We will consider portions of Genesis 3, Isaiah 14, Ezekiel 28, Daniel 11, Matthew 16, John 13, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 19 and Revelation 20.

Those who know some of those Scriptures will recognize that I have used texts which speak of Satan plus. Satan plus an animal. Satan plus a king. Satan plus the Antichrist. Satan in two of Jesus’ disciples.

I cannot be so detailed on all my answers, but this topic seems to warrant a close look.

The history of Satan is not in chronological order in the Bible. When he is first introduced, it seems we are dealing with a talking snake. And we are. But not just a snake. That serpent is finally identified with clarity in the book of Revelation, 20:2, where another angel (for Satan is after all only a created angel) “…laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan…”

So that “serpent” of Genesis 3 is really the arch-enemy (the meaning of “Satan”) of God and the one we call the “devil.” None of those are names, only titles and descriptions. His name is given elsewhere.

Also from Genesis we find that this enemy is very cunning. He is able to deceive. He is a liar. He is very angry with his Creator. He knows all about sin and how to make his Creator angry. He is looking for disciples.

Later in the chapter he is blamed by the woman, then cursed by his Creator. He is to go to his belly and eat dust from that day on. We assume his snake relatives, descendants, take after him. Hence the natural aversion of human-kind to serpents, to this day.

But we see more. Not from Genesis, but from reading the entire story. Yes, snakes and people will be enemies. Yes, people bruise the heads of snakes to kill them. Yes, snakes bruise the heels of men because they can’t reach much higher.

But from Revelation we know that Satan had inhabited this creature and was also being addressed. Genesis 3:15 becomes the first glimpse of the Gospel when seen in this light. Satan will have a family of unbelievers. But the woman will have a Descendant also that will bruise the very head of Satan.

The apostle tells the Romans (16:20) in Christ that, “… the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.” The ultimate defeat of the Devil is here foretold.

Of course, that was not to happen until Satan had had his day, the day of bruising Christ’s heel, as it were. Indeed (Isaiah 53:5) “... He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…”

Such is the story of the serpent in the Garden. Left with that passage only, our knowledge would be quite limited. But there is much more. Things had transpired before Eden, and there is more to come.

I believe that Ezekiel 28 gives us the earliest facts about our Enemy, the “prequel” to Genesis 3. It is a fascinating prophecy in which we see Satan lined up with a human being this time, perhaps two in the same chapter, or two phases of the same man. It is this aligning with earth creatures that is his modus operandi. All he needs is willing humans to bring his will to the planet. There seem to have been any number of such dupes throughout history, and they are with us still.