Topical Bible: The Earth: Satan Goes to and Fro In

◄ The Earth: Satan Goes to and Fro In ►

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The concept of Satan traversing the earth is rooted in several biblical passages that depict his role and activities in the world. This theme is particularly evident in the Book of Job and the New Testament, where Satan is portrayed as a roaming adversary.

Biblical References:

1. Job 1:6-7 : "One day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 'Where have you come from?' said the LORD to Satan. 'From roaming through the earth,' he replied, 'and walking back and forth in it.'" This passage introduces Satan as a being who moves freely across the earth, suggesting his active presence and influence in the world. His roaming is not aimless but purposeful, as he seeks opportunities to challenge and accuse humanity.

2. Job 2:1-2 : "On another day the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them to present himself before Him. 'Where have you come from?' said the LORD to Satan. 'From roaming through the earth,' he replied, 'and walking back and forth in it.'" This repetition emphasizes Satan's persistent activity on earth, reinforcing his role as an accuser and adversary.

3. 1 Peter 5:8 : "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." Here, the Apostle Peter warns believers of Satan's predatory nature. The imagery of a prowling lion underscores the danger and vigilance required to resist his schemes.

Theological Implications:

The depiction of Satan as one who goes to and fro on the earth highlights several key theological themes:

· Satan's Limited Authority: While Satan is active on earth, his power is not absolute. He operates within the boundaries set by God, as seen in the Book of Job, where he must seek permission to test Job (Job 1:12, 2:6). This underscores the sovereignty of God over all creation, including Satan.

· The Reality of Spiritual Warfare: The New Testament frequently warns believers of the spiritual battle against the forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Satan's roaming is part of this larger cosmic conflict.

· The Need for Vigilance and Resistance: Believers are called to be watchful and to resist Satan's advances. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This resistance is possible through faith, prayer, and adherence to God's Word.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the idea of a celestial being presenting himself before God, as seen in Job, reflects a common motif of divine councils. Satan's role as an accuser aligns with the function of a prosecuting figure in such settings. This cultural backdrop enriches the understanding of Satan's activities and the spiritual dynamics at play.

Conclusion:

The biblical portrayal of Satan as one who roams the earth serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle faced by believers. It calls for vigilance, faith, and reliance on God's power to overcome the adversary's schemes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 1:7
And the LORD said to Satan, From where come you? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Desolation of the Earth.
... that be done." Now the angel of death goes forth, represented in ... For a thousand years,
Satan will wander to and fro in the desolate earth, to behold the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

Desolation of the Earth
... that be done." Now the angel of death goes forth, represented in ... For a thousand years,
Satan will wander to and fro in the desolate earth to behold the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm

Satan Considering the Saints
... had gone to and fro throughout the earth, insinuating that ... her ways and be wise;"
but he goes to the ... The consideration which Satan pays to God's saints is upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/satan considering the saints.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... Paul testifies that even "Satan is transformed into an angel of ... still "going to and
fro in the earth, and walking ... It is he who goes to and fro amongst fallen ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... May we count the reproach of Christ greater riches than all earth's treasures ... The
church has made terms with the world, and goes to sleep, Satan rocking her ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

The Manich??an System.
... more in good than matter in evil." Alexander goes on to ... of his would have been mighty
enough to overpower Satan. ... will be a fire kindled on the earth which will ...
/.../chapter iii name manichaean system.htm

Original Sin
... of every intelligent creature, whether in heaven or earth, resulting from ... But at
the next step we leave Satan behind; we run ... Yet on he goes, to seek delight. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 44 original sin.htm

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
... there; and so far as their tendency goes, they are ... sinned, and that since their
restoration, and Satan had a ... to and fro through the whole earth,' and connect ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a vision of judgement and.htm

The Doom of the Antichrist
... these submissive allies of his when he goes forth to ... Christ of God and the christ
of Satan will confront ... some engulfed in the jaws of the earth; some stricken ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the doom of the antichrist.htm

None but Jesus --Second Part
... does not go to a limited extent, but goes the whole ... into heaven without having to
fight any enemies upon earth. ... trials and troubles, and sin and Satan aim all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/none but jesussecond part.htm