Topical Encyclopedia The term "fiery serpent" appears in the Bible primarily in the context of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, as recorded in the Book of Numbers. The Hebrew term used is "seraphim," which is often translated as "fiery" or "burning," indicating the intense, perhaps venomous, nature of these creatures.Biblical Account: In Numbers 21:4-9 , the Israelites, during their journey from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom, became impatient and spoke against God and Moses. In response to their complaints, the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died. Recognizing their sin, the people came to Moses and confessed, asking him to intercede with the LORD to remove the serpents. Moses prayed, and the LORD instructed him to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and live: > "Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the snakes away from us.' So Moses interceded for the people. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.' So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. Whenever a snake bit someone, he looked at the bronze snake and lived." (Numbers 21:6-9) Symbolism and Typology: The fiery serpent episode is rich in symbolism and typology. The bronze serpent on the pole is seen as a type of Christ, as referenced in the New Testament. In John 3:14-15 , Jesus Himself draws a parallel between the lifting up of the serpent 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." This typology highlights the concept of salvation through faith. 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. Theological Implications: The fiery serpents serve as a divine judgment for the Israelites' rebellion and lack of faith. The incident underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance. It also illustrates God's provision of a means of salvation, prefiguring the ultimate salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, serpents were often associated with both danger and healing. The bronze serpent, therefore, may have had a dual significance, representing both the judgment of God and His mercy. The use of a serpent, a creature often associated with evil, as a means of healing, further emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace. Later References: The bronze serpent, known as Nehushtan, later became an object of idolatry in Israel. King Hezekiah destroyed it during his reforms, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4 : > "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze snake that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. It was called Nehushtan." This act by Hezekiah highlights the danger of venerating symbols rather than the God they represent, a recurring theme in the biblical narrative. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Fiery SerpentFIERY SERPENT See SERPENT. Strong's Hebrew 8314. saraph -- fiery serpent... 8313, 8314. saraph. 8314a . fiery serpent. Transliteration: saraph Phonetic Spelling: (saw-rawf') Short Definition: serpent. fiery serpent, seraph ... /hebrew/8314.htm - 5k 8314a. saraph -- fiery serpent Library The Poison and the Antidote The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith. Man's Ruin and God's Remedy The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent The Glorious Habitation Christ Our Passover The Lost Lamb The Temptation The Brazen Serpent. Meditations against Despair, or Doubting of God's Mercy. Resources What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong for a Christian to have a sexual fantasy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about Purgatory? | GotQuestions.org Fiery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |