Arcana Coelestia # 257
257. 'The head of the serpent' is used to mean the reign of evil in general and of self-love in particular. This becomes clear from its very nature, which seeks not merely to exercise dominion but also to exercise it over everything on earth. Yet it is not satisfied even with that, but seeks to rule over everything in heaven. Nor is it satisfied even then, but seeks to rule over the Lord. And even then it would not be content. This inclination lies concealed within every spark of self-love. If it were shown the slightest approval and the restraint on it were slackened, you would perceive it break out instantly and strive increasingly to achieve that end. From this it is clear how 'the serpent' or evil constituting self-love wishes to have dominion, and how it hates the person it is unable to dominate. This is 'the serpent's head' which rears itself and which the Lord treads on, right down to the ground so that it goes on its belly and eats dust, as described in the previous verse. The serpent or dragon called Lucifer is similarly described in Isaiah,
Lucifer, you said in your heart, I will go up the heavens, above the stars of God I will raise my throne, and I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the uttermost parts of the north. I will go up above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself equal to the Most High. But you will indeed be cast down to hell, to the sides of the pit. Isaiah 14:13-15.
The serpent or dragon is also described in Revelation,
A great fiery-red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads many jewels; but he was cast down to the earth. Revelation 12:3, 9.
This describes the height to which it raises its head. In David,
Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies as Your foot-stool; Jehovah will send the rod of Your strength from Zion. He will judge the nations, He will fill them with corpses. He has crushed their head over much land. He will drink from the stream by the way, therefore He will lift up his head. Psalms 110:1-2, 6-7.
Psalms 109
1
God of my praise, don't remain silent,
2
for they have opened the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit against me. They have spoken to me with a lying tongue.
3
They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.
4
In return for my love, they are my adversaries; but I am in prayer.
5
They have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.
6
Set a wicked man over him. Let an adversary stand at his right hand.
7
When he is judged, let him come forth guilty. Let his prayer be turned into sin.
8
Let his days be few. Let another take his office.
9
Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
10
Let his children be wandering beggars. Let them be sought from their ruins.
11
Let the creditor seize all that he has. Let strangers plunder the fruit of his labor.
12
Let there be none to extend kindness to him, neither let there be any to have pity on his fatherless children.
13
Let his posterity be cut off. In the generation following let their name be blotted out.
14
Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered by Yahweh. Don't let the sin of his mother be blotted out.
15
Let them be before Yahweh continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth;
16
because he didn't remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy man, the broken in heart, to kill them.
17
Yes, he loved cursing, and it came to him. He didn't delight in blessing, and it was far from him.
18
He clothed himself also with cursing as with his garment. It came into his inward parts like water, like oil into his bones.
19
Let it be to him as the clothing with which he covers himself, for the belt that is always around him.
20
This is the reward of my adversaries from Yahweh, of those who speak evil against my soul.
21
But deal with me, Yahweh the Lord, for your name's sake, because your loving kindness is good, deliver me;
22
for I am poor and needy. My heart is wounded within me.
23
I fade away like an evening shadow. I am shaken off like a locust.
24
My knees are weak through fasting. My body is thin and lacks fat.
25
I have also become a reproach to them. When they see me, they shake their head.
26
Help me, Yahweh, my God. Save me according to your loving kindness;
27
that they may know that this is your hand; that you, Yahweh, have done it.
28
They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but your servant shall rejoice.
29
Let my adversaries be clothed with dishonor. Let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.
30
I will give great thanks to Yahweh with my mouth. Yes, I will praise him among the multitude.
31
For he will stand at the right hand of the needy, to save him from those who judge his soul. A Psalm by David.
