In the biblical narrative, serpents are often depicted as symbols of sin, temptation, and judgment. However, they also play a role in one of the miraculous events recorded in the Old Testament, where a serpent becomes a symbol of healing and divine intervention. This event is found in the Book of Numbers and involves the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

Context and Background

The Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, were journeying through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the people frequently complained and rebelled against God and Moses. In Numbers 21, the Israelites spoke against God and Moses, lamenting their hardships and expressing dissatisfaction with the manna provided to them.

The Plague of Serpents

In response to their complaints and lack of faith, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people. These serpents bit the Israelites, causing many to die. The presence of the serpents served as a divine judgment for their rebellion and ingratitude. Recognizing their sin, the people came to Moses, confessing, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the serpents away from us" (Numbers 21:7).

The Bronze Serpent

Moses interceded for the people, and God provided a means of deliverance. The Lord instructed Moses, "Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live" (Numbers 21:8). Moses obeyed and made a serpent of bronze, setting it upon a pole. Those who were bitten and looked upon the bronze serpent were miraculously healed and lived.

Symbolism and Significance

The bronze serpent on the pole is rich in symbolism and foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to this event, saying, "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" (John 3:14-15). The lifting up of the bronze serpent prefigures the crucifixion of Christ, where He was lifted up on the cross to provide salvation and healing from the curse of sin.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the incident of the bronze serpent underscores several key themes:

1. Judgment and Mercy: The fiery serpents represent God's judgment on sin, while the provision of the bronze serpent illustrates His mercy and willingness to forgive and heal those who repent.

2. Faith and Obedience: The healing came not through any inherent power in the bronze serpent but through the Israelites' faith and obedience in looking upon it as God commanded. This act of faith is a precursor to the faith required for salvation through Christ.

3. Christological Foreshadowing: The bronze serpent serves as a type of Christ, highlighting the necessity of looking to Him in faith for spiritual healing and eternal life.

The account of the bronze serpent remains a powerful testament to God's provision and the transformative power of faith, serving as a reminder of the ultimate healing and redemption found in Jesus Christ.Numbers 21:8,9
And the LORD said to Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looks on it, shall live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 3:14,15
And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Pilgrim's Progress
... and day; That they have trod on serpents, fought with ... your mercies come, by receiving
them with looking up. ... with one Linger-after-lust, and with one Sleepy-head ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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