Originally Posted by Sydnorphyn

Ok, here goes, Gen. 3.1 is very specific in saying the serpent, was a serpent, was a serpent. There is no reason to read anything else into it - of course, some do see Satan, but I would suggest this is probably Christian Mythology. The question in my mind is, what is the purpose of the story and how would the post-Egyptian (or later) generation have heard it - not how WE hear it. Genesis 1-3 is an interpretation of the early period, how would the early hearers have understood it - this is the question.

Peace
John