“That Old Serpent”

Part 6

April 23, 2014

Isa 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

I am happy to say that the Lord has led me where I did not think I was going and that is into this part six of this series.

I was asked by several folks about a few of the more traditional names given to the old serpent called the devil and satan, and since I hadn’t covered these aspects of the old serpent in scripture, I thought it would be a fitting way to end the series as the Lord wills it.

“Lucifer”

To start off, we are going to dive into the fable of “Lucifer” referring to the old serpent and what Lucifer really means and references.

There are several great articles on Is, Was and Will be that cover many aspects of Isaiah 14, so I encourage everyone to search for those and read them if you haven’t done so. I will also post a few links at the end of these notes for you to reference for later.

In this study today, I will attempt contrast the mind of Christ with the mind of the devil as it pertains to what the world teaches on the subject of Lucifer versus what scriptures teach.

Isa 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

Isa 14:12  HowH349 art thou fallenH5307 from heaven,H4480 H8064 O Lucifer,H1966 sonH1121 of the morning!H7837 how art thou cut downH1438 to the ground,H776 which didst weakenH2522 H5921 the nations!H1471

It may be surprising if you don’t already know this, but this Hebrew word, “heylel/hay lale,” is the only time it is mentioned in Hebrew.

H1966

hêylêl
Total KJV Occurrences: 1
lucifer, 1

Isa_14:12

Yes, that is correct. There is an ENTIRE doctrinal mindset and many doctrines that stream off of this one verse, which causes much confusion in the orthodox Christian mindset.

In order to propagate a certain false doctrinal mindset, this verse is coupled with some verses in Ezekiel and one verse in Luke in order to try and paint a picture of why the doctrine of Lucifer falling from heaven, i.e. satan following from heaven as a fallen angel taking with him a third of the heavenly host, is all about.

However, we are going to see why this is just utter scriptural none sense in a few minutes.

Let us look a little closer at H1966 and then at the context of where it is mentioned.

H1966
hêylêl
hay-lale’

From H1984 (in the sense of brightness); the morning star: – lucifer.

H1966
הילל
hêylêl

BDB Definition:

Lucifer = “light-bearer”

1) shining one, morning star, Lucifer
1a) of the king of Babylon and Satan (figuratively)

2) (TWOT) ‘Helel’ describing the king of Babylon

So, this word is from H1984 “in the sense of brightness” and is allotted the title of “the morning star” according to Strong’s Concordance, but this is a great example of being a Berean and searching and digging into the scripture to “see if these things be so”.

Act 17:11  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

The Hebrew word 1984, “haw-lal”, is very informative for us and it is a primitive root.

H1984
הלל
hâlal
haw-lal’

A primitive root; to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence to make a show; to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively to celebrate; also to stultify: – (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine.

I am not going to go over all of these verses, but here are the references for your benefit.

H1984
hâlal
Total KJV Occurrences: 166

praise, 92
1Ch_23:4-5 (2), 1Ch_23:30, 1Ch_25:3, 1Ch_29:13, 2Ch_8:14, 2Ch_20:19, 2Ch_20:21, 2Ch_23:13, 2Ch_29:30, 2Ch_31:2, Ezr_3:10, Neh_12:24, Psa_22:22-23 (2), Psa_22:26, Psa_35:18, Psa_56:4, Psa_56:10 (2), Psa_63:5, Psa_69:30, Psa_69:34, Psa_74:21, Psa_102:18, Psa_104:35, Psa_105:45, Psa_106:1, Psa_106:48, Psa_107:32, Psa_109:30, Psa_113:1 (5), Psa_113:9, Psa_116:17-19 (3), Psa_117:1-2 (2), Psa_119:164, Psa_119:175, Psa_135:1 (3), Psa_135:3, Psa_135:21, Psa_145:2, Psa_146:1-2 (3), Psa_146:10, Psa_147:1, Psa_147:12, Psa_147:20, Psa_148:1-5 (9), Psa_148:7, Psa_148:13-14 (2), Psa_149:1, Psa_149:3, Psa_149:9, Psa_150:1-6 (13), Pro_27:2, Pro_28:4, Pro_31:31, Isa_62:9, Jer_20:13, Jer_31:7, Joe_2:26

praised, 19

Jdg_16:24, 2Sa_14:25, 2Sa_22:4, 1Ch_16:25, 1Ch_16:36, 1Ch_23:5, 2Ch_5:13, 2Ch_7:6, 2Ch_30:21, Ezr_3:11, Neh_5:13, Psa_18:3, Psa_48:1, Psa_96:4, Psa_145:3 (2), Pro_31:30, Son_6:9, Isa_64:11

glory, 12

1Ch_16:10, Psa_63:11, Psa_64:10, Psa_105:3, Psa_106:5, Isa_41:16, Isa_45:25, Jer_4:2, Jer_9:23-24 (4)

mad, 8

1Sa_21:13, Psa_102:8, Ecc_2:2, Ecc_7:7, Isa_44:25, Jer_25:16, Jer_50:38, Jer_51:7

boast, 6

1Ki_20:11, Psa_34:2, Psa_44:8, Psa_97:6-7 (2), Pro_27:1

praising, 4

2Ch_5:13, 2Ch_23:12, Ezr_3:11, Psa_84:4

boasteth, 3

Psa_10:3, Pro_25:14 (2)

commended, 2

Gen_12:14-15 (2), Pro_12:8

foolish, 2

Psa_5:5, Psa_73:3

fools, 2

Job_12:17, Psa_75:4

rage, 2

Jer_46:9, Nah_2:4

shined, 2

Job_29:3, Job_31:26

sing, 2

2Ch_23:13, 2Ch_29:30

boastest, 1

Psa_52:1

celebrate, 1

Isa_38:18

foolishly, 1

Psa_75:4

gloriest, 1

Jer_49:4 (2)

glorieth, 1

Jer_9:24

marriage, 1

Psa_78:63

praises, 1

2Ch_29:30

praiseth, 1

Pro_31:28

renowned, 1

Eze_26:17

shine, 1

Job_41:17-18 (2)

The BDB has this definition:

H1984

הלל
hâlal

BDB Definition:

1) to shine

1a) (Qal) to shine (figuratively of God’s favour)
1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light

2) to praise, boast, be boastful

2a) (Qal)
2a1) to be boastful
2a2) boastful ones, boasters (participle)
2b) (Piel)
2b1) to praise
2b2) to boast, make a boast
2c) (Pual)
2c1) to be praised, be made praiseworthy, be commended, be worthy of praise
2d) (Hithpael) to boast, glory, make one’s boast
2e) (Poel) to make a fool of, make into a fool
2f) (Hithpoel) to act madly, act like a madman

Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by BDB/Strong’s Number: a primitive root

Same Word by TWOT Number: 499, 500

In order to have the stage set, I wanted to list this out so that it could easily be researched with time.

What this all means is that the word “Lucifer” is simply an English word, but it does have roots in Hebrew.

We originally see this term translated to Latin from the Hebrew and then from Latin to English. Since we know that much of the New Testament is also translated from Greek, it is important to compare Greek and Hebrew because we see other places where “the morning star” is mentioned, which is the subject of Isaiah.

“The Morning Star”

2Pe 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Here is the word “day star”:

G5459
phōsphoros

Total KJV Occurrences: 2
day, 1

2Pe_1:19
star, 1

2Pe_1:19

Interestingly, the Greek word translated here in 1 Peter, phosphoros, is also only mentioned once. So, we must dig a little deeper to find out what we are to know about this person referred to as “Lucifer”.

Luke 10:18 is generally coupled with Isaiah to prove that Satan is Lucifer.

Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luk 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luk 10:20  Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

So, as you can see, Satan is mentioned as lightning falling from heaven. While lightning is bright, it is not the direct comparison we are looking for when referencing the “morning star”.

Yet, this is the very verse used to connect Lucifer with Satan. Well, let’s see if they are related at all in scriptural terms and not only in the doctrines and traditions of men.

There are two other places that the morning star is mentioned in scripture, and they are found in Rev 2:28 and Rev 22:16.

Rev 2:20  Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21  And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22  Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23  And I will kill her children with death; and ALL THE CHURCHES SHALL KNOW that I am he which searcheth the REINS AND HEARTS: and I will give unto every one of you according to YOUR WORKS.
Rev 2:24  But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not THIS DOCTRINE, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Rev 2:25  But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Rev 2:26  And he that overcometh, and KEEPETH MY WORKS unto the end, to him will I give power over THE NATIONS:
Rev 2:27  And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev 2:28  And I will give him the morning star.
Rev 2:29  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

If you spiritually hear everything we just read in context of the morning star being mentioned in Rev 2:28, you’ll notice fornication, IDOLS, DEEDS, WORKS, and adultery all in relation to the HEART.

Then, we see that “this DOCTRINE” [keeping HIS WORKS unto the end, àthis doctrineß] is connected with being given rule of the NATIONS and this is done by being given the MORNING STAR.

The morning star mentioned in Revelation 2:28 is found in the Greek as, “morning^G4407 star.^G792”:

G4407
prōinos

Total KJV Occurrences: 1
morning, 1
Rev_2:28

Meaning:

G4407
prōinos
pro-ee-nos’

From G4404; pertaining to the dawn, that is, matutinal: – morning.

Which comes from G4404, meaning:

G4404
prōi
pro-ee’

Adverb from G4253; at dawn; by implication the day break watch: – early (in the morning), (in the) morning.

Yet, that only covers one of the times the “morning star” is mentioned.

The other time is mentioned in Revelation 22:16.

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Rev 22:15  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Rev 22:16  I Jesus have sent MINE ANGEL to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
Rev 22:17  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let HIM THAT HEARETH say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

“Blessed are they that do His commandments” because doing His commandments give us THE RIGHT to the tree of LIFE which is in like mind and in a similar vein to “having an altar” we are able to eat at, but an altar “they” are not “worthy” to eat at.

Who are “they”?

They are “dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters and whosoever LOVETH and MAKETH A LIE”.

The “bright and morning star” conveys a slightly different perspective on who and what the morning star is. Jesus says that He has sent HIS ANGEL to testify that He, Jesus, is the BRIGHT and MORNING STAR.

morning^G3720 star.^G792
G3720
orthrinos

Total KJV Occurrences: 1
morning, 1
Rev_22:16
G3720
orthrinos
or-thrin-os’

From G3722; relating to the dawn, that is, matutinal (as an epithet of Venus, especially brilliant in the early day): – morning.

G3722 leads into G3735.

G3722
orthros
or’-thros

From the same as G3735; dawn (as sun rise, rising of light); by extension morn: – early in the morning.

G3735
oros
or’-os

Probably a from an obsolete word ὄρω orō (to rise or “rear”; perhaps akin to G142; compare G3733); a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain): – hill, mount (-ain).

So collectively and taken all together, the bright and morning star relates to a RISING of the DAWN STAR, the “star” which happens at the BREAK of DAY. Jesus Christ is indeed given a name ABOVE all the other names in heaven.

“As Lightning Falls…”

Given all of that, let us look at the true context of Isaiah 14:12.

Isa 14:1  For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.
Isa 14:2  And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.
Isa 14:3  And it shall come to pass in the day that the LORD shall give thee rest from thy sorrow, and from thy fear, and from the hard bondage wherein thou wast made to serve,
Isa 14:4  That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say, How hath the oppressor ceased! the golden city ceased!

And:

Isa 14:5  The LORD hath broken the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers.
Isa 14:6  He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth. 

And a few verses later:

Isa 14:9  Hell (H7585 – the pit, grave) from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.
Isa 14:10  All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?
Isa 14:11  Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
Isa 14:12  How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isa 14:13  For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isa 14:14  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isa 14:15  Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell (H7585), to the sides of the pit. 

Israel (Jews inwardly of the Spirit) will be set in their own land. They will be given rule over their former oppressors and in doing so the proverb of, “how hath the oppressor ceased, the golden city ceased” will be spoken against the king of Babylon, the king of CONFUSION.

The king of Babylon, who ruled over the nations with anger and persecution, is sent to the grave and is named “Lucifer” or “LIGHT BEARER” which should be properly translated as ‘a person who is BOASTFUL’ as we read earlier.

Why is the king of Babylon called the “boast bearer?” “For thou hast said in thine HEART, I will ascend to heaven”.

I want to end this study with the careful consideration of “Satan as lightning falling from heaven”.

Luk 10:17  And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
Luk 10:18  And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 

Lightning is representative of God’s instant power and revealing as can be found in the following verses, among many others.

Dan 10:5  Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:
Dan 10:6  His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.

Mat 24:27  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

Mat 28:2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Mat 28:3  His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:

Luk 17:24  For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

“Satan falling as lightning from heaven” reveals to us just how SWIFT the work of the Lord is in bringing down the idols of our hearts, “in the day of the Lord.”

This falling from heaven as a once “had-been archangel” has absolutely NO SCRIPTURAL basis concerning Satan, and that is why this statement is made right after “even the DEVILS are subject unto us THROUGH THY NAME”.

As we read, the true MORNING STAR tries the REINS and the HEART for the IDOLS which must come crashing down, and that is given to us in example and admonition with the king of Babylon who was a mere man who met the grave just as we all will and do. Satan, a spiritual being, doesn’t experience physical death as the “dust of the ground” does.

In the next study, we are going to continue to examine the examples of Isaiah 14 and how they compare to Ezekiel 28. For now, there has been much written on Is, Was and Will Be about this, so I encourage you to read the following articles as you are led of the Spirit to do so.

http://www.iswasandwillbe.com/the-kings-of-tyre-and-babylon/

http://www.iswasandwillbe.com/up-and-down-among-the-stones-of-fire/