Topical Bible: Intercession: Answered: That the Plague of the Fiery Serpents Would Stop

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The biblical account of intercession leading to the cessation of the plague of fiery serpents is found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 21. This narrative highlights the power of intercessory prayer and God's merciful response to the pleas of His people.

Context and Background

The Israelites, during their wilderness journey after the exodus from Egypt, frequently faced trials and challenges that tested their faith and obedience to God. In Numbers 21:4-9, the Israelites became impatient and spoke against God and Moses, lamenting their circumstances and the lack of food and water. In response to their rebellion, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died.

The Role of Intercession

Recognizing their sin, the Israelites approached Moses and confessed, "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). This plea for intercession underscores the Israelites' acknowledgment of their wrongdoing and their belief in Moses' role as a mediator between them and God.

Moses, acting as an intercessor, prayed to the Lord on behalf of the people. His intercession was a pivotal moment, demonstrating the importance of a righteous mediator who stands in the gap for those in need of divine mercy.

God's Response

In response to Moses' intercession, the Lord provided a means of deliverance. He 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 bronze serpent, setting it on a pole. Those who were bitten and looked upon the bronze serpent were healed and lived.

Theological Significance

This event is rich with theological implications. It illustrates the seriousness of sin and the consequences of rebellion against God. However, it also highlights God's readiness to forgive and restore those who repent and seek His mercy through intercession. The bronze serpent, lifted up for the healing of the people, is later referenced by Jesus in the New Testament as a foreshadowing of His own crucifixion (John 3:14-15), symbolizing salvation and eternal life for all who believe.

Conclusion

The account of the fiery serpents and the subsequent intercession by Moses serves as a powerful testament to the efficacy of intercessory prayer and God's compassionate response to His people's repentance. It underscores the role of a mediator and points to the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, who provides salvation and healing to all who look to Him in faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 21:4-9
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

False Profession.
... house, among the whole, with his plague-sores running ... What art thou?" The man answered,
"I am ... man Christ, and his blood, righteousness, intercession, etc., and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

The Doctrine
... Objections answered for their comfort who would have ... and spotless before God,
notwithstanding this fiery law"thou ... And secondly, He would be unfaithful to His ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... Design,' exposed the sophistry, and scripturally answered the gross ... which if you
should, you would in consequence ... saved by his life,' or intercession (Romans 5 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... together, and he sighed as if he would break his ... The man answered, I am what I was
not ... fearful threatenings of certain judgment and fiery indignation, which ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... count they have no need of the intercession of Christ ... unto Adam to see what he would
call them ... he will he calleth the world, "ungodly," "serpents," "vipers," and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm