I’d like us to consider together the origin of sin, which goes back to the pre-Adamic age, prior to the creation of Adam and Eve. We can trace it all the way back to the root of all evil, the original sin committed by Lucifer.
Lucifer's Origin
Satan was originally known as Lucifer, the anointed, guardian cherub on the holy mountain of God in the Garden of Eden that was in heaven. The prophets spoke of him, usually with a double reference to another man, as Ezekiel did in his lamentation over the king of Tyre. The Lord said to him:
"Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. "You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz and the diamond; The beryl, the onyx and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald; And the gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets, Was in you. On the day that you were created They were prepared. "You were the anointed cherub who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked in the midst of the stones of fire. "You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you. "By the abundance of your trade You were internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire. "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, That they may see you. "By the multitude of your iniquities, In the unrighteousness of your trade You profaned your sanctuaries. Therefore I have brought fire from the midst of you; It has consumed you, And I have turned you to ashes on the earth In the eyes of all who see you.” (Eze 28:12-18)
This is clearly talking about another man besides just the king of Tyre, which is obvious by the description of this person. He had the seal of perfection. He was originally full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. He was in Eden, the garden of God that was in heaven, before there was such a garden on earth. He was on the holy mountain of God, walking in the midst of the stones of fire. His outward appearance is described as being covered with every precious stone: the ruby, the topaz, the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, the jasper, the sapphire (lapis lazuli), the turquoise, the emerald, and the gold. All of these were in him as part of his beautiful appearance.
He was a created being, and on the day that he was created, God lovingly prepared all these things. He was the anointed cherub who covers. In other words he was the guardian cherub, which is a high-ranking angel of the second-highest rank, right below the seraphim in rank. The Lord placed him there. He was blameless in his ways from the day he was created until unrighteousness was found in him. This cannot possibly describe a human being.
Lucifer's Fall
The Scripture tells us how he fell. By the abundance of his trade he was internally filled with violence, and he sinned. He learned to be violent and filled his storehouses with iniquity. He corrupted his wisdom by reason of his splendor. In other words, he used his great wisdom to amass wealth for himself. In the unrighteousness of his trade he profaned his sanctuaries, the holy places that he was supposed to be guarding. This speaks of the sin of avarice or greed, which is a hunger for wealth. This is the root of all evil, and I believe it was the original sin.
The apostle Paul said, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim 6:10, KJV). The expression “the love of money” comes from the Greek word “philarguria” meaning “avarice” or “greed”. (The word philarguria comes from “philos” meaning “fond” and “arguria” meaning “silver”).
The Lord said, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him. And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.” (Luk 16:13-15)
Therefore, avarice is where satan’s fall began. And his heart was lifted up because of his beauty, so pride and vanity were at work within him as well (1 Tim 3:6).
Lucifer's Destruction
Therefore the Lord God cast him as profane from His holy mountain and destroyed him. He was cut off from the midst of the stones of fire and cast to the ground. God put him before kings, so that they may see him. He was guilty of a multitude of iniquities. Therefore God brought fire from the midst of him that consumed him, and turned him to ashes on the earth in the eyes of all who see him.
It’s interesting to see how God punishes the wicked. The type of punishment is always directly related to their sin. In this case, He was cut off from the midst of the stones of fire that he had profaned, and God brought fire from the midst of him that consumed him, and turned him to ashes. He was cast from God’s holy mountain all the way down to the ground on earth, even down to the pit like ashes.
The beginning of Ezekiel 28 also gives us more insight. It says:
"Son of man, say to the leader of Tyre, 'Thus says the Lord GOD, "Because your heart is lifted up And you have said, 'I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods In the heart of the seas'; Yet you are a man and not God, Although you make your heart like the heart of God-- Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; There is no secret that is a match for you. "By your wisdom and understanding You have acquired riches for yourself And have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries. "By your great wisdom, by your trade You have increased your riches And your heart is lifted up because of your riches-- Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, 'Because you have made your heart Like the heart of God, Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you, The most ruthless of the nations. And they will draw their swords Against the beauty of your wisdom And defile your splendor. 'They will bring you down to the pit, And you will die the death of those who are slain In the heart of the seas. 'Will you still say, "I am a god," In the presence of your slayer, Though you are a man and not God, In the hands of those who wound you? 'You will die the death of the uncircumcised By the hand of strangers, For I have spoken!' declares the Lord GOD!"'" (Eze 28:2-10)
From this we learn that Lucifer’s heart was lifted up and he said, “I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the seas.” But God said, “You are a man and not God, although you make your heart like the heart of God.” Lucifer was originally wiser than Daniel and no secret was a match for him. By his wisdom and understanding he acquired riches for himself. He acquired gold and silver for his treasuries. By his great wisdom, by his trade he increased his riches, and his heart became lifted up because of his riches. Therefore, God brought him down to the pit to die the death of those who are slain in the heart of the seas. He will die the death of the wicked.
It says of him in Isaiah, "But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' "Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, to the recesses of the pit.” (Isa 14:13-15). Though he wanted to ascend, raise his throne above the other angels, and make himself like the Most High, he was cast down to hell, and descended to depths of the pit.
Lucifer's Tambourines and Flutes
I want to focus now on the part that says, “the workmanship of your settings and sockets was in you.” It says in the Modern King James Version, “The workmanship of your tambourines and of your flutes was prepared in you in the day that you were created.” (Eze 28:13b)
The Hebrew word used here for tambourines is “tuppekā”, which only occurs once in the Bible. It is a form of the Hebrew word “toph” meaning “a timbrel, tabret, or tambourine” (Strongs). Various forms of the word “toph” are also found in Gen. 31:27; Exo. 15:20; Jdg. 11:34; 1Sa. 10:5; 18:6; 2Sa. 6:5; 1Ch. 13:8; Job 21:12; Psa. 81:2; 149:3; 150:4; Isa. 5:12; 24:8; 30:32; Jer. 31:4; Eze. 28:13.
The Hebrew word used here for “flutes” is “neqeb”, meaning “a bezel for a gem, or a pipe.” (Strongs). The obscure term “neqeb” only occurs in this form here, and is very close in form to “naqab” which carries the idea of boring holes, mining, or piercing. Since the previous term “toph” was assuredly a musical one, it makes sense in the context that this term neqeb would also be a musical one. A pipe is basically a branch that has been bored out to make it hollow inside. And when other holes are bored into the side of it, as with a flute, this allows various notes to be played on it when wind is passed through.
In this passage there are various precious materials described as adorning this anointed cherub. So these pipes were not ordinary, but very finely crafted of precious material such as gold, which is mentioned right beforehand in this verse.
Therefore, based on my study of the words “tuppeka” and “neqeb”, it is my belief that these were both musical instruments, created by God, which were given to the anointed, guardian cherub, Lucifer, who walked among the fiery stones on the holy mountain of God in heaven. In fact, these instruments were prepared "in" him (Hebrew, bāḵ, "in you") on the day he was created (Eze 28:13b), so they were built into him as part of his being. It was originally intended that these instruments be used only for worship of the Most High.
However, since the time that Lucifer fell into sin, and was expelled from heaven, he has used these musical instruments for rebellious purposes. He has invented other unauthorized kinds of music that do not bring glory to the Lord God Almighty. These include pagan worship, the worship of false gods (demons), satan worship, and what we have come to know as "secular music" in all its various forms, including rock, rap, and reggae. Even the worldly love songs are produced by him. All of these are forms of stolen worship, which is one way that satan gets his strength.
The Meaning of Lucifer’s Name
We know his name was originally Lucifer, because it is found in the prophet Isaiah. “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!” (Isa 14:12, KJV). That name comes from the Hebrew word “helel”, which is used as a noun no place else in Scripture. It means “(in the sense of brightness); the morning star: - lucifer.” (Strongs). So he was assuredly very bright in the beginning before he fell. And he still has the ability to appear that way, as the Scripture says, satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14).
His Hebrew name, “helel”, comes from the Hebrew word “halal”, which is “A primitive root; to be clear (originally of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence to make a show; to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively to celebrate; also to stultify: - (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool (-ish, -ly), glory, give [light], be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, [sing, be worthy of] praise, rage, renowned, shine.” (Strongs). Notice some of the meanings of this word, which give us insight into the characteristics of Lucifer. Here are some of the implications:
Before wickedness was found in him, Lucifer was the archangel or cherub in charge of worship in heaven. He had a clear sound, as well as a clear color, he was shining, shiny, making a show, boasting about the Lord, clamorous in the way he did so, making a joyful noise, celebrating the Lord’s love, glorifying God, commending the Lord, giving light, singing praise, and being worthy of praise.
But once he fell into sin, his character became evil. Now he does all the same things but for himself, rather than for God. Now he is still making a clear sound, appearing in a clear color, still shining, shiny, glossy, giving light, radiant, luminous, making a show, but boasting about himself, clamorous, noisy, celebrating sin, glorifying himself, singing praise about himself and about the wicked. He is raving (uttering furious exclamations as a madman), raging, and foolish. It is easy to see how he is the originator of all music that does not glorify God.
As the Scripture says of Lucifer in Isaiah, "Your pomp and the music of your harps have been brought down to Sheol; Maggots are spread out as your bed beneath you And worms are your covering." (Isa 14:11). His pride and the music of his harps have been brought down to Sheol, or hell. This is a graphic depiction of how he and his music ended up in hell, with maggots beneath him and worms covering him (cf., Mark 9:44,46,48). And that is the same end, which anyone who follows his music will also meet.
In God’s original design, music was solely for true worship of Him alone, and that was the only kind of music that existed. But now that satan has fallen, he has invented many other kinds of music that are not true, spiritual worship of Jehovah. All music that does not glorify God is from satan and is sinful. It is from hell. Anyone who is listening to or singing worldly music cannot enter heaven. If you are committing these sins, please repent or else you will perish.
Adam and Eve
Of course, when God created man, he did so here on the earth, the place where satan had been thrown down to, and God gave man dominion over the earth. It says, "God blessed them; and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'" (Gen 1:28). Man was supposed to subdue the earth and rule over every living thing on the earth.
God created man in His own image, and He placed the first man, Adam, in the Garden of Eden. He commanded him to tend the garden, and permitted him to eat of any tree in the garden, except for one, which was the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It says, "Then the LORD God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. The LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.'" (Gen 2:15-17)
Then God in His love for Adam created a woman to be his helper. They were happy together in the garden, naked and unashamed. But then satan came along and tempted Eve to eat of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Although she knew that God had forbidden Adam to eat of that tree, satan tricked her into disobeying God. She was deceived by the serpent, and she ate the fruit. Then she gave some to her husband and he ate of it, too. This is how sin was introduced into the human race. Since then, all men born from Adam have sinned. This is what has brought death to man, and this is what the Lord Jesus Christ came to save us from.
Satan is doomed to destruction, and anyone who sins must also perish. But God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son. He came to earth as a man, went to the cross, died for our sins, took the penalty that we deserved, and paid the price in full. Then He rose from the dead and He now lives forever. All who repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will not perish but have eternal life.
Putting it All Together
Satan was originally a holy angel named Lucifer, in charge of worship. He was of the second highest order right below the seraphim. He was in charge of worship, leading the other angels in singing praises and making music before the throne of God. But sin was found in him and he fell. He used the wisdom God gave him in order to amass wealth for himself, because he was greedy. Because of his beauty, splendor, and wealth, his heart became lifted up in pride (1 Tim 3:6), boasting that he was a god. He learned to be violent, so he was cast down from heaven to earth. Here he became the god of this world (2 Cor 4:4), the ruler of this world (Jn 12:31), and the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2). He became the adversary of God and man, for his very name, "satan", means “adversary.”
It was into this environment that God placed mankind, when He created man in His image. And it is in this world that we live in this present darkness, contending with the devil. Those of us who know the Lord Jesus are constantly battling against this evil foe, against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Eph 6:12). They are constantly attacking us, and three of their main strategies are intimidation, temptation, and deception. We must be very careful, because they are crafty, and they can subtly introduce avarice, pride, and vanity, in their many various forms, as well as worldly music.
However, in Christ we are victorious. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. The Lord has triumphed over the devil and his demons at the cross and made a public spectacle of them (Col 2:15). We are seated with Him in heavenly realms, but we still have to engage the enemy in very real battles with eternal life or death consequences. This is why we must contend and not stop fighting the good fight. We must constantly pray to our heavenly Father, “Deliver us from evil.”
Let me encourage you today to keep up the fight against sin. There are many ways the devil has deceived the Church today, just as he originally deceived Adam and Eve. There are many things he has tricked the elect into accepting, which God has commanded us in His Word not to do. Therefore, the Church has gone astray. Many people are practicing sin, preachers are not preaching against it, and people are perishing.
Please don't let the devil deceive you into hell. Stop drifting away. Avoid becoming a corrupted Christian. Read my articles, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, The Rise and Fall of Lucifer the Musician (part II of this article), Rock, Rap, and Reggae Music -- Three Divine Revelations (previous article), and Avoiding Worldly Worship. These are just a few that will help you to wake up before it is too late. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!
Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, except where noted. "Deception" painting © 2012 Danny Hahlbohm all rights reserved by the artist. Please view it on his official website, Inspired Art.
Author's note: I also recommend reading my articles, The Rise and Fall of Lucifer the Musician, Sin, Satan, and the Submerged Sphere, Rock, Rap, and Reggae Music -- Three Divine Revelations, Avoiding Worldly Worship, For the Glory of God Alone, Alcohol and Cigarettes -- Ten Divine Revelations, Angelica Zambrano Hell and Heaven, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Sins That Will Keep You From Heaven, The Forgotten Sin of Worldliness, Godly Attire & Adornment -- Seven Divine Revelations, The Kingdom of Darkness, Australian Pastor Raised from the Dead, and The Marine Kingdom and Queen of the Coast, as well as the articles available through the Home page of this blog. You may access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."
Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus. Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15). He preached that we must repent and believe.
Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International. He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.
