Before his fall, Satan, originally known as Lucifer, held a significant and exalted position in the heavenly hierarchy. To understand his role, we must first look at the scriptural and theological evidence that provides insight into his pre-fall status.
The name "Lucifer" means "light-bearer" or "morning star," which gives us the first clue about his original role. According to Isaiah 14:12 (KJV), "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!" This passage, though primarily directed at the king of Babylon, has traditionally been interpreted by many theologians to also reflect the fall of Satan, indicating his initial high status.
Ezekiel 28:12-17 offers another vivid depiction. While this passage addresses the king of Tyre, it is widely understood to have a dual reference to the spiritual being behind the earthly ruler, namely Satan. Verses 12-15 describe a being of immense beauty and wisdom, adorned with precious stones and situated on the holy mountain of God. "You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you... You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you."
From these verses, we can infer several aspects of Lucifer's role before his fall:
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Anointed Cherub: Lucifer was not just any angel but an anointed cherub. Cherubim are often depicted in Scripture as guardians of the presence of God. The fact that Lucifer was anointed indicates a special consecration and authority. He was likely involved in worship and the direct service of God.
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Seal of Perfection: The phrase "seal of perfection" suggests that Lucifer was a model of what a created being could be. He was endowed with immense wisdom and beauty, reflecting the glory of God in a way that few other creatures could.
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Eden, the Garden of God: This reference to Eden is intriguing. It suggests that Lucifer may have had a role in the earthly paradise before the fall of man. His presence in Eden signifies a position of significant authority and responsibility.
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Walking Among the Fiery Stones: This phrase is often interpreted to mean that Lucifer had access to the very presence of God. The "fiery stones" could symbolize the divine realm, indicating that Lucifer was a being of high spiritual standing who had intimate access to God's glory.
Theologians have often speculated on the nature of Lucifer's duties. Given his described attributes, it is reasonable to assume that he was involved in leading heavenly worship. Isaiah 14:11 (NIV) says, "All your pomp has been brought down to the grave, along with the noise of your harps." This reference to musical instruments suggests that Lucifer might have played a role in the celestial symphony of worship directed toward God.
John Milton's epic poem, "Paradise Lost," though a work of literature rather than Scripture, has deeply influenced Christian thought about Satan's pre-fall role. Milton portrays Lucifer as a high-ranking archangel who led the heavenly host in worship before his pride led to rebellion. While "Paradise Lost" is not canonical, its depiction aligns with the biblical portrayal of Lucifer as a being of immense beauty and authority who fell from grace due to his pride.
Lucifer's fall is a pivotal event in the cosmic narrative of good and evil. Ezekiel 28:17 (NIV) states, "Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings." This verse highlights the tragic irony of Lucifer's fall: his gifts, which were meant to glorify God, became the very source of his pride and rebellion.
Isaiah 14:13-14 (NIV) captures the essence of Lucifer's prideful ambition: "You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'" These "I will" statements reflect a desire not just for more power, but for equality with God Himself. This insurrection against the divine order led to his expulsion from heaven.
In summary, before his fall, Satan, known as Lucifer, was a being of extraordinary beauty, wisdom, and authority. He was an anointed cherub, possibly leading heavenly worship and having intimate access to God's presence. His role was one of service, glorification, and guardianship within the heavenly realms. However, his pride and ambition led to his downfall, transforming him from a light-bearer into the adversary, forever altering the course of the cosmic battle between good and evil.
