The Literal Meaning of Genesis
BOOK ELEVEN 155 fall if that is the condition in which he was created. But when he was created, he immediately turned away from the light of Truth, being swollen with pride and corrupted by delight in his own powers. It follows, then, that he did not taste the sweetness of the blessed life of the angels. He did not receive it and then scorn it; rather, being unwilling to receive it, he forsook it and lost it. Hence, he could not have had foreknowledge of his fall, since wisdom is the fruit of piety.
He was impious, then, from the beginning, and his mind was consequently blind. He fell not from what he had received but from what he would have received if he had chosen to obey God. But since he refused, he fell from what he was going to receive, and yet he did not elude the power of Him whom he would not serve. According to his just deserts, therefore, he would find no joy in the light of justice nor any pardon from its condemnation.
CHAPTER 24
The wicked are the body of the Devil, and he ts their head.
31. The Prophet Isaiah, referring to the Devil, says: How has he fallen from heaven, Lucifer, who rises at the dawn? He bas been trampled into the earth
Who sent messages to all the nations. You said in your heart: "T will ascend into heaven, Above the stars of heaven
I will set my throne; I will sit on the lofty mountain, Above the lofty mountains of the north; I will ascend above the clouds, I will be like the Most High." But now you will go down to hell,"}