I

The nature of all that Satan does

corresponds to and fits with negative terms

such as to impair, to disrupt, to destroy, to harm,

evil, maliciousness, and darkness,

and so the occurrence of all that is unjust and evil

is inextricably linked to the acts of Satan,

and is inseparable from the evil essence of Satan,

inseparable from the evil essence of Satan.

Regardless of how “powerful” Satan is, how audacious and ambitious it is,

regardless of how great is its ability to inflict damage,

regardless of how wide-ranging are the techniques

with which it corrupts and lures man,

regardless of how clever are the tricks and schemes

with which it intimidates man,

regardless of how changeable is the form in which it exists,

it has never been able to create a single living thing.

II

Satan has never been able to set down laws or rules

for the existence of all things,

and has never been able to rule and control any object,

whether animate or inanimate.

Within the cosmos and the firmament, there is not a single person or object

that was born from it, or exists because of it;

there is not a single person or object that is ruled by it,

or controlled by it.

On the contrary, it not only has to live under God’s dominion,

but, moreover, must submit to all of God’s orders and commands.

Without God’s permission,

it is difficult for Satan to touch even a drop of water

or grain of sand upon the land;

without God’s permission,

Satan is not even free to move the ants about upon the land,

let alone mankind, who was created by God.

III

In the eyes of God, Satan is inferior to the lilies on the mountain,

to the birds flying in the air, to the fish in the sea,

and to the maggots on the earth.

Its role among all things is to serve all things, to serve mankind,

and to serve God’s work and His plan of management.

Regardless of how malicious its nature, how malicious its nature,

and regardless of how evil its essence,

the only thing it can do is to dutifully abide by its function:

being of service to God, and providing a counterpoint to God.

Such is the substance and position of Satan.

Such is the substance and position of Satan.

Its essence is unconnected to life, unconnected to power and authority;

it is merely a plaything in God’s hands,

just a machine in service to God!

from The Word, Vol. 2. On Knowing God. God Himself, the Unique I