Topical Encyclopedia
The journey of the Israelites through the desert is a significant narrative in the Old Testament, chronicling their exodus from Egypt and their subsequent wanderings in the wilderness. One notable event during this journey is the raising of the brazen serpent at Zalmonah, a moment that holds deep theological and symbolic significance.
Context and BackgroundThe Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, embarked on a long and arduous journey to the Promised Land. This journey, led by Moses, was marked by numerous challenges, including scarcity of food and water, internal dissent, and external threats. The narrative of the brazen serpent occurs during the latter part of their wanderings, as recorded in the Book of Numbers.
The Incident at ZalmonahThe specific event of the brazen serpent is detailed in
Numbers 21:4-9. As the Israelites traveled 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. They lamented their condition, expressing disdain for the manna provided by God:
"Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this wretched food!" (
Numbers 21:5).
In response to their complaints and lack of faith, 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, asking him to intercede with the Lord to remove the serpents.
The Brazen SerpentGod 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:
"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, crafting a serpent of bronze and placing it upon a pole. Those who looked upon the brazen serpent were healed, demonstrating God's mercy and the power of faith and obedience.
Theological SignificanceThe raising of the brazen serpent is rich in theological meaning. It serves as a typology of Christ's crucifixion, as referenced by Jesus Himself in the New Testament:
"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 event underscores the themes of sin, judgment, repentance, and redemption. The Israelites' sin led to judgment in the form of serpents, but God's provision of the bronze serpent offered a means of salvation, prefiguring the ultimate salvation through Christ.
Symbolism and LegacyThe brazen serpent symbolizes both judgment and healing, a paradox that points to the cross where Christ bore the sins of humanity. The act of looking upon the serpent as an act of faith foreshadows the call to look upon Christ for spiritual healing and eternal life.
Throughout history, the image of the brazen serpent has been a powerful symbol in Christian art and theology, representing the transformative power of faith and the grace of God in providing a means of salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Numbers 21:7-9Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against you; pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
Who was Ishmael in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Negev in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hagar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDesert: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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