God’s Plan, but then it changed.
From Lucifer to Satan
As Lucifer’s resentment grew, his bitterness began to take root. This magnificent archangel, who served at the highest level of God’s Government, had now become the enemy of that Government. He was no longer Lucifer, the great light bringer, but rather Satan, the great adversary. And he would direct all his energies to thwart God’s rule and His Plan for man.
At this point, one may wonder why a spectacular angelic being who had been so blessed would become hostile to the very source of those blessings. After all, Lucifer had everything: looks, brains, power and authority, and the favor of God himself. What more could he want--and why would he throw it all away?
The Bible reveals not only the nature of Satan’s rebellion, but also his rationale for this act. This story is told by two ancient writers of God’s word.
The great prophet Ezekiel records the tragic fall of this majestic being who served in the very throne room of God Himself. In the twenty-eighth chapter of his prophetic book Ezekiel was inspired by God to describes the extraordinary qualities bestowed on Lucifer from the very beginning of his existence. God likens this exquisite angelic creature to the king of Tyre. But it is clear He is not speaking about a man.
Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, ‘Thus saith the Lord God; ‘You sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. (Ezk. 28:12)
Here God is revealing that Lucifer was created to be an extraordinary angelic being. He was a majestic creature. This truth is reflected in both the depths of his wisdom and the flawless beauty he was given. It is clear that Lucifer was not a typical spirit. He was very special.
God then elaborates on the qualities Lucifer had from the beginning of his existence. Notice the outstanding skills he possessed, including his musical prowess.
You have been in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of your tabrets and of your pipes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. (Ezk. 28:13)
God then reflects on the tremendous responsibilities Lucifer was entrusted with. He was literally a part of the command center of God’s Government.
You are the anointed cherub that covers; and I have set you so: you were upon the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezk. 28:14)
When God referred to Lucifer as “the anointed cherub that covers,” He was not simply being poetic. This powerful archangel literally served in God’s throne room. In the twenty-fifth chapter of the book of Exodus this fact becomes very clear. In this chapter God provides a glimpse into the very headquarters of His Government in Heaven. Here, the Almighty provides Moses with specifications for building the Ark of the Covenant. Included in these specifications were instructions to make two cherubim of gold and place them on each side of the mercy seat. The mercy seat was a symbol of God’s very throne. Additionally, God instructed Moses to have the wings of these magnificent angelic creatures spread as to provide a covering for the mercy seat (Ex. 25:20). This image reflects the very spot where Lucifer once served. The honor and dignity of such a position is almost too great to imagine – and Lucifer lived it.
The Ark of the Covenant
God then reveals the evolution of Lucifer’s transformation from archangel to great dragon, and in doing so, He expresses what just might be the darkest words in all the scriptures.
You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, till iniquity was found in you. (Ezk. 28:15)
With these words, God introduces the birth of evil. Here, at this exact moment, the source of all that is destructive came into being. Its natural progression would lead to a horrible violence that would come to define this once exquisite archangel.
By the multitude of your merchandise they have filled the midst of you with violence, and you hast sinned: therefore I will cast you as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. (Ezk. 28:16)
At this point, God explains the root cause of Lucifer’s downfall. Tragically, this source of destruction has been repeated in mankind for millennia. Lucifer’s demise was born out of his own pride and arrogance. He saw himself as more beautiful than others. He was smarter than others. He was more charismatic than others. Let’s face it, Lucifer thought he was better than others. And like King Saul of Israel, he thought he could do things his way.
Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty, you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness... (Ezk. 28:17)
At this point Lucifer’s judgment became warped. Evil and madness became viable alternatives to the righteousness espoused by the Great Creator of the universe. As a result of this new mind set, Lucifer began to seriously consider God’s Plan for mankind, and in doing so he did not like what he saw.
The BIG Question to Lucifer
WHY?
Through the Eyes of the Devil
Why did Lucifer rebel against God, who not only made him, but also gave him so much? What was his rationale for such an act of defiance? The prophet Isaiah provides the answer to this question, and does so with the very words of Lucifer himself.
How are you fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How are you cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations! For you have said in your heart, "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God." (Isa. 14:12-13)
The “stars of God” mentioned by Lucifer are none other than angels. These are the very beings God described as singing great anthems of praise when the heavens and earth were created (Job 38:4-7). Here Lucifer is declaring that he is going to claim authority over the angelic realm. He will be their king, and he will be their judge.
But who does God say will hold such authority? After all, this power is His to give. It cannot be taken. With this in mind, who will God give such power and authority to? The apostle Paul answers this question and in doing so begins to identify the object of Lucifer’s hostility.
Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know you not that we shall judge angels? (1Cor. 6:2-3)
Presiding over the angelic realm is just one of many responsibilities man will have when he is born into God’s Royal Family. This truth must have infuriated Lucifer. Furthermore, it may have festered in him until it became unbearable. In all likelihood, Lucifer may have begun asking himself question after question regarding God’s ultimate Destiny for His human family. "How could God do such a thing? After all, man is so weak and corruptible. There isn’t one angel in the entire universe that couldn’t crush him effortlessly. Why would God even consider such a future for mankind? There could be only one possible answer – God must have gone mad."
However, Lucifer was not finished expressing his contempt for God’s wisdom and His Plan for man. He then identifies what he must have thought was the greatest indignity God could ever have perpetrated on a being of his (Lucifer's) stature. Notice what this embittered creature cries out.
I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. (Isa. 14:13-14)
There are some who believe that with these words, Lucifer was expressing his desire to displace God as the King of the universe. But is this the case? Could Lucifer ever be like the Most High? At this point, it is important to understand that Lucifer was not created in God’s image. This is a fact he must have known. After all, he worked so closely with God.
There was, however, someone yet unmade that would be created in God’s image, after His likeness. Furthermore, that image and likeness would reach full maturity when this yet-to-be created being was “born again” as a literal member of God’s Family. This “someone” is none other than MANKIND. God created man in His image because He knew that one day man would have access to an extraordinary Destiny. The apostle John revealed that Destiny in gripping language.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see Him as He is. (1Jn. 3:2)
Imagine being just like God. It is obvious that Lucifer pondered that possibility and he liked the idea very much. However, to be like God was not in Lucifer’s future. That distinction was reserved for man – and quite frankly, that idea did not set well with this fallen cherub. For this reason, Lucifer asserted his “right” to sit on a throne that God would one day share with His “born again” sons and daughters.
The words of protest uttered by Lucifer express nothing short of psychotic rage. To him, the idea that God would consider any being in the universe (other than himself) for such a lofty position was total insanity. God must be crazy to have even imagined such a thing! And Lucifer wasn’t going to stand for it. He was going to take action.
A Stunning Answer
Why did Lucifer, who had now become Satan, rebel against his Maker? He did so because he was consumed with envy. In other words, Satan thought so much of himself and he couldn’t accept God’s Destiny for man. This great being – who had so much – wanted it all. And if he couldn’t have it, nobody could!
At this point, it is important to understand that envy and jealousy are sins of the heart. They attack the very core of goodness. In the case of Lucifer, this sin would strip him of the great majesty he had and replace it with a moral core that was bent on destruction.
Satan’s Rebellion
When Satan realized the full impact of God’s Plan, his reaction brought new meaning to the word “violent.” He mobilized one third of the angelic realm into a great rebellion against God (Rev. 12:4). He then waged a ferocious attack on God’s Kingdom in the third heaven. However, the rebellion was repelled and Satan was cast down to the earth. When speaking to His servants about the power they had in casting out demons, Jesus revealed that He was an eyewitness to Satan’s excommunication from God’s Kingdom. Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall as lightening from heaven” (Lk. 10:18).
However, although Satan’s attempt to seize control of God’s Government was blocked, this great adversary was not finished with his attempt to destroy God’s Plan for man. He then turned his wrath on the physical universe because he knew how essential it was for that Plan to succeed. He may have even thought to himself, “Without a home for man, God’s Plan will be thwarted.” As a result of this mind-set, Satan unleashed unimaginable devastation on the heavens and the earth. Like a child throwing a tantrum, Satan tried to break everything in sight – and he almost succeeded. What was once a beautiful creation now lay in ruins. Light and order were replaced with chaos and darkness.
From Order to Chaos
The period when Satan attempted to destroy the physical universe is described in one tragic verse of God’s word. The book of Genesis states that “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1). However, the next verse makes a peculiar statement. Notice what it says.
And the earth was without form and void... (Gen. 1:2)
The words “without form and void” are somewhat cryptic and thus have been ignored by most professing Christians. Some even believe that this verse is simply describing the infant stages of the universe. In other words, at this point, God was not yet finished with the creation of the heavens and the earth. Although He had fashioned the universe, it was still in a nebulous state, and needed some finishing touches. However, this is not what the scriptures reveal – and a closer examination of this verse bears this out.
The words “without form and void” are very important when understanding how our world came to be as it is. In truth, they reveal something quite interesting about the age of the universe. The Hebrew term for “without form” is tohu va bohu. Literally translated this term means “desolate” and/or “chaotic,” a “waste place.” This being the case, one might ask: why would God make the earth a desolate chaotic waste? The answer is: He wouldn’t – and the scriptures bear this out.
In the forty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, God’s word declares that He did not create the world in a state of chaos and confusion. Notice what Isaiah writes.
For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He created it not in vain... (Isa. 45:18)
The word “vain” in this verse is identical to the word “form” in Genesis 1:2. Once again, this term refers to a chaotic state, only this time Isaiah is explaining that God never created the world in such a condition.
At this point, it is important to understand that God is a God of order, not chaos. This being the case, something dramatic must have occurred at some point after He created the heavens and the earth (Gen. 1:1) – something so severe that it would render the world desolate. This chaos was nothing other than the handiwork of Satan’s rebellion. It was the great fallen archangel Lucifer, now Satan, who rained down massive destruction on the planet, leaving it in a state of absolute chaos.
Mount St. Helens
View from the south during its eruption on May 18, 1980
It is possible that he may have so radically altered the earth’s environment that the planet couldn’t sustain life. Atmospheric conditions may have been adjusted, causing the earth to convulse with great natural disasters. The result: tohu va bohu. Furthermore, this event may have occurred millions or even billions of years after God first created the universe.
Although Genesis 1:2 reads “and the earth was without form and void,” most scholars acknowledge that the word “was” in this verse is better translated “became.” Therefore, this verse should read “and the earth became without form and void.” In other words, at bsome point after the universe was created, something happened that caused it to become chaotic and confused. That “something” was Satan the devil and his attempt to destroy the creation itself. In the wake of this devastation lay a scarred earth with every living being destroyed. It is hard to imagine a place that was once so beautiful crumbled in ruins. However, in all likelihood that is exactly what happened.
A Final Thought
The power of pride and arrogance is so great that it not only destroys man, it can also destroy an angel who was actually created perfect. Pride and arrogance is at the core of every act of evil ever fashioned by man. Furthermore, God hates pride and He makes that fact abundantly clear in His word. As a matter of fact, pride tops the list of the things God abhors (Pro. 6:16-19). So ugly is this character defect that one day He is going to utterly destroy it (Pro. 15:25).
God is well aware of the destructive nature of pride and arrogance. He actually observed its impact firsthand. The result of a life driven by this horrible moral defect is truly devastating. In the case of Lucifer, a great angelic being was tragically lost and an exquisite universe was shattered.
It is hard to imagine what a loving God must have thought as he surveyed the eerie darkness that filled the galaxies. However, it is very possible that as this Great Architect pondered the massive wreckage of a once-beautiful universe, two images entered into his thoughts. The first image was of a wonderful Destiny for mankind – a Destiny He envisioned at some point in the vastness of eternity.
The second image was resolute and immovable. It was His promise to bring that Destiny to pass. With this, a Great and Loving God prepares to take the next step in executing His plan.