book of Job and Genesis? Why did he suddenely assume such importance? What was he doing all that time?
2006-12-19 03:26:34 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In the OT most of the enemies of Israel were other warring tribes. By the time of the NT, the Roman Empire had brought much of that area of the world under control and civilization. They needed a new enemy to fight, so Satan was drug up, trumped up and became the new enemy for the Israelites. Plus he made a good boogey man to help keep everyone in line.
2006-12-19 03:29:25 · answer #1 · answered by nuthnbettr2do0128 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You've had some good answers.
It appears that he is mentioned explicitly in at least three other Old Testament books and implicitly in two more.
His work can be traced in every book of the Old Testament.
It rather looks the reverse, that he has not sprung up but been flung down in the New Testament. And His importance has been seriously diminished now that Christ is victorious over him.
His main task is to deceive. Don't let him be successful in your case.
A proper and careful study of God's word of truth will deliver us.
2006-12-19 21:20:38 · answer #2 · answered by Jake M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus Christ is the Son of God sent from the Father. He disclosed things to us unknown from the foundation of the world. Actually you are incorrect as Satan is also mentioned in Psalm 109, Zechariah Chapter 3 and I Chronicles 21:1. The references to him in Job are numerous (15 times) and he is clearly set forth as a malicious spirit being, wholly compatible with the revelation of him in the New Testament.
2006-12-19 11:36:11 · answer #3 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure he plays such a central part in the NT as you suggest. Aside from the temptations of Christ he was pretty quiet. I think people give him unreasonable importance.
2006-12-19 11:30:31 · answer #4 · answered by Boilerfan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was always there. Most of it is poetic language that describes him. The NT takes the poetic language that describes and shows a literal side of the story. Both compliment each other.
2006-12-19 11:29:23 · answer #5 · answered by UCF Scholar 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put down the Bible and back away slowly. If you want to understand ancient history, try taking a college course in Religious Studies or Comparative Religion. It'll change your outlook and you'll realize questions like this aren't going to answer any of your real questions.
for now, though, I suggest you stop looking outside for guidance and answers and start looking inside. close your eyes...see that darkness...look beyond it. It's infinite just like the outside is infinite. That's where God lives. He doesn't live in a church and he certainly doesn't live or speak to you through a book.
2006-12-19 11:38:05 · answer #6 · answered by vicarious_notion 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The only mention of him is in the book of Job and Genesis. . that is INCORRECT!!! Go back and study some more!
2006-12-19 11:32:44 · answer #7 · answered by misskenjr 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wreaking havoc. The only mention of him in the NT is during the time he tempted Christ, and in the prophecy of Revelations, I believe.
2006-12-19 11:28:24 · answer #8 · answered by sweetie_baby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whackin' it for a millennia or two, i guess... just like how jesus goes from 12 to 32 years old... what about those 20 years? Maybe.. just maybe, the devil was out doing good deeds, but wanted to keep his bad*ss reputation, so he convinced God to keep it out of the Bible and build Ford's and Lava Lamps... god created everything, right?
2006-12-19 11:30:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Creating you? Don't you see that he was busy at work all along stirring up trouble. Look at how many wars they had in the OT. Look at the pagan worship... The medium and spirits worship... he was busy at work all along. And he won't rest until he has you.
2006-12-19 11:29:56 · answer #10 · answered by DolphinLami 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋