A Subtle Serpent (Pack of 10)

Satan played dirty. A Hebrew legend says the serpent touched Eve with the fruit, showing that nothing came from it. Another imagined him taking a bite and saying, “See?” Paul said he “deceived Eve by his craftiness” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Satan used craft to deceive and trap Eve and Adam. His methods involved deceit, schemes, lies, and trickery (2 Corinthians 11:3, 14–15; 1 Timothy 2:14). He was subtle—crafty or shrewd. This word is used in the good sense of “prudent” in Proverbs (12:16, 23; 14:8, 15, 18; 22:3; 27:12). His advice was unsolicited but freely given.

A wise general prepares for war by studying great battles. Likewise, this first temptation provides insights for our common foe.