The third and second centuries BCE, however, witnessed the emergence of Satan as a clearly defined being. Sometimes called Mastema or Belial or other names, he was the supernatural leader of the forces of evil. He was an enemy both of God and of the righteous and was blamed for most of the maladies that befall humanity. Protection from these malevolent forces could be obtained through prayer and piety or through amulets and spells (cf. Tobit).
