It was Satan that was cursed, NOT the snake!
If it was Satan then that the "curse" of Genesis 3:14 applied to rather than the serpent, then how is it that Satan has had to live his life since that day as if having to go upon his belly and eat dust?
The answer is arrived at by first considering the lowly state of this somewhat pitiful creature called the "serpent". Most earthly creatures are privileged with having legs. The birds even have wings in addition to legs. In comparison, the serpent appears to be a "cursed" little creature -- due to its having no legs. Unlike other creatures, which can run or fly to wherever they wish to go, a snake has no way to maneuver from place to place other than by wiggling along on its belly atop the ground. Not a very lofty existence! Too, because it is upon the ground where other creatures tread, the snake has to be particularly "cautious" (NWT) in order that it not get trampled upon.
Now let's consider a few things about the one that took advantage of this ALREADY disadvantaged creature, using it in a most dishonorable way -- that being for the purpose of accomplishing rebellion in the realm of mankind. Of course this was an angel, an angel that came to be known as "Satan" after this act. As a matter of fact, the Bible's giving Satan the title "Serpent" was as a consequence of Satan's use of the serpent. Now, it's important to consider Satan's STANDING prior to this dastardly deed if we are to understand the answer to the question quoted above.
And so what sort of a standing did Satan enjoy before he decided to rebel against God and to make his attempt at drawing the first two representatives of mankind into rebellion along with him? Of course ALL angels are of a higher order than ANY of the creatures God had created of the earthly sort. But, not only was Satan of a higher order of being, more importantly was the fact that he enjoyed God's approval. Having God's approval, he no doubt was regularly entrusted with many important things. Some even believe that on the basis of the language of Ezekiel 28:11-19 Satan had been privileged with having oversight over the first man and woman, he being the covering or protecting Cherub. I am of this persuasion myself.
And so we see that prior to Satan's deviation from righteousness he enjoyed a high degree of honor, as a person who practiced righteousness. But with that rebellion he lost ALL the honor that had previously been associated with his name, whatever that name might have been. So you see, Satan experienced a FALL in association with that incident in the Garden of Eden. He went from being a most honorable person among God's heavenly angels (likely even being of the high order of Cherubs) to a person who hit rock bottom. God stripped him of all the privileges and honor that he had enjoyed up to that point in his already lengthy life. Compared to his status prior to this deed Satan had now become "cursed" - - yes, status-wise, he had become just as LOW as a literal serpent's belly is to the ground. So, from the day he forfeited the prestige he once had amidst God's creation, Satan has had to live a life of dishonor, not having his Creator's respect -- which is like having to slither upon his belly against the lowly dust of the ground as one of the lowliest creatures in existence -- not unlike the little creature that had no legs that he so unfairly took advantage of.
Friday
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Edited by - Yadirf on 29 August 2002 4:46:32