The term "adder" in the Bible often refers to a venomous serpent, symbolizing danger, deceit, and the malevolent forces that oppose God's people. The adder is mentioned in various contexts throughout Scripture, serving as a metaphor for the treacherous and destructive nature of sin and the enemies of righteousness.

Biblical References and Symbolism

1. Psalm 58:4-5 : "Their venom is like the poison of a serpent, like a cobra that shuts its ears, so that it does not hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell." Here, the adder is likened to the wicked, whose hearts are hardened against truth and righteousness. The imagery of a serpent that refuses to be charmed underscores the stubbornness and rebellion of those who oppose God.

2. Psalm 91:13 : "You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent." This verse promises divine protection and victory over dangerous and evil forces, symbolized by the lion and the adder. The adder represents hidden threats and the insidious nature of evil that God's people will overcome through faith and divine intervention.

3. Isaiah 11:8 : "The infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest." In this prophetic vision of the Messianic age, the adder symbolizes the eradication of harm and danger. The peaceful coexistence of humans and serpents illustrates the transformative power of God's kingdom, where enmity and fear are abolished.

Theological Implications

In the biblical narrative, the adder serves as a potent symbol of the spiritual adversaries that threaten the well-being of God's people. It embodies the deceit and malice of Satan, who is often depicted as a serpent (Genesis 3:1-5). The adder's venomous nature is a metaphor for the destructive power of sin and the cunning tactics of those who seek to lead believers astray.

The adder's presence in Scripture also highlights the need for vigilance and reliance on God's protection. Believers are called to be aware of the spiritual dangers that lurk in the world and to trust in God's promises of deliverance and victory over evil.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, serpents were both feared and revered for their deadly capabilities and mysterious nature. The adder, likely referring to various venomous snakes indigenous to the region, was a common symbol of danger and death. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical use of the adder as a metaphor for the enemies of God's people.

Conclusion

The adder, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of the spiritual and moral challenges faced by believers. It represents the ever-present threat of sin and the opposition of those who reject God's truth. Through faith and reliance on God's strength, believers are assured of victory over these adversaries, as they tread upon the serpents that seek to harm them.Psalm 91:13
You shall tread on the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shall you trample under feet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Ashes, mark of penitence, [80]497. Asp, or adder, [81]232, [82]233, [83]451. Assur,
[84]398. ... Blasphemers, enemies of God, [124]455, [125]504, [126]665. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about ... from death and hell, catched
to live with God in glory ... is in gospel-charms, if once the adder doth but ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... I will make thee to go upon the asp and basilisk ... of the Lord, and to His Counsel,
like the adder to charms ... of the Lord, and shall burn up his enemies round about ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm

Asp: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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