The Origin of Satan (1) - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground.
Ezekiel 28:12-13, 15, 17

The Origin of Satan (1)
God is light and God is love. He is absolutely holy, absolutely pure. He has never done one bad or wrong thing. Some people ask, "Then where did Satan come from? Did God make the devil?" The Bible speaks of the devil's origin in two places—here and in Isaiah 28. In each passage the writer is addressing a mighty king, but goes beyond the person to speak of Satan.

Satan originally was created as God's highest angelic being: "the anointed cherub who covers" (v. 14). Several verses in this passage describe his beauty and wisdom. He must have been a gorgeous creature! God had filled him with wisdom. But he was not a robot. He had a will of his own. According to Hebrews 1:14, angels are ministering spirits whose duty it is to serve. God's holy angels never accept or seek worship (Rev. 22:8-9).

Our passage points out that this mighty cherub got taken up with his beauty and splendor and that this corrupted his wisdom. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10). Self-importance and pride filled his heart. This was iniquity and led to rebellion against God, many other angels joining with him.

Occupation with oneself, with one's wisdom, with one's beauty, with one's body, especially one's naked body, is very much a part of present-day life and culture. Increasingly God is set aside. Man proudly claims to be self-sufficient. But God is still on the throne and will soon act in judgment, just as he judged these wicked kings who were denounced by His prophets.

Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.