# Satan — Olney Hymns character guide > Satan in Olney Hymns by John Newton. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** VI Satan **First appearance:** 0000-olney-hymns ## Snapshot The adversary whose snares and dangers throng the believer's path, the earth-and-hell power that faith triumphs over by an almighty hand. ## Who they are Satan operates as the unseen opposition in these hymns — the force behind the snares, dangers, and blind straying that surround the pilgrim's desert road. He is never named with familiarity but felt as the constant pressure against which divine protection is measured. His presence gives urgency to the hymns' confidence: without such an enemy, the triumph of faith would have nothing to overcome. ## Relationships ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ) _rivalry_ Jesus and Satan are direct opponents, with Jesus defeating Satan's schemes and claiming victory over evil. ### [Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/jesus_christ) _rivalry_ Jesus and Satan are direct opponents, with Jesus defeating Satan's schemes and claiming victory over evil. ## In the story ### [Olney Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/olney-hymns) Mentioned as the adversary in spiritual warfare, tempting and opposing the faithful. ### [Book I: On Select Texts of Scripture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-i-on-select-texts-of-scripture) Mentioned as the adversary whose rule is restrained by Christ's mighty word. ### [7: The Lord Will Provide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/7-the-lord-will-provide) Described as enraging the wind and tide, appearing to stop up our path, and filling us with fears. ### [Jehovah-Shalem—The Lord Send Peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/22-jehovah-shalem-the-lord-send-peace) The enemy who, with the world, assaults the believer. ### [24: Samson's Lion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/24-samson-s-lion) Mentioned as joining with the world to fill believers with fears, but ultimately unable to kill them. ### [Saul's Armour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/28-saul-s-armour) Satan is the enemy who overcomes those who rely on human strength but flees from those who trust in God. ### [Is This Thy Kindness to Thy Friend?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/30-is-this-thy-kindness-to-thy-friend) The adversary whose lies the speaker often believes instead of trusting Christ's promises. ### [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/32-another) Mentioned as the power from which the speaker desires to be freed. ### [Elijah Fed by Ravens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/35-elijah-fed-by-ravens) Described as an unclean raven who, though hostile, is compelled by God to serve the saints' needs. ### [More with Us Than with Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/40-more-with-us-than-with-them) The adversary whose host appears, causing fear, but is overcome by the greater heavenly host. ### [Oh That I Were as in Months Past!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/43-oh-that-i-were-as-in-months-past) The tempter who spreads wiles and threatens to prevail over the soul. ### [The Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/44-the-change) The tempter who mocks the speaker's woe and asks 'where is now your God?' ### [Pleading for Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/45-pleading-for-mercy) The cruel enemy who insults the speaker in pain and tempts to despair. ### [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/48-another) Described as a wolf who assaults but is abashed when Jesus is the believer's shield. ### [The Name of Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/57-the-name-of-jesus) Accuses the believer, but in vain because of Jesus' name. ### [Humbled and Silenced by Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/70-humbled-and-silenced-by-mercy) Maintained rule over the speaker and employed arts to destroy them, but was restrained by God's mighty word and eventually forced to let go. ### [Prayer for the Lord’s Promised Presence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/76-prayer-for-the-lord-s-promised-presence) Mentioned as a source of rage that the believer need not fear when the Lord is near. ### [A Brand Plucked Out of the Fire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/77-a-brand-plucked-out-of-the-fire) The accuser who stands near, taunting the sinner and striving to condemn him. ### [On One Stone Shall Be Seven Eyes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/78-on-one-stone-shall-be-seven-eyes) Satan and his host are amazed and defeated as Christ bruises the serpent's head through His death on the cross. ### [Satan Returning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/84-satan-returning) The evil spirit who departs but returns with sevenfold rage if the heart is empty of grace. ### [Peter Sinning and Repenting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/91-peter-sinning-and-repenting) Peter is delivered from Satan's snare after his fall. ### [The Legion Dispossessed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/92-the-legion-dispossessed) The tormentor who raged within the man's breast, but trembles and flees at Christ's command. ### [The House of Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/96-the-house-of-prayer) Satan is mentioned as one of the forces that maintain a 'sharp designing trade' in the heart, tempting the believer. ### [The Blasted Fig-Tree](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/97-the-blasted-fig-tree) Blinds those who hear the gospel, leading them to yield only leaves instead of fruit. ### [The Heart Taken](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/101-the-heart-taken) Dwells within the human heart as a strong armed man, ruling as on a throne until Jesus overcomes him. ### [108: The Believer’s Danger, Safety, and Duty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/108-the-believer-s-danger-safety-and-duty) The subtle foe who seeks to sift believers as wheat and destroy their faith. ### [109: Father, Forgive Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/109-father-forgive-them) The tempter who influences sinful actions. ### [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/113-another) Described as sealing consciences and stupefying thought, preventing sinners from seeking healing. ### [The Disciples at Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/114-the-disciples-at-sea) He assails the hopes of believers, but Jesus is still within call and comes to their aid. ### [The Resurrection and the Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/116-the-resurrection-and-the-life) Mentioned as one who, along with sin, daily strives to quench the sacred flame of faith. ### [The Rebel’s Surrender to Grace.–Lord, What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/121-the-rebel-s-surrender-to-grace-lord-what-wilt-thou-have-me-to-do) The adversary in whose cause the rebel previously served. ### [The Trembling Gaoler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/123-the-trembling-gaoler) Described as the master of slaves from whom Jesus rescues sinners. ### [The Exorcists](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/124-the-exorcists) The spirit who mocks the pretenders and acknowledges Jesus and Paul. ### [The Good That I Would Do, I Do Not](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/126-the-good-that-i-would-do-i-do-not) Described as meeting the speaker when trying to pray, frightening the soul away. ### [Looking Unto Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/134-looking-unto-jesus) Mentioned as the foe who is shamed and overcome by pointing to the Saviour's tomb. ### [Smyrna](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/137-smyrna) Mentioned as the one who rages for a season and whose synagogue blasphemes against the church. ### [The Little Book](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/141-the-little-book) Threatens to devour believers during times of trial. ### [I: Seasons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/i-seasons) Mentioned as the enemy who enslaves lives and seeks to destroy comforts and spiritual growth. ### [Before Annual Sermons to Young People on New-Year’s Evenings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/before-annual-sermons-to-young-people-on-new-year-s-evenings) Described as the foe who keeps souls in bondage and as a ravenous bird of prey seeking to carry away the young. ### [Casting the Gospel Net](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-casting-the-gospel-net) Mentioned as the one holding souls in bondage. ### [Prayer for Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/12-prayer-for-children) Referred to as 'Satan's reign' and the 'fierce malicious foe' who watches over the children. ### [After Sermons to Young People on New-Year’s Evenings, Suited to the Subjects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/after-sermons-to-young-people-on-new-year-s-evenings-suited-to-the-subjects) Mentioned as the deceiver who enslaves sinners and opposes God's work, but whose power is limited by divine grace. ### [The Lord’s Call to His Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/21-the-lord-s-call-to-his-children) Mentioned as the power to whom sinners are enslaved before they obey the divine call. ### [The Prayer of Jabez](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/22-the-prayer-of-jabez) Mentioned as the one who boasts when he can control God's work, highlighting the spiritual battle. ### [We Were Pharaoh’s Bondmen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/25-we-were-pharaoh-s-bondmen) Referred to as the tyrant whose yoke held the souls in bondage. ### [Summer Storms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/34-summer-storms) The adversary who, along with sin, brings comfort and joy to flight, and who will no longer deceive in heaven. ### [Man Honoured Above Angels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/39-man-honoured-above-angels) Implied as the leader of the angels who fell by transgression and were consigned to hell. ### [II: Ordinances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/ii-ordinances) Mentioned as the adversary who wounds the mind and tempts believers, but who trembles at the sight of a praying saint. ### [Sacramental Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/sacramental-hymns) Mentioned as defeated by Christ's sacrifice; his power is broken for the believer. ### [Christ Crucified](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/54-christ-crucified) Defeated by Christ's sacrifice, no longer able to move the believer, and trembles at the sound of Christ's name. ### [On Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/on-prayer) Trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees. ### [Exhortation to Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/60-exhortation-to-prayer) Trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees. ### [On the Scripture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/on-the-scripture) Satan wounds the mind and tempts, but is driven away by the Word. ### [The Word More Precious Than Gold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/63-the-word-more-precious-than-gold) Satan wounds the mind and tempts, but is defeated by the Word of God as a shield and sword. ### [Providences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iii-providences) Mentioned as the one who will seize sinners at judgment and as part of the threefold enemy. ### [Funeral Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/funeral-hymns) Mentioned as the adversary who harasses the believer and as the one who will seize the condemned sinner at judgment. ### [The Tolling Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/74-the-tolling-bell) Mentioned as the one with whom the accursed will dwell in the lowest hell if condemned. ### [There the Weary Are at Rest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/76-there-the-weary-are-at-rest) Mentioned as part of the threefold troop that harasses the mind. ### [The Day of Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/77-the-day-of-judgment) Mentioned as the one to whom the accursed are sent, along with his angels, and as the deceiver who tries to please sinners before judgment. ### [Thunder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/83-thunder) Compared to the sinner's experience of trembling and belief, seeking ruin. ### [The Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/87-the-sea) The tempter whose power rouses the speaker's corruptions, causing spiritual storm and despair. ### [The Bee Saved from the Spider](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/92-the-bee-saved-from-the-spider) The spider, who weaves unsuspected snares and poisons the bee, representing the enemy's attack on the believer. ### [Sheep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/94-sheep) Mentioned as the adversary who threatens to devour the sheep. ### [The Enchantment Dissolved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/100-the-enchantment-dissolved) Blinds the youth with worldly arts ### [Book III: On the Rise, Progress, Changes, and Comforts of the Spiritual Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-iii-on-the-rise-progress-changes-and-comforts-of-the-spiritual-life) Mentioned as an adversary whose power is overcome by grace and Christ's protection. ### [I: Solemn Addresses to Sinners](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/i-solemn-addresses-to-sinners) Described as the one whose dwelling is filled with rage, despair, and hopeless complaint, and who holds sinners in bondage. ### [Expostulation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/1-expostulation) Described as the ruler of the dark dwelling of despair and torment. ### [Prepare to Meet God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/4-prepare-to-meet-god) Satan is mentioned as an enemy that believers will prevail over through God's strength. ### [The Effort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/11-the-effort) Mentioned as the source of fierce temptations pressing the speaker. ### [The Effort-in Another Measure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/12-the-effort-in-another-measure) Described as the fierce accuser who presses the soul sorely. ### [III: Conflict](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iii-conflict) Mentioned as the adversary who taunts and tempts the believer. ### [The Valley of the Shadow of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/20-the-valley-of-the-shadow-of-death) Referred to as 'fierce Apollyon', the leader of the foes opposing the speaker's pilgrimage. ### [The Storm Is Hushed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/21-the-storm-is-hushed) The tempter who threatens but flees at the Saviour's voice. ### [22: Help in the Time of Need](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/22-help-in-the-time-of-need) The cruel foe who accuses and tries to drive the speaker to despair. ### [Why Should I Complain?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/30-why-should-i-complain) Assaults the believer in vain when the Shepherd is near, but renews efforts to vex and ensnare when the Shepherd withdraws. ### [Return, O Lord, How Long?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/31-return-o-lord-how-long) Marks the speaker as prey when he is left alone. ### [Cast Down, but Not Destroyed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/32-cast-down-but-not-destroyed) Described as having a temporary hour of power, but ultimately unable to boast over a soul that sought Christ's help. ### [The Benighted Traveler](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/33-the-benighted-traveler) Mentioned as part of the host of spiritual beasts that press around the soul to devour it when Christ's light is hidden. ### [The Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/34-the-prisoner) The adversary who cruelly scoffs at the prisoner, asking 'Where's your God at last?' ### [Perplexity Relieved](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/35-perplexity-relieved) Satan is mentioned as the source of fiery darts that assault the speaker when their soul is exposed. ### [Prayer Answered by Crosses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/36-prayer-answered-by-crosses) The angry powers of hell that assault the soul in every part. ### [I Will Trust and Not Be Afraid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/37-i-will-trust-and-not-be-afraid) Mentioned as the one whose blind slave the narrator once was, sporting with death. ### [Questions to Unbelief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/38-questions-to-unbelief) Addressed as the one whose devices are vain; the speaker's hope is assured against his accusations. ### [IV: Comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/iv-comfort) Mentioned as the tempter and accuser, whose suggestions and charges are countered by faith and God's promises. ### [The Happy Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/44-the-happy-change) Mentioned as the former ruler of the soul's 'dark domain' before the happy change. ### [Retirement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/45-retirement) Mentioned as waging his most successful war in the world from which the speaker flees. ### [Jesus My All](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/46-jesus-my-all) Referred to as 'the tempter' whose power is feared but overcome through Jesus. ### [Confidence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/52-confidence) Satan is identified as the source of sly suggestions and doubts that assault the believer's hope. ### [Peace Restored](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/53-peace-restored) The cruel tempter whose boast affrights the soul, but who flees when the Lord appears. ### [Humiliation and Praise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/56-humiliation-and-praise) Brings heavy charges to fill the believer with distress, but is silenced by the proclamation of Christ's full payment for sin. ### [V: Dedication and Surrender](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/v-dedication-and-surrender) Mentioned as the one whose wiles the believer is preserved from through childlike trust in God. ### [The Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/65-the-child) Mentioned as the source of wiles from which the believer is preserved. ### [True and False Comforts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/69-true-and-false-comforts) The deceiver who prepares a false, intoxicating 'dose' of comfort for hypocrites, leading them into a fatal sleep and spiritual night. ### [Sin's Deceit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/76-sin-s-deceit) The tempter who uses a deceptive glass to make sin appear pleasing. ### [VII: Praise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/vii-praise) Mentioned as an adversary whose malice is shielded against or overruled by God's providence. ### [Grace and Providence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/81-grace-and-providence) Mentioned as the source of malice from which God shields the believer or over-rules for the best. ### [Reigning Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/86-reigning-grace) Satan strives in vain against the chosen few, but grace's conquering reign secures their victory. ### [Praise to the Redeemer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/87-praise-to-the-redeemer) The enemy whose power over sinners is broken by Christ's saving arm. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters/satan - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/characters