The Skull Crusher in the Bible – How Mary Became the New Eve

In this Bible teaching delivered at Founded in Truth Fellowship by Matthew Vander Els, the focus is on a foundational concept in the Bible: the promise in Genesis 3:15 that the “seed of the woman” will crush the head of the serpent, often referred to as the “skull crusher” prophecy. This teaching explores how this initial promise unfolds throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with Mary and her son, Jesus (Yeshua).

The First Gospel: Proto-Evangelium

The teaching begins by examining the creation story in Genesis, highlighting God’s creation of a good world and humanity’s role as God’s image-bearers with dominion over creation. However, this harmony is quickly broken in Genesis 3 when the serpent, described as crafty (“arum” in Hebrew), deceives Eve, leading to the fall of mankind. As a consequence of their disobedience, God pronounces judgment, including a curse upon the serpent. Within this curse, in Genesis 3:15, lies the Proto-Evangelium, the first gospel message. God declares that there will be enmity between the serpent and the woman, and between their seeds. Critically, God states that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent’s head, while the serpent will strike the seed’s heel. This prophecy introduces the theme of a future deliverer who will ultimately defeat the force of evil, though not without suffering.

Patterns of Skull Crushing in the Old Testament

The message then traces a recurring pattern throughout the Old Testament where women play a role in defeating enemies who embody the “seed of the serpent.” The speaker emphasizes that this isn’t solely about physical lineage but also about allegiance. Examples highlighted include:

• Yael: In Judges 4 and 5, Yael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, defeats Sisera, the general of Javen’s army, by crushing his skull with a tent peg. Yael’s action is celebrated with the words, “Most blessed of women be Yael,” a phrase that echoes later praise for Mary.
• The unnamed woman in the story of Abimelech: In another instance, an unnamed woman in Judges 9 drops a millstone on the head of Abimelech, a wicked king, leading to his death.
• David and Goliath: The story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 is also presented in this pattern. Goliath, the Philistine giant, is described with language that subtly links him to the serpent, such as his bronze armor (“nakashet,” similar to “nakosh,” snake) and the description of his armor as having scales. His name, Golgoliot, is also similar to the Hebrew word for skull. David, representing the seed of the woman, defeats Goliath by crushing his head with a stone. However, the speaker notes that the spirit of the serpent’s enmity re-emerges in Saul, highlighting that the issue is one of the heart and allegiance.

These stories are not seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Genesis 3:15 prophecy but rather as foreshadows and consistent patterns pointing towards the coming deliverer. The Old Testament, according to the teaching, reveals humanity’s inability to fully live out God’s calling, even with the gift of the Torah, because of the condition of their hearts. This leads to the prophetic messages of a new heart and a new spirit, as seen in Ezekiel 36:26 and Jeremiah 31:31, and the vision of a new creation in Isaiah 65:17 where the serpent’s ultimate defeat is implied by it eating dust.

Mary, the New Eve, and the Ultimate Skull Crusher

The teaching transitions to the New Testament, specifically Luke’s Gospel, where Elizabeth greets Mary with the words, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child that you bear.” This echoes the blessing of Yael and signals Mary’s significant role in fulfilling the Proto-Evangelium. The speaker suggests that Mary can be seen as the “new Eve,” just as Jesus is the “new Adam.” Where Eve’s offspring was prophesied to crush the serpent, Mary is the woman whose seed, Jesus, will ultimately accomplish this.

The Gospel of John is also examined, noting how John begins his account “in the beginning,” mirroring Genesis 1. John’s narrative is interpreted as a “new creation account” where life is found only through Jesus. The seven-day structure observed by some scholars in John’s early chapters is discussed, culminating in the wedding at Cana on the seventh day. At this event, Jesus performs his first miracle at Mary’s prompting, and the speaker highlights the seemingly unusual way Jesus addresses Mary as “woman.” This is explained as a deliberate connection back to the “woman” in Genesis 3:15, Eve, reinforcing Mary’s role in the unfolding of the skull crusher prophecy.

The Book of Revelation chapter 12, which depicts a woman giving birth to a child who will rule all nations and defeat the dragon (serpent), is also linked to Mary, either directly or as a representation of the people of God who bring forth the Messiah. The teaching emphasizes the parallels between Eve and Mary: Eve contributed to the fall through temptation, while Mary initiated Jesus’ miraculous ministry; Eve was present at the beginning of sin, while Mary was present at the foot of the cross.

Ultimately, the teaching concludes that Jesus Christ is the ultimate “skull crusher.” Colossians 2:15 is cited, stating that through the cross, Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, triumphing over them. The serpent’s head is crushed through Jesus’ death and resurrection, offering forgiveness and a new creation to those who pledge allegiance to Him. Furthermore, Romans 16:20 is referenced, suggesting that believers, indwelt by the Spirit of God, also participate in this victory over evil.

Application for Everyday Life

• Embrace the hope of the Gospel: The core message of the Bible is the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, offering forgiveness and peace with God. This should be a central focus in daily life.
• Recognize the ongoing conflict: The pattern of the seed of the woman versus the seed of the serpent illustrates an ongoing spiritual battle. Be aware of the forces that oppose God’s will in your life and the world.
• Align your allegiance: Your heart’s allegiance determines your spiritual lineage. Consciously choose to follow Jesus as King and live according to His Kingdom principles.
• Embrace the new creation: Through faith in Jesus, you are part of a new creation, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Live in the reality of this new life and the victory won on the cross.
• Participate in the victory: As believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit, you have been given victory over evil. Rely on God’s peace to conquer challenges in your life.
• Study the Bible deeply: The richness of the biblical narrative, with its patterns and connections, offers deeper understanding and strengthens faith. Engage with Scripture regularly and seek to understand its overarching story.

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Resources Mentioned

• The Bible by various authors