Because the devil used a serpent to deceive Eve in the Garden of Eden, the reptile has been the subject of much abuse. Ellen White writes the following description of the serpent as it appeared before sin: "{It} was then one of the wisest and most beautiful creatures on the earth. It had wings, and while flying through the air presented an appearance of dazzling brightness, having the color and brilliancy of burnished gold." - Patriarchs and Prophets, page 53.

At the entrance of sin the serpent was cursed to crawl on its belly instead of being able to fly about through the trees as it once did.

But perhaps the snake has received far more condemnation as an animal than it deserves. It is used throughout the Bible as an illustration of sin, and there are many characteristics of snakes that suit such a description, but these traits are frequently referred to in terms of the actions or character of the devil. If we could separate the imputed characteristics of Satan from the simple living qualities of the animal, perhaps we could appreciate the value of snakes as fulfilling their part in the balance of nature.

There is one physical characteristic of snakes that offers a very interesting illustration of a trait of the devil in particular, and perhaps of human beings in general. Having no legs, a snake must depend on the large scales on its belly, called scutes, to get around. These scutes overlap in such a way that the creature can move forward but not backward.

Like the snake, after which he is named, Satan got to the place where he could not back down. Following the first stage of his rebellion in heaven, God offered to forgive Satan (then called Lucifer) if he would admit his wrong words and actions, and repent. He almost did, but pride, like the scutes of the snake, would not let him back up. We must learn a lesson from Satan's history since then.