Episode 016: Satan, the Satans, and Second Temple Judaism

🔍 EPISODE SUMMARY


Who—or what—is Satan in the Bible?


Many Christians are surprised to discover that the Old Testament does not present a fully formed "devil" character. Instead, the idea of Satan develops over time, especially during the Second Temple Jewish period (roughly 500 BC–70 AD).


In this episode, we walk carefully through Chapter 4 of Dr. Michael Heiser's Demons to explore:


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Why "the satan" in the Old Testament begins as a role, not a name


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How figures like Azazel, Mastema, and Belial emerge in Second Temple literature


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Why Jewish writers began filling narrative gaps between Genesis and the New Testament


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How Satan becomes understood as a chief adversary with authority over other powers


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Why the New Testament presents one Satan, not many



This episode is biblical, historical, and grounded—not speculative, not sensational, and not fear-based.





📚 EPISODE OUTLINE


Two Key Observations from the Old Testament


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The OT contains few passages describing God's supernatural adversary


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Despite limited data, the portrait is consistent


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Traits include pride, deception, hostility toward humans, and association with death



Key Scriptures (NLT):


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Genesis 3:1


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Genesis 3:14–15






"Satan" in the Hebrew Bible: A Role Before a Name


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satan (Hebrew) means adversary or accuser


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Often functions as a title or role, not a personal name



Key Scriptures (NLT):


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Job 1:6–12


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Job 2:1–7






Zechariah 3: The Accuser Rebuked


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Satan appears as an accusing figure


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God directly rebukes the accusation



Key Scripture (NLT):


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Zechariah 3:1–2






Why Second Temple Writers Began Connecting the Dots


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The Eden serpent is never called Satan in the OT


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But later writers connect:



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The deceiver of Eden


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The accuser of Job


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The enemy of God's purposes



This connection becomes foundational for later Jewish theology.





Qumran & the Dead Sea Scrolls: One Satan or Many?


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Some texts reference "a satan" (without "the")


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Hebrew grammar allows:



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an adversary


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or Satan as a proper name


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Evidence suggests development, not uniform belief






1 Enoch: Multiple Satans, Azazel, and Judgment Imagery


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Second Temple texts expand dramatically:



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Multiple accusing beings


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Archangels enforcing judgment


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Chains, fire, and eschatological punishment



Important: These ideas do not originate in the Old Testament, but they strongly resemble New Testament language.





Jubilees: Mastema as Lord of Evil Spirits


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Mastema means hostility or enmity


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After the Flood:



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Most demons are bound


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A fraction remain to test the wicked


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Mastema operates under God's permission, not outside it



This is not dualism—God remains sovereign.





Belial: The Prince of Darkness at Qumran


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Belial becomes the most common title for the leader of evil spirits


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Described as:



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Angel of wickedness


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Ruler of darkness


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Enemy of God's law



Key Scripture (NLT):


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2 Corinthians 6:15






The New Testament: One Satan, Many Powers


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The NT presents:



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One Satan


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A kingdom of darkness


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...