The Satan

(23) But David said, “What has this to do with you, you sons of Tzeruiah, that you should today be an opposer? Should a single Israelite be put to death today? Don’t I know that today I am again king over Israel?”

(6) Appoint a wicked man over him; may an accuser stand at his right side; (7) may he be tried and convicted; may he be judged and found guilty.

(22) But God was incensed at his going; so an angel of the Eternal placed himself in his way as an adversary. He was riding on his she-ass, with his two servants alongside.

(1) He further showed me Joshua, the high priest, standing before the angel of the Eternal, and the Accuser standing at his right to accuse him. (2) But [the angel of] the Eternal said to the Accuser, “The Eternal rebuke you, O Accuser; may the Eternal who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! For this is a brand plucked from the fire.”

(8) The Eternal said to the Adversary, “Have you noticed My servant Job? There is no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and shuns evil!” (9) The Adversary answered the Eternal, “Does Job not have good reason to fear God? (10) Why, it is You who have fenced him round, him and his household and all that he has. You have blessed his efforts so that his possessions spread out in the land. (11) But lay Your hand upon all that he has and he will surely blaspheme You to Your face.” (12) The Eternal replied to the Adversary, “See, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on him.” The Adversary departed from the presence of the Eternal.

(1) The anger of the Eternal again flared up against Israel; and incited David against them, saying, “Go and number Israel and Judah.”

(1) An accuser arose against Israel and incited David to number Israel.

Rabbi Yochanan says: Were it not explicitly written in the verse, it would be impossible to say this, as if like a person whom others persuade and can be persuaded. It was taught in a baraita: The Satan descends to this world and seduces. He ascends and inflames anger. He receives permission and takes away the soul.

Reish Lakish says: Satan, the evil inclination, and the Angel of Death are one. He is the Satan as it is written: “So the Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with vile sores” (Job 2:7). He is also the evil inclination, as it is written there: “The impulse of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continuously” (Genesis 6:5); and it is written here: “Only upon himself do not put forth your hand” (Job 1:12). The verbal analogy between the various uses of the word “only” teaches that the evil inclination is to be identified with the Satan. He is also the Angel of Death, as it is written: “Only spare his life” (Job 2:6); apparently Job’s life depends upon him.

Rabbi Levi says: Satan, and Peninnah had intention for the sake of Heaven. As for Satan, when he saw that the Holy Blessed One inclined to Job, he said: Heaven forbid that God should forget the love of Abraham. ... Rav Aḥa bar Ya’akov taught this in Paphunya, and Satan came and kissed his feet.

Rabbi Akiva would ridicule transgressors. One day, Satan appeared to him as a woman at the top of a palm tree. Rabbi Akiva grabbed hold of the palm tree and began climbing. When he was halfway up the palm tree, he left him and said: Were it not for the fact that they proclaim about you in heaven: Be careful with regard to Rabbi Akiva and his Torah, I would have made your blood like two ma’a.

And where are men examined? Reish Lakish said: When they are crossing a bridge. A bridge and at no other time? Rather, say: like a bridge. Rav would not cross in a ferry in which a gentile sat. He said to himself: Perhaps a judgment will be reckoned with him, and I will be caught together with him. Shmuel would only cross in a ferry if there was a gentile in it. He said: Satan does not have dominion over two nations.

Eternal our God; make us lie down in peace, our Ruler, raise us again to life Spread over us the shelter of Your peace, and direct us to better ourselves through Your good counsel; and deliver us for Your Name’s sake. Shield us, and remove from us enemies, pestilence, sword, famine and sorrow. Remove the adversary from before us and from behind us, and shelter us in the shadow of Your wings. For, Almighty, You are our Protector and Rescuer, For, Almighty You are a gracious and merciful Ruler. Guard our going out and our coming in for life and peace for now forever. Blessed are You, Eternal, Who guards Your people Israel forever.