Topical Bible: Serpent: Fiery (Poisonous), Sent As a Plague Upon the Israelites

◄ Serpent: Fiery (Poisonous), Sent As a Plague Upon the Israelites ►

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The account of the fiery serpents sent as a plague upon the Israelites is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. This episode serves as a profound lesson on the consequences of disobedience and the power of faith and repentance.

Biblical Account

The narrative 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 became impatient and spoke against God and Moses. They lamented their situation, questioning why they were brought out of Egypt to die in the wilderness, expressing disdain for the lack of food and water, and loathing the manna provided by God.

In response to their complaints and lack of faith, the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people. These serpents bit the Israelites, and many died as a result. The term "fiery" likely refers to the burning sensation caused by the venomous bites, as well as the serpents' appearance.

Repentance and Deliverance

Realizing 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 serpents away from us" (Numbers 21:7). Moses prayed for the people, and God provided a means of deliverance.

The LORD instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. "Everyone who is bitten must look at it and live" (Numbers 21:8). Moses obeyed, crafting a bronze serpent and mounting it on a pole. Those who were bitten and looked upon the bronze serpent were healed and lived.

Theological Significance

This event underscores several key theological themes:

1. Judgment and Mercy: The fiery serpents were a direct judgment from God due to the Israelites' rebellion and ingratitude. However, God's provision of a remedy through the bronze serpent highlights His mercy and willingness to forgive those who repent.

2. Faith and Obedience: The act of looking at the bronze serpent required faith and obedience. It was not the bronze serpent itself that healed, but the Israelites' trust in God's promise and their obedience to His command.

3. Typology of Christ: In the New Testament, Jesus refers to this event in John 3:14-15, drawing a parallel between 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" . The bronze serpent serves as a type of Christ, symbolizing salvation through faith in His redemptive work on the cross.

Conclusion

The account of the fiery serpents is a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin, the necessity of repentance, and the grace of God in providing salvation. It calls believers to trust in God's provision and to look to Christ, the ultimate source of healing and life.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 21:6,7
And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
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Deuteronomy 8:15
Who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint;
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1 Corinthians 10:9
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
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Library

The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith.
... Fiery serpents came among them and many were poisoned and ... of brass and being healed
of a serpent's bite? ... than that a man bitten of poisonous serpents should be ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/iv the saviour lifted up.htm