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. Isa. 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. Rev. 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. Ps. 110:1, 2, 6, 7.