The book starts before creation, because in the Jewish and Christian world view, there was a prior conflict between God and Satan that spills over into human history. It continues through to the twenty-first century CE and hints at the climax of a war to the death, with eternal destinations for humans in either heaven or hell. This is all recorded in the Bible, starting with Genesis and ending with Revelation.
But the devil is a mysterious figure, mostly operating undercover, behind the scenes, and ignored by the majority of humans. This book is an attempt at an exposé, somewhat in the tradition of C. S. Lewis, who wrote his Screwtape Letters more than sixty years ago.
There are eight sections within the book to guide us on our journey of understanding: • Section 1: The Genesis Story • Section 2: The Exodus and Torah Period • Section 3: The Tribes of Israel • Section 4: The Judges of Israel • Section 5: The Kings of Israel and Judah • Section 6: The Prophets of Israel and Judah • Section 7: The Builders and Other Leaders of Israel • Section 8: Jesus versus Satan
Some will love the battle of wills portrayed. Others might dismiss it out of hand, either as a diversion from learning about God and worshipping him, or because they simply do not believe that a devil exists. Other commentators who have ventured into this space have concluded that the greatest trick of Satan has been to convince people that he doesn't exist.
If you do open these pages, I believe you will understand the enemy much better by the time you reach the end.
