Isaiah 14:12-21, Seeds of Satan’s Destruction

This passage contains the ultimate illustration of the principle that states that the seeds of destruction are contained in the founding principles of an organization, nation or even a personal philosophy.  In this case it has to do with Satan.  First let us note that the context indicates that Lucifer is, in fact, a reference to Satan. 

·        The preceding verses speak of the fall of the king of Babylon (v3-11).  But his fall lands him in hell (v9-11) along with all the other heads-of-neighboring-nations that afflicted God’s people (cf. Ezek. 32:17-32).  Hell is the place created for Satan and his angels (Mt. 25:41).

·        Lucifer is said to be fallen from heaven, a scenario connected with the Devil (Lk. 10:18; Rev. 12:7-9).

·        The name Lucifer, meaning Day Star, associates this being with the Messiah who is the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16), the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2).  Lucifer is the rival of the Messiah, the antichrist.  Satan is the god of this age who currently rules the nations and offered to give them to the Messiah (Mt. 4:8-9).

What is of interest today, concerning Lucifer, is that he is described as the one who weakened the nations (v12).  How can this be?  The nations are the ones Satan uses in his attempt to derail God’s plan of salvation.  The nations that surrounded Israel were under Satan’s control when they harassed and attempted to keep them from entering the land.  He used them to try to eliminate Israel as a nation, an attempt that appears to be ongoing to this day.  It was the great national empires that have ruled over Israel during this extended times of the nations: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome.  It was the rulers of this age that crucified the Lord of glory (1 Cor. 2:8).  Why would Satan weaken those who were his principle tool against God?

The answer to that question is found in answering this question: “How did Satan enlist the help of the nations to begin with?”  He enlisted their help using the three temptations he used in the Garden of Eden: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 Jn. 2:16).  Satan has, and continues to gather the support of his citizens, through the powerful draw of materialism (you can be happy with more stuff), hedonism (always do what feels good) and egotism (do what makes you first and greater than those around you).  He has always drawn men to himself in this way.

But therein, amazingly, is the way he has weakened the nations.  These philosophies do not, in fact, reward men as they are advertised.  Stuff will never satisfy the longing of the soul.  Licentiousness (the Epicurean pursuit of happiness through fun and games) will never produce full joy.  Being first is a never-ending pursuit that wears us down.  So Satan’s minions are fully engaged in life-long pursuits that turn them away from the Creator but which will never end.  The seeds of the weakening of the nations are present in the very reason they have sold their souls to the Devil.

Praise God the gospel is being preached to the nations and some are turning to Christ, following Him in a life of faith, hope and love!