Satan (Lucifer)

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew śāṭān (“adversary,” “accuser”), a title describing opposition or accusation.
• Period/Era: Patriarchal Period; Post-Exilic.
• Main References: Job 1–2; Zechariah 3:1–2; 1 Chronicles 21:1.
• Key Connections: Opposes Israel (as a people) and challenges or accuses individuals within Israel’s covenant community (e.g., Job; Joshua the high priest; David).

Who was Satan (Lucifer)?

In the Old Testament, “Satan” most clearly appears as a heavenly adversary who brings accusations against humans before God (Job 1–2; Zech. 3:1–2).
He functions as an opponent who tests or obstructs, rather than as a human figure within Israel’s history.
In 1 Chronicles 21:1, Satan is the instigator of David’s action that leads to judgment on Israel.

Key Events & Achievements

• Event 1: Accuses Job and challenges his integrity, prompting severe testing (Job 1–2).
• Event 2: Stands to accuse Joshua the high priest until rebuked by the LORD (Zech. 3:1–2).
• Event 3: Incites David, resulting in a census connected to national punishment (1 Chron. 21:1).

Life Lesson & Legacy

The Old Testament portrays Satan as an adversarial accuser whose activity highlights the reality of opposition to faithful obedience within Israel’s covenant life.

Key Verse

"Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel." — 1 Chronicles 21:1, ESV