[phoenix]

On Isaiah 14:12, do you believe that it is a reference to Satan? (regardless of the proper name)...

I think that the original reference is to the king of Babylon. He is spoken of in terms that compare him to Satan, but contextually the direct reference is not to Satan.

4That thou shalt take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say,

His fall is compared to Satan's fall -- a fall from an elevated height ( like the 'morning star' falling from Heaven). Babylon was the most powerful nation on earth at the time, and it's fall was devastating (and shocking) to the people around them. That's what the prophecy is about (and this passage is prophetic).

And John Gill agrees with me, for whatever that's worth. It doesn't happen often, so it's noteworthy when it does.

[grm]

Good Old John Gill. Spurgeon spoke highly of him.

[phoenix]

Good Old John Gill. Spurgeon spoke highly of him.

lol. I'm not overly fond of Gill -- I blame him for a lot of the problems that Baptists (specifically the Particular Baptists) had in 18th century England. I'm more partial to Andrew Fuller -- the guy Spurgeon called the most influential theologian of the 18th century. He straightened up a lot of what Gill's influence messed up.

[grm]

You've encouraged me to learn more about Fuller the divine.