“And the serpent was cunning above every beast of the field which Jehovah God hath made…” (Genesis 3:1)
Created by God, Not Independent
The serpent was not a mistake.
It was not a god of chaos.
It was not a challenger to YHWH.
It was a creature—created—by God.
Crafted with more subtlety than the others, yes…
But made.
Like Pharaoh’s heart…
Like the Assyrian rod…
Like Nebuchadnezzar’s rise…
The serpent had a purpose.
Used for Testing, Sifting, Revealing
God did not fear the serpent.
He used it.
- In Eden: it tested the command
- In the wilderness: fiery serpents brought judgment (Numbers 21)
- On a pole: a bronze serpent brought healing (Numbers 21:9)
- In Job: Satan was permitted to test
- In the end: the dragon is released only for a short time (Revelation 20:3)
The serpent is not a free agent.
It is assigned.
“I form the light, and create darkness,
I make peace, and create evil.
I am Jehovah, doing all these.”
(Isaiah 45:7)
The Illusion of Dualism
Modern thinking imagines a cosmic war—
good vs. evil, God vs. Satan, light vs. darkness.
But scripture shows us a hierarchy, not a rivalry.
The serpent is not a second god.
It is a servant—used in judgment, correction, and refining.
This is not dualism.
This is dominion.
A Pattern of Controlled Release
“And he gave him authority…” (Revelation 13:7)
“And there was given unto him…” (Revelation 6:2)
“And power was given unto them…” (Revelation 13:5)
Every beast, every false prophet, every deceiver—
is only released under control.
God uses them to test who truly loves Him.
To separate sheep from goats.
To expose hearts.
Even the dragon in Revelation is “cast down.” (Revelation 12:9)
It only rises when permitted—and only for a time.
The Bronze Serpent: A Turning Point
God told Moses to lift up a serpent for healing.
Why not a lamb?
Why not a dove?
Because the same symbol that brought death
was used by God to bring life.
“And as Moses did lift up the serpent in the wilderness,
so it behoveth the Son of Man to be lifted up…”
(John 3:14)
Jesus became the curse
so the curse could be broken.
Closing Reflection
We do not fear the serpent.
We discern its role.
The serpent is not sovereign.
It is an instrument.
Used to test,
to separate,
to prove.
“For the Lord trieth the righteous…” (Psalm 11:5)
“And He shall thoroughly cleanse His floor…” (Matthew 3:12)
The serpent was always part of the pattern.
Not as god, but as tool.
Scripture to Revisit:
Genesis 3
Numbers 21:6–9
Job 1–2
Isaiah 45:7
Isaiah 54:16
John 3:14–15
Romans 9:17
2 Thessalonians 2:11
Revelation 12:9
Revelation 13:7
Revelation 20:3
Behind the Narrow Gate 