9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.



Ver. 9. Was cast out] Full sore against his will. If the enemies had but as much power as malice, the Church should never rest. But they shall be utterly routed and outed, as at this day they are here to our great comfort.



That old serpent] When he was young he outwitted our first parents, 2Co_11:3, then when their reason was not depraved. Now that he is old, and we but children, Eph_4:14, had we not need look to him, and not be ignorant of his wiles?



Which deceiveth the whole world] Having for that purpose his set and composed machinations, 2Co_2:11, his methods artificially moulded, Eph_6:11, his depths, sleights, coggings of dice, &c. And herein he is incessantly exercised, as the participle of the present tense noteth, ï ðëáíùí .