Topical Bible: Satan: Called Abaddon (Hebrew: Destroyer)

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In the realm of biblical theology, Satan is a central figure representing the embodiment of evil and opposition to God. Among the various names and titles attributed to Satan, "Abaddon" is one that carries significant weight and meaning. The term "Abaddon" is derived from the Hebrew word for "destroyer" or "destruction," and it is used to convey the destructive nature and intent of Satan.

The name "Abaddon" appears in the Bible in the context of the apocalyptic literature found in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 9:11 states, "They have as king over them the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon." This passage describes a scene of judgment and destruction, where Abaddon is depicted as the ruler of the abyss, leading a horde of demonic forces.

The association of Satan with destruction is consistent with his portrayal throughout Scripture. From the very beginning, Satan is depicted as a deceiver and adversary, seeking to lead humanity away from God. In the Garden of Eden, he appears as a serpent, tempting Eve to disobey God's command (Genesis 3:1-5). This act of deception results in the fall of humanity and the introduction of sin and death into the world.

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, Satan is consistently shown as an accuser and tempter. In the Book of Job, he challenges the righteousness of Job, seeking to prove that Job's faithfulness is contingent upon his prosperity (Job 1:6-12). In the Gospels, Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness, attempting to divert Him from His divine mission (Matthew 4:1-11).

The destructive nature of Satan is further emphasized in the New Testament, where he is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus Himself refers to Satan as a murderer from the beginning and the father of lies (John 8:44). These descriptions underscore the malevolent intent of Satan to destroy both the physical and spiritual well-being of humanity.

Despite the formidable power attributed to Satan, the Bible also affirms the ultimate victory of God over evil. The Book of Revelation, where the name Abaddon is mentioned, culminates in the defeat of Satan and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom (Revelation 20:10, 21:1-4). This assurance of victory provides hope and encouragement to believers, affirming that the destructive power of Satan is ultimately limited and subject to the sovereign will of God.

In conclusion, the title "Abaddon" ascribed to Satan highlights his role as a destroyer, intent on opposing God's purposes and leading humanity astray. However, the biblical narrative assures believers of God's ultimate triumph over evil, offering hope and redemption through Jesus Christ.

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Revelation 9:11
And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue has his name Apollyon.
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Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... abyss, now opened by the work of Satan, to devastate ... by Togrulbec, king of the Turks,
(who is called by us ... of the abyss." His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
... The devil is called slanderer because he speaks against ... and means adversary (Job
2:1). Satan is referred ... the air (Ephesians 2:2); Abaddon (Hebrew) and Apollyon ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xix jesus tempted in the.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... his name "in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in ... cf chapter 3, Section 3) the Pit
is called "his own ... And in it Satan himself is incarcerated for the thousand ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... They are called locusts, though they are supernatural and, apparently ... abyss, whose
name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in ... point to say this king is Satan, for his ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Seven Trumpets.
... The bottomless pit, is where Satan is subsequently cast ... had a king over them, named
Abaddon in the ... after his death, considered and called themselves Mohammed's ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the seven trumpets.htm