Topical Encyclopedia The plague of serpents upon the Israelites is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This event serves as a profound lesson on disobedience, divine judgment, and redemption.Biblical Account The incident occurs during the Israelites' wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. As they traveled from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom, the people grew impatient and spoke against God and Moses. They lamented their situation, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of food and water and their disdain for the manna provided by God (Numbers 21:4-5). In response to their complaints and rebellion, the LORD sent venomous serpents among the people. These serpents bit the Israelites, resulting in many deaths (Numbers 21:6). The presence of these serpents was a direct consequence of the people's sin, serving as a divine judgment for their lack of faith and ingratitude. Repentance and Redemption Realizing their sin, the Israelites approached 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). Moses, acting as an intercessor, prayed for the people. In response to Moses' prayer, the LORD provided a means of salvation. He instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and live (Numbers 21:8). Moses obeyed, crafting a bronze serpent and mounting it on a pole. Those who looked upon it were healed, demonstrating God's mercy and the power of faith (Numbers 21:9). Theological Significance The plague of serpents and the subsequent provision of the bronze serpent hold deep theological significance. This event underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of repentance. It also highlights God's willingness to provide a means of salvation, prefiguring the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to this event in His conversation with Nicodemus, drawing a parallel between the lifting up of the bronze serpent 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). This typology emphasizes the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation. Historical and Cultural Context The use of serpents as instruments of judgment is significant within the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Serpents were often associated with danger and death, making them a fitting symbol of divine judgment. The transformation of this symbol into one of healing and salvation through the bronze serpent illustrates God's power to redeem and transform. Lessons for Believers For believers, the account of the plague of serpents serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of faith and repentance. It also points to the hope and redemption found in Christ, encouraging believers to look to Him for salvation and healing. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 21:6And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Nave's Topical Index Library The Brazen Serpent. On the Holy Ghost and his Descent Upon the Apostles The Plagues of Egypt Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices. The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith. A Stanza of Deliverance The Gateway into the Kingdom. Of the Three Woe Trumpets. Egypt A Description of Heart-Purity Resources What is the meaning of pestilence in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the seven bowls/vials of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Plague: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Plague of Boils and Open Sores Plague: As a Judgment on the Egyptians Plague: Death of the Firstborn Plague: Denounced As a Judgment Plague: On the Israelites for the Sin of Peor Plague: On the Israelites of Serpents Plague: On the Israelites: After Complaining About the Destruction of Korah and his Family Plague: On the Israelites: After Eating the Quail Meat Plague: On the Israelites: After Refusing to Enter the Promised Land Plague: On the Israelites: On Account of David's Sin The Plague or Pestilence was Attributed to a Destroying Angel The Plague or Pestilence: Described As Noisome The Plague or Pestilence: Desolating Effects of The Plague or Pestilence: Egypt often Afflicted With The Plague or Pestilence: Equally Fatal Day and Night The Plague or Pestilence: Fatal to Man and Beast The Plague or Pestilence: God's Judgments Upon the Apostasy The Plague or Pestilence: Inflicted by God The Plague or Pestilence: Israel Threatened With, As a Punishment for Disobedience The Plague or Pestilence: Often Broke out Suddenly The Plague or Pestilence: Often Followed War and Famine The Plague or Pestilence: One of God's Four Sore Judgments The Plague or Pestilence: Predicted to Happen Before Destruction of Jerusalem The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: David's Subjects for his Numbering the People The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Despising Manna The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Making Golden Calf The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Murmuring at Destruction of Korah The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: Israel for Worshipping Baal-Peor The Plague or Pestilence: Sent Upon: The Egyptians The Plague or Pestilence: Specially Fatal in Cities The Plague or Pestilence: The Diseased State of Man's Heart The Plague or Pestilence: The Jews Sought Deliverance From, by Prayer Related Terms |