Principle
The seed of woman would crush Satan and his seed.
Explanation
When GOD confronted Sata, Adam, and Eve after their sin in the Garden, GOD gave this prophecy to Satan:
15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He shall bruise your head, and you shall be on guard for His heel.”
(Genesis 3:15 OSB)
Breaking this down:
- GOD would place hostility between Satan and mankind.
- There would be hostility between Satan's seed and Eve's seed. (Recall that Satan's seed are those given to evil.)
- Satan would be on guard for humanity's attack and would be defeated by man.
Genesis 3:15 is one of the most important verses in the Bible because the entire remainder of the Bible tells how GOD's promise in Genesis 3:15 comes true.
GOD's words in Genesis 3:15 explain Satan's actions as we move forward through the Scriptures. Satan tried desperately to prevent or delay his destruction. The greatest (and longest) "chess match" in history ensued.
The writings that comprise the Bible focus on GOD's relationship with humanity and, more specifically, with a specific subset of humanity, through whom and for whom, GOD provides salvation in the form of the Messiah. The chess match between GOD and Satan is interwoven throughout Scripture, sometimes shining brightly on center stage, at other times, quietly unfolding in the background.
But if you look for it, you can see it on every page, in every situation. For this reason, future Biblical Principles will periodically harken back to this one, reminding us of the great chess match and ultimate fulfillment of GOD's promise and Satan's defeat.
