Biblical References:
The account of the Bronze Serpent is primarily found in the Old Testament, in the Book of Numbers 21:4-9. It is also referenced in the New Testament in John 3:14-15.

Historical Context:
The Bronze Serpent episode occurs during the Israelites' 40-year wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. This period was marked by frequent episodes of disobedience and rebellion against God, often resulting in divine judgment followed by repentance and restoration.

Narrative Summary:
In Numbers 21:4-9, the Israelites, growing impatient on their journey, spoke against God and Moses, lamenting their lack of food and water and expressing disdain for the manna provided by God. In response, the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many Israelites died from snake bites. Recognizing their sin, the people approached Moses, confessing, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the snakes away from us." Moses prayed for the people, and God instructed him to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. God promised that anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and live. Moses obeyed, crafting a serpent out of bronze and mounting it on a pole, and those who looked upon it were healed.

Theological Significance:
The Bronze Serpent serves as a powerful symbol of God's provision and mercy amidst judgment. It illustrates the principle of faith and obedience, as the Israelites were required to look upon the serpent to receive healing. This act of looking was an expression of faith in God's promise and provision.

Typology and Christological Interpretation:
In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the Bronze Serpent in John 3:14-15, drawing a parallel between the serpent lifted up in the wilderness and His own crucifixion: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." Here, the Bronze Serpent is seen as a type of Christ, prefiguring His sacrificial death on the cross. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, so too are believers granted eternal life by looking to Christ in faith.

Later Developments:
The Bronze Serpent, initially a symbol of God's salvation, later became an object of idolatry. In 2 Kings 18:4, during the reign of King Hezekiah, the bronze serpent, called Nehushtan, was destroyed because the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it. This underscores the danger of venerating symbols rather than the God they represent.

Lessons and Applications:
The account of the Bronze Serpent teaches the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands. It also serves as a reminder of the human tendency to corrupt what is sacred, turning symbols of divine grace into objects of idolatry. The narrative encourages believers to focus on Christ, the ultimate source of healing and salvation, and to guard against allowing religious symbols to overshadow the worship of God Himself.