LUCIFER’S REBELLION WERE CAUSED BY PRIDE AND AMBITION
LUCIFER’S REBELLION WAS CAUSED BY PRIDE AND AMBITION
Lucifer’s rebellion is a topic that has intrigued theologians and scholars for centuries. According to Christian tradition and interpretations of biblical texts, Lucifer’s rebellion against God is primarily rooted in pride and a desire for power (ambition). Here are the key biblical references that are often cited concerning Lucifer’s rebellion:
1. Isaiah 14:12–15
This passage is traditionally interpreted as referring to the fall of Lucifer (referred to as the “morning star” or “Lucifer” in Latin):
Isaiah 14:12–15 (NIV):
“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.”
In this passage, Lucifer’s desire to ascend above God and place himself in a position of ultimate authority is highlighted. His pride and ambition led to his downfall.
2. Ezekiel 28:12–17
Although this passage is addressed to the “king of Tyre,” many scholars believe it also alludes to the fall of Lucifer.
Ezekiel 28:12–17 (NIV):
“Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite, and emerald, topaz, onyx, and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.
Through your widespread trade, you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings.’”
This passage depicts Lucifer as a being of great beauty and wisdom who becomes corrupt due to his pride and is cast out from the presence of God.
The passage from Ezekiel 28:12–17, although addressed to the “king of Tyre,” has been traditionally interpreted by many scholars and theologians as also referring to Lucifer, given its descriptions and the context of the lament. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements of this passage and their significance in the context of Lucifer’s rebellion:
Key Elements of Ezekiel 28:12–17
Seal of Perfection, Full of Wisdom, and Perfect in Beauty:
The description of being perfect in beauty and wisdom suggests a high-ranking, exalted being, which aligns with the traditional view of Lucifer as an archangel before his fall.
In Eden, the Garden of God:
The reference to Eden places this being in a primordial, perfect state, reinforcing the idea of an original high standing before a fall from grace.
Every precious stone adorns you.
The adornment with precious stones symbolizes great beauty and honor, indicating a being of significant status and splendor.
Anointed as a Guardian Cherub:
The term “guardian cherub” indicates a high-ranking angelic being entrusted with a special role in God’s divine order. Cherubim are depicted in the Bible as having close proximity to God, such as in the Holy of Holies in the Temple.
Blameless Until Wickedness was Found in You:
This indicates a period of innocence and perfection before a fall due to sin, suggesting a transformation from good to evil.
Filled with Violence through Widespread Trade:
The mention of violence and sin entering through trade can be interpreted symbolically, referring to corruption through pride, ambition, or other means
.
Pride and Corruption:
The passage explicitly states that pride due to beauty and corruption due to splendor led to the being’s downfall. This pride is often identified as the root cause of Lucifer’s rebellion against God.
Cast Down to the Earth:
The expulsion from the mount of God and being cast to the earth signifies a dramatic fall from a high, exalted position to one of disgrace and judgment.
Interpretation in the Context of Lucifer’s Rebellion
The traditional interpretation of this passage about Lucifer’s rebellion emphasizes the themes of pride, beauty, and corruption. Lucifer, as an anointed cherub, was created perfect and held a prestigious position in the divine hierarchy. However, his beauty and wisdom led to pride, causing him to seek more power and ultimately rebel against God. This rebellion resulted in his expulsion from heaven and his fall to earth.
3. Revelation 12:7–9
The book of Revelation provides a more symbolic depiction of the cosmic struggle and the casting out of Satan (often identified with Lucifer) from heaven:
Revelation 12:7–9 (NIV):
“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down — that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
This passage speaks of a war in heaven where Michael and his angels fight against the dragon (Satan) and his angels, resulting in their expulsion from heaven.
Summary
The biblical narrative of Lucifer’s rebellion is pieced together from various scriptures that collectively suggest that Lucifer’s rebellion was driven by pride, ambition, and a desire to usurp God’s authority. His beauty, wisdom, and high position led to his downfall when he attempted to elevate himself above God, resulting in his expulsion from heaven and becoming the adversary known as Satan.
By: Pastor John U. Ordillo
