This is an interesting question that causes us to consider the power of Satan to know and understand the mind of the Lord. First of all, let’s consider the words of Paul the Apostle in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even THE HIDDEN WISDOM, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” It was “the princes of this world” who caused the crucifixion of our savior. These were the ones who were in the spiritual and political position to put the Lord Jesus to death. It includes the Jewish leaders and the Roman governor. From the very beginning of His public ministry, the Lord Jesus was opposed by the Pharisees and scribes, the spiritual leaders of their day. We read in Luke 7:30, “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God…”

These spiritual leaders certainly knew the scriptures, yet they did not have the wisdom to understand the scriptures. The Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah and His death, yet these leaders did not understand that their Messiah was in their midst. Even after the Lord Jesus manifested His person publicly, they did not have the discernment to know. In fact, they “rejected the counsel of God.” Satan was certainly complicit in the death of the Lord Jesus. He used Judas to betray the Lord into the hands of the “chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders” (Luke 22:52) to be crucified. Luke 22:3-4 says, “Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them.”

If Satan had understood the impact of the cross, that he would be defeated and salvation would be offered to all men, he would not have worked to cause His crucifixion. We read in Hebrews 2:14, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that THROUGH DEATH HE MIGHT DESTROY HIM THAT HAD THE POWER OF DEATH, THAT IS, THE DEVIL.” Satan had no understanding of God’s plan to save men through the death of His Son.

From the scriptures, we know that in the middle of the Tribulation Period, that Satan will be cast down to the earth (Revelation 12:1-10). We read in Revelation 12:12, “Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, BECAUSE HE KNOWETH THAT HE HATH BUT A SHORT TIME.” Although we know of this time of Satan’s being cast down, he, as yet, does not understand that it will happen. However, when it does happen, then he will realize that his time is short, that the judgment of God will soon come upon him. Even then, Satan still leads unredeemed men in rebellion against the Lord. He STILL doesn’t understand his ultimate defeat at the hand of God. Of course, Satan can read the Bible, but he does not have that “HIDDEN WISDOM” that the Lord gives us through His Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 tells us, “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so THE THINGS OF GOD KNOWETH NO MAN, BUT THE SPIRIT OF GOD.” Neither does Satan have knowledge of the things of God. Only the Spirit of God has that knowledge, and He gives understanding to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior.

Satan has no understanding of the fact that he has already been defeated through the death on the Lord Jesus on the cross. Do you understand that there is victory for you through the cross? 1 Corinthians 15:57 assures us, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (263.2)