The Brazen Serpent, also known as the Bronze Serpent, is a significant symbol in the Old Testament, representing both judgment and healing. It was crafted by Moses under God's instruction to provide a means of deliverance for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers and holds theological significance that extends into the New Testament.

Biblical Account

The narrative of the Brazen Serpent is found in Numbers 21:4-9. As the Israelites journeyed from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom, they grew impatient and spoke against God and Moses. In response to their complaints, the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died. Recognizing their sin, the people came to Moses and confessed, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the snakes away from us" (Numbers 21:7).

In response to Moses' intercession, God provided a remedy: "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 bronze serpent, setting it on a pole. Those who were bitten and looked upon the bronze serpent were healed, demonstrating God's provision and mercy.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Brazen Serpent serves as a powerful symbol of both judgment and redemption. The serpents were a direct consequence of the Israelites' sin, yet the bronze serpent became a means of healing when viewed in faith. This paradox highlights the dual nature of God's justice and mercy.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ references the Brazen Serpent in His conversation with Nicodemus, 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" (John 3:14-15). Here, the Brazen Serpent prefigures Christ's atoning sacrifice, where He becomes sin for humanity, offering salvation to all who look to Him in faith.

Historical and Cultural Context

The use of a serpent, a creature often associated with sin and evil, as a means of healing is noteworthy. In the ancient Near Eastern context, serpents were sometimes seen as symbols of life and healing, as well as danger and death. The bronze material, a common metal in the ancient world, signifies durability and strength.

Later Developments

The Brazen Serpent continued to hold significance in Israel's history. However, it eventually became an object of idolatry. During the reign of King Hezekiah, the bronze serpent, referred to as Nehushtan, was destroyed because the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it (2 Kings 18:4). This act underscores the danger of venerating symbols rather than the God they represent.

Conclusion

The Brazen Serpent remains a profound biblical symbol, illustrating the themes of sin, judgment, and divine grace. Its typological connection to Christ's crucifixion enriches its significance, offering a foreshadowing of the ultimate healing and redemption found in Jesus.Numbers 21:9
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it on a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.
Nave's Topical Index

The Brazen Serpent.
... That which Moses lifted up for the healing of the ... the snakes, and hung up innocuous
in that brazen serpent; so all ... God, he tells us, "made Christ to be sin for ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/viii the brazen serpent.htm

The Poison and the Antidote
... Lord has given us the deepest meaning of the brazen serpent. ... First, He takes the
serpent as an emblem of Himself ... to His sinless manhood, which was made 'in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the poison and the antidote.htm

The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith.
... not humbugs enough among the rabble, but Moses must give ... to Jesus and I was healed
and made whole from ... healed by looking at God's command on a brazen serpent? ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/iv the saviour lifted up.htm

Nicodemus
... was lifted up for their healing, so One made "in the ... them that it had no more value
than that serpent of brass ... how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 17 nicodemus.htm

Faith and Regeneration
... great standard in the midst of the camp Moses lifted up ... host would but look to it
was made to live ... the virtue of healing came from the brazen serpent through a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/faith and regeneration.htm

The Early Ministry in Judea
... as the plague-stricken Israelites found relief when Moses lifted up the brazen serpent. ...
decrease." The Pharisees, on the other hand, made Jesus feel ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/ii the early ministry in.htm

Justification by an Imputed Righteousness;
... granted that this Christ should break the serpent's head"that ... filthy garments; and
that the Lord made a change ... sins, but to the miracle of healing; yet this ...
/.../justification by an imputed righteousness.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... shoe-latchet,"lest they should say, We have made Abram rich ... leaves of the tree were
for the healing of the ... old also; for when he showed to Moses the patterns ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

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