Representations of Satan and his power on earth vary as well as hold similarities throughout different texts in both the Old and New Testaments, specifically in the book of Job and Matthew, Chapter 4, verses 1-11. God’s disassociation from the Evil that is Satan, the Devil’s physical interaction with humans and the motivation for these characters’ actions are subjects seen in both readings.
Satan’s given responsibility is Earth, and he is to deal with the sins of humanity. In the Old Testament and the book of Job more specifically, God has allowed Satan temporary power of our world (Russel, 44) but still makes the ultimate decisions in Satan’s duties. The Satan simply roams the earth searching for hints of sin in humanity and reports it to God, hoping to be able to turn that moral sin into a spoken word or physical act. Although very persuasive and eager to tempt mankind into sin, this Satan is part of God’s counsel and is somehow respectful of His command. Although God is still the one accountable for Satan’s powers and responsibility for things on earth, the Devil in the New Testament takes it upon himself to tempt men with complete disregard for God and even more so, in spite of him. The Devil makes it his duty to bring sickness and to tempt people away from the Lord as much as possible. In Matthew, the Devil tries to entice Jesus into “abandoning his redemptive mission” (44), which almost seems like an attempt to overthrow God’s powers. This Devil does not ask God for permission, he is a complete separate being from him, and so God is disassociated from the Devil’s actions (and evil).
Through the character of a Satan in both the Old and New testaments, God’s responsibility for evil doings on earth is lessened or even removed. In the book of Job and in Matthew, the Devil presents himself to the people in different ways. In Chapter 4 of Matthew, the Devil is a physical being who shows himself to Jesus and speaks to him directly. He offers him all the kingdoms in the land if Jesus will bow before him and renounce his loyalty to God (Matthew, 4.9). The Devil here has physically showed himself to Jesus, spoken to him directly and has in person attempted to persuade the son of God. In the book of Job, it is only the outcome of the Satan’s deeds that are witnessed. In fact, Job relates all his misfortune back to God and not to Satan. It is understood that God is the one responsible for the tragedies that have happened: “the LORD gave and the LORD has taken away” (Job, 1. 21). Job seems unaware of a Satan; he is an unknown force and whatever actions he takes are directly linked to God. Job does not acknowledge the existence of a Satan whereas Jesus must deal with the Devil face to face. Regardless, whether God is responsible or not for Satan’s tests, he does not prevent this Evil from happening.
Satan’s main interest with earth is tempting humanity into sin. In the book of Job, Satan wants to do this to prove to God that evil doings can make man reject the Lord. If Satan had succeeded, his duty concerning Job after that point is unclear. This Satan is simply an observer on earth and doesn’t take actions unless God permits, so there are no advantages beyond the satisfaction of successfully influencing someone to sin. The Devil in the New Testament and in Matthew specifically, holds command over all sinners. Once they have sinned, they become his. In addition to feeling satisfied in his endeavours, the number of humans the Devil possesses increase, which would seem like a much greater motivation. Regardless of a greater motivation or not, both Satan’s find great satisfaction in knowing they have successfully turned man against God.
Once Evil became distanced from God’s will, Satan’s prowl for sinners on earth began. As it is shown in both the book of Job aswell as in Chapter 4 of the Gospel according to Matthew (Verses 1-11), whether it be by Gods command or through complete disregard for it, Satan finds motivation and satisfaction in his actions on earth regardless of how he does it. If it were not for a Satan on earth, people could no longer accept the evil doings in the world without having to blame God for their misfortunes.
ohhh dear god, (no pun intended) your grammar is atrocious!
ReplyDeletejks.