Topical Bible: Satan: Belial

◄ Satan: Belial ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction

The term "Belial" is often associated with Satan in biblical literature, representing a personification of wickedness and lawlessness. The name Belial is derived from a Hebrew word meaning "worthlessness" or "wickedness," and it is used in various contexts throughout the Bible to describe individuals or entities that embody these traits. In the New Testament, Belial is equated with Satan, the adversary of God and His people.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the term "Belial" is frequently used to describe individuals who are considered worthless or wicked. For example, in Deuteronomy 13:13 , the term is used to describe "worthless men" who lead others into idolatry: "Some worthless men have gone out from among you and have enticed the inhabitants of their cities, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods’—gods you have not known." Here, the term signifies those who rebel against God's commandments and lead others astray.

The Book of Judges also uses the term to describe morally corrupt individuals. In Judges 19:22 , the men of Gibeah are referred to as "worthless men" who commit heinous acts: "While they were enjoying themselves, some worthless men of the city surrounded the house, pounded on the door, and shouted to the old man who owned the house, 'Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have relations with him!'"

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul makes a direct connection between Belial and Satan. In 2 Corinthians 6:15 , Paul contrasts Christ with Belial, emphasizing the incompatibility between righteousness and wickedness: "What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?" Here, Belial is used as a synonym for Satan, representing the ultimate opposition to Christ and His followers.

Theological Significance

The use of Belial in the Bible underscores the concept of moral and spiritual corruption. It serves as a warning against aligning with those who oppose God's will and engage in idolatry, immorality, and lawlessness. The association of Belial with Satan in the New Testament highlights the spiritual battle between good and evil, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and avoid the influence of wickedness.

Conclusion

The term "Belial" in the Bible is a powerful symbol of worthlessness and wickedness, often associated with Satan. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual dangers that believers face and the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments. Through its use in both the Old and New Testaments, Belial represents the antithesis of righteousness and the embodiment of evil, challenging believers to discern and resist the forces of darkness in their lives.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 6:15
And what concord has Christ with Belial? or what part has he that believes with an infidel?
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

955. Beliar -- "lord of the forest," Beliar, a name of Satan
... Belial. Of Hebrew origin (bliya'al); worthlessness; Belial, as an epithet of Satan --
Belial. see HEBREW bliya'al. (beliar) -- 1 Occurrence. 954, 955. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/955.htm - 6k

Library

Continuation: Audacity of Satan.
... Chapter XI."Continuation: audacity of Satan. ... Thou, O Belial, dragon, apostate, crooked
serpent, rebel against God, outcast from Christ, alien from the Holy ...
/.../chapter xi continuation audacity of satan.htm

Introduction
... on the stage of human history, with that mysterious being who will tower high above
all the sons of Belial, being no less than Satan's counterfeit and opposer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/introduction.htm

Conclusion
... There is no reason why we should be ignorant of Satan's devices. ... And what concord
hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/conclusion.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... incontinent a second marriage, or in case of need a third, simply that he may rescue
them from Satan, preferring that ... and what concord hath Christ with Belial? ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

Royal Murderers
... children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against ... But
it is Satan accusing sin for Jezebel, the Baal worshipper, who had done her ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/royal murderers.htm

Progress of Reform in Germany.
... what had occurred, said with deep concern, "I always expected that Satan would send ...
declared that to obey princes was to attempt to serve both God and Belial. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /10 progress of reform in.htm

The Fall of the House of Ahab
... Naboth on high among the people: and set two men, sons of Belial, before him ... not
pay homage to heathen gods, yet thousands are worshiping at Satan's shrine as ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 16 the fall of.htm

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
... Satan" is Hebrew, and means adversary (Job 2:1). Satan is referred to ... Hebrew) and
Apollyon (Greek), meaning destroyer (Revelation 9:11); Belial, meaning good ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xix jesus tempted in the.htm

Progress of Reform in Germany
... what had occurred, said with deep concern: "I always expected that Satan would send ...
declared that to obey princes was to attempt to serve both God and Belial. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 10 progress of reform.htm

Ignorance of Evil.
... Satan gains our souls step by step; and his first allurement is the knowledge of
what ... to speak" of those things which are done by the sons of Belial in secret. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xviii ignorance of evil.htm