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chapter 3. One thing Bullinger had an eye for was patterns in the textual layout of the Scriptures. He
has demonstrated that the entire Bible contains repeating patterns of a very noteworthy character. We
can at times infer various facts and details as we consider these patterns. Bullinger has shown that
the first 24 verses of chapter 3 of Genesis contain a remarkable pattern.
As you study the pattern above you will note that a mirror image is formed where items mentioned
in the first part of this passage have corresponding counterparts in the latter part of the passage. I
would draw your attention specifically to the first item labeled “E.”
The Nachash: procuring man’s death in Adam
The Cherubim: preserving man’s life, in Christ.
Keep in mind that “nachash” is both the Hebrew for “serpent,” and for “a shining one.” Thus, this
word speaks of both the beast and the heavenly being we call a cherub (plural cherubim). Observe the
parallels between the Nachash in verses 1-5 and the Cherubim in verse 24. This remarkable
th
parallelism lends support to the belief that Satan is that cherub described in the 28 chapter of
Ezekiel.
Ezekiel 28:13-14
You were in Eden, the garden of God... You were the anointed cherub who covers...
In the first 24 verses of Genesis 3 we observe the following comparisons/contrasts.
• Satan, as the first of the cherubim mentioned in Genesis chapter 3, invites mankind to violate
Yahweh’s commandment.
