The Hebrew word sâṭân, represented by H7854, means an opponent or adversary. It is used 27 times in 23 verses. While it can refer to any adversary, it is especially used with the article prefixed to refer to Satan, the arch-enemy of good. The term is derived from the root H7853, which means to attack or accuse.
In scripture, H7854 is used to describe both human and supernatural opposition. Human adversaries are seen when the Philistines fear David might become an adversary in battle 1 Samuel 29:4, and when the LORD stirred up Hadad and Rezon as adversaries to Solomon (1 Kings 11:14, 1 Kings 11:23). The term is also used for a divine agent, as when the angel of the LORD stood in the way of Balaam as an adversary Numbers 22:22. The most prominent use refers to Satan, a specific spiritual being who comes before the LORD to question Job's integrity Job 1:6-9 and who stands up to provoke David to number Israel 1 Chronicles 21:1.
Several related words help clarify the role and actions of an adversary:
- H7853 sâṭan: As the primitive root, this word means to attack or resist. It is used to describe Satan's purpose in standing before Joshua the high priest, which was to resist him Zechariah 3:1.
- H5496 çûwth: This word means to entice, move, or provoke. It describes Satan's action of provok[ing] David to number Israel 1 Chronicles 21:1 and mov[ing] God against Job Job 2:3.
- H5975 ʻâmad: This verb, meaning to stand, is often used to position the adversary. Satan is seen standing at the right hand of Joshua to resist him Zechariah 3:1 and is invoked to stand at the right hand of the wicked man Psalms 109:6.
- H6965 qûwm: Meaning to rise, this word is used when God stirred up (literally, caused to rise) an adversary against Solomon 1 Kings 11:14.
The theological weight of H7854 is significant, highlighting key aspects of spiritual conflict.
- The Role of Accuser: Satan functions as an accuser before God. He questions Job's motives for being righteous, asking, "Doth Job fear God for nought?" Job 1:9, and stands to resist the high priest Joshua Zechariah 3:1.
- An Agent of Testing: While an adversary, Satan operates within the bounds of God's sovereignty. The LORD gives Satan permission to test Job, demonstrating that his power is limited (Job 1:12, Job 2:6). He becomes an instrument through which a person's faith is tried.
- Source of Opposition: The term broadly defines forces hostile to God's people and purposes. This can be political, as with Solomon's adversaries 1 Kings 11:25, or spiritual, as when Satan stood up against Israel 1 Chronicles 21:1.
In summary, H7854 provides a framework for understanding opposition in the biblical narrative. It is not merely a name but a functional title describing a role—that of an adversary. This role can be filled by men, angels, or the specific accuser, Satan. The concept illustrates that while opposition and accusation exist, they are ultimately subject to the authority and purposes of God, who can stir up an adversary 1 Kings 11:14 and also rebuke him Zechariah 3:2.
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