So, I haven’t done thorough research this morning, but I’m pretty sure that the first time that Satan is named is in my reading this morning, 1Chronicles 21. Sure, he’s introduced and described as the serpent in Genesis 3, but I think this is the first time he’s named. Go figure . . . I would never have gotten that in a game of Bible trivia.

Here’s his formal introduction in Holy Scripture, “Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel” (1Chron. 21:1).

And Satan lives up to his name . . . his name accurately reflects his nature. He stood up against Israel . . . he determined to withstand God’s people . . . he placed himself against them, taking an adversarial position . . . may I introduce to you, the Adversary . . . aka Satan. Ninety percent of what I need to know about Satan is right here . . . in this first mention of him: a) He is the adversary; b) He is bent on standing against God’s people; and c) He has the ability to influence men in order to accomplish his purposes.

I need to know this. As a believer I don’t fear him, for greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1John 4:4) . . . and as one indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God I don’t worry about Satan “possessing me” and making me do stuff I don’t want to . . . but I had better be aware of the Adversary . . . had better be mindful that he stands opposed to the things of God and the people of God . . . and that, through the world and the spiritual realm, he will seek to withstand this child of God and attempt to lead me to places I don’t want to go . . . just as he did David, a man after God’s own heart.

David’s determination to count the people was completely for selfish purposes . . . to know how great a nation he led, perhaps . . . to know for sure how big an army he had so he could be confident in his ability to wage ware . . . to extract a special tax during the census so he would have the funding needed for his “special projects”, especially the preparation for the temple he wanted his son to build. Whatever the exact reasons, it was not in the will of God and David knew it. So, isn’t this a case of “the devil made me do it?” No, not really.

It is certain that Satan was involved in David’s prideful determination. It is clear that Satan sought to withstand God by setting himself against Israel. We know that somehow Satan planted the seed . . . stirred the flesh . . . appealed to David’s ego . . . but in the end, as James says, “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:14-16)

And I think I need to know this. Not that I need to see Satan behind every bush or around every corner . . . nor blame Satan every time I trip up . . . but I would be foolish to ignore the reality of this adversary of God and His people. I’d be naïve to think that he has given up — though he is defeated . . . I’d be reckless to play loose with the things of the world . . . I’d be walking on dangerous ground if I were led by an attitude of “if it feels good, do it” . . . or “you want it? You deserve it! So go get it!”

David owned his sin (1Chron 21:8) . . . he was accountable . . . he, and Israel, suffered the consequences . . . but Satan’s influence in his transgression is recorded for my learning.

I’d be wise to take note of this “first mention” of my adversary . . . it may be the first, but it’s not the last . . .