WHO IS LUCIFER IN ISAIAH 14:12? IS IT THE DEVIL? Garland M. Robinson

he verse reads: “How art thou to as Lucifer in verse 12, would no fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, longer cause any hurt to God’s people. Tson of the morning! how art Note the clear distinction made thou cut down to the ground, which between the one referred to as didst weaken the nations!” “Lucifer” in this context and “Satan” The Hebrew word translated lucifer as described elsewhere in the Bible. is only used this once in the Bible. The 1) The earth is at rest and is quiet word means: “shining” or “light-bring- since his fall (vs.8-9). Satan did not ing.” Lucifer is a Latin word that stop his evil work after his fall, he means: “morning star.” began it! In the context of this chapter (and 2) Worms eat his body (v.11). the entire Bible), “Lucifer” does not Satan has no body. apply to the Devil or Satan. Some early 3) He would be looked upon and commentators however, believed it did pitied by others (v.16). No one can refer to Satan and his fall from heaven “see” the devil. which has led to the general accept- 4) He is called a “man” (v.16). Satan ance today that Satan’s name is is a spirit being. Lucifer. It’s interesting that nowhere in 5) He is buried in shame and the entire chapter is Satan referred to reproach (vs.19-20). Satan cannot be in any form — human or otherwise. buried as a man. Verse four makes it clear that the 6) His sons and nephews did not one under consideration is the “king of reign after him (vs.21-22). Satan has Babylon.” Kings and princes were no sons or nephews. He is still the often spoken of as stars and heavenly prince of this world (John 12:31). bodies in the Old Testament. Such 7) The land over which he ruled imagery was common in those days. would be inhabited by wild animals What is spoken of in Isaiah 14 is (v.23). Satan still rules over his own the fall and demise of the king of kingdom. Babylon and how it would be viewed “Lucifer” in Isaiah 14:12 is clearly by the people of the world over which not Satan. However, Satan, the Devil, Babylon had control. the Deceiver, is very real and stalks the “Falling from heaven” simply refers earth, even today, seeking whom he to a political overthrow — a removal may devour (1 Peter 5:8)! from the position of dignity formerly Watch out! Don’t be ignorant of his occupied. The king of Babylon referred devices (2 Cor. 2:11).