The brazen serpent, also known as the bronze serpent, is a significant object in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of idolatry. This object is first introduced in the Book of Numbers and later referenced in the historical accounts of the kings of Judah.

Biblical Origin and Purpose

The brazen serpent was created by Moses at God's command during the Israelites' wilderness journey. In Numbers 21:4-9, the Israelites spoke against God and Moses, leading to the Lord sending venomous snakes among them. Many Israelites died from snake bites, prompting the people to repent and seek Moses' intercession. God instructed Moses to make a serpent and set it on a pole, promising that anyone bitten who looked at it would live. Numbers 21:9 states, "So Moses made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze serpent, he would live."

The brazen serpent served as a means of divine healing and a symbol of God's mercy and salvation. It was a tangible representation of faith and obedience, requiring the afflicted to look upon it to receive healing.

Transition to Idolatry

Despite its initial purpose as a tool for deliverance, the brazen serpent eventually became an object of idolatry. Over time, the Israelites began to venerate the serpent itself rather than the God who provided the means of healing. This shift from a symbol of faith to an idol is highlighted during the reign of King Hezekiah.

In 2 Kings 18:4 , it is recorded that Hezekiah, a king known for his religious reforms, "removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. It was called Nehushtan." Hezekiah's actions underscore the extent to which the brazen serpent had become an object of worship, contrary to its original purpose.

Theological Implications

The transformation of the brazen serpent into an idol serves as a cautionary tale about the human tendency to misplace reverence and devotion. It illustrates how objects, even those with divine origins, can become idols when they are venerated in place of God. This narrative emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between symbols of faith and the object of faith itself—God.

The account of the brazen serpent also foreshadows New Testament themes. In John 3:14-15 , Jesus refers to the serpent, 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." Here, the brazen serpent is used as a typological symbol pointing to Christ's crucifixion, where faith in Him brings spiritual healing and eternal life.

Conclusion

The account of the brazen serpent is a profound example of how objects intended for good can become sources of idolatry. It serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in worship and the importance of directing faith towards God alone.2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made: for to those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
Nave's Topical Index

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... rotten rags, called relics, are the objects of adoration ... that the miraculous powers
of the brazen serpent entitled it to ... had so far gone into idolatry that they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

On Idolatry
... the gods of foreign nations as objects of worship ... to a creature is pure from idolatry,
except that ... for having "broken in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

Ezekiel xiii. 22
... many minds, at the sight of the brazen serpent on the ... benevolence; and others are
beguiled by objects of a ... arise from what is in fact idolatry,"the putting ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xx ezekiel xiii 22.htm

Blair -- the Hour and the Event of all Time
... the hand of God; if the brazen serpent was lifted ... departed from Him; the reign of
idolatry passed away ... reveals, by a succession of interesting objects which it ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/blair the hour and.htm

The Second Oration on Easter.
... go forth beyond Itself, to multiply the objects of Its ... that thou shouldest leave
behind the idolatry of that ... But that brazen serpent [4657] was hung up as a ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlv the second oration.htm

In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... palace at Jerusalem, and the brazen statues' in ... Rabbinic legislation kept certain
definite objects in view ... from being inadvertently led into idolatry; to avoid ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm

Index of Subjects.
... dealing with Scripture, evidence in controversy, [568]178; the idolatry of, [569 ...
Sensible objects, not to beloved, [816]51, [817]52 ... Serpent, the brazen, [818]193 ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

Questions About the Lord's Supper
... For this is precisely one of the objects for which ... may not be adored; for that were
idolatry to be ... which the manna, the rock, the brazen serpent, but eminently ...
/.../chapter xx questions about the.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... its evil effects in Judas and others, [672]243; the worst idolatry, [673]ib ... obscurely,
[702]94; virtue of, exceeded that of its type, the brazen serpent, [703]ib ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... There are two objects of spiritual mourning, sin and misery. ... They mourned for their
idolatry. ... The brazen laver (Exodus 30:18) that the people of Israel were to ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Why is idol worship such a powerful temptation? | GotQuestions.org

What is the true meaning of the second commandment? | GotQuestions.org

Who was John Knox? | GotQuestions.org

Idolatry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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