Where did the serpent, who was Not in the tree, come from?

In the biblical story of Adam and Eve, the serpent is a central figure who tempts Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. However, the text does not explain where the serpent came from or why it is in the Garden of Eden. There are a few theories about the origin of the serpent, although none of them are definitive.

One theory is that the serpent is a representation of Satan, the fallen angel who rebelled against God. In this interpretation, the serpent is seen as a symbol of evil and temptation, and its presence in the Garden of Eden is meant to represent the forces of darkness that are constantly trying to lead people astray.

Another theory is that the serpent is simply a creature that was created by God along with the other animals in the Garden of Eden. In this interpretation, the serpent is not inherently evil, but it becomes a tool of temptation when it is used by Satan to deceive Eve.

Some scholars have suggested that the serpent may have originally been a symbol of healing and wisdom, rather than temptation and evil. In some ancient cultures, serpents were associated with healing and were seen as powerful symbols of transformation and renewal.

Others have pointed out that the serpent was not actually described as being in the tree, but rather was "more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made" (Genesis 3:1). This could be interpreted to mean that the serpent was simply present in the garden, and not necessarily associated with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.