Like many young boys, I was fascinated with snakes. Once, at a state park, I picked up a snake and took it to a ranger for identification. It turned out to be a poisonous copperhead, so I quickly let it go! Snakes have both good and bad connotations. The snake on a stick (caduceus) symbolizes healing and the medical profession, an idea that originated in the Bible with Moses (Num. 21:6–9). More often, snakes are associated with deception and the forces of darkness.

In Genesis 3:1–15, the serpent, or snake, is the ultimate deceiver, Satan. Described as more cunning than any other beast, the serpent approached Eve in the Garden of Eden with a seemingly innocent question: “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?’” (v. 1). This question was meant to plant seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind. The serpent continued, “You will not certainly die…For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (vv. 4–5).

Eve, enticed by the promise of wisdom and the allure of the forbidden fruit, ate the fruit and gave some to Adam who also ate it. Instead of gaining divine wisdom, they became aware of their nakedness and felt immediate shame. Their disobedience broke communion with God and brought sin into the world.

The serpent’s deception illustrates how sin often enters our lives: through subtle lies and half-truths that make disobedience seem appealing and harmless. The consequences, however, are far-reaching. Though God pronounced judgment on the serpent, He also foretold of one who would come to crush the serpent’s head (v. 15). This points to Jesus’ ultimate victory over sin and Satan. God’s promise of redemption through Jesus offers us hope and victory.

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