Topical Bible: Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Zalmonah: Fiery Serpents Sent

Bible > Topical > Journey of Israel Through The Desert

◄ Journey of Israel Through The Desert: To Zalmonah: Fiery Serpents Sent ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The journey of the Israelites through the desert is a significant narrative in the biblical account of their exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. One of the notable events during this journey is the episode involving fiery serpents, which occurred as the Israelites traveled to Zalmonah.

Context and Background

The Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, were led by Moses through the wilderness toward Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers. This journey, however, was marked by numerous challenges and instances of disobedience and rebellion against God. The episode of the fiery serpents is recorded in the Book of Numbers, chapter 21.

The Incident of the Fiery Serpents

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, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of food and water, and loathing the manna provided by God. In response to their complaints, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died.

Numbers 21:6 states, "So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died." This severe judgment served as a direct consequence of their rebellion and ingratitude.

The People's Repentance and God's Provision

Realizing their sin, the Israelites came to Moses and confessed, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the snakes 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. Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and live. Numbers 21:9 records, "So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. Whenever a snake bit someone, he looked at the bronze snake and lived."

Theological Significance

This event is rich in theological symbolism and foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole is seen as a type of Christ, who would be lifted up on the cross for the salvation of humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to this incident in John 3:14-15 , 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."

Zalmonah and the Journey Continues

Following the incident with the fiery serpents, the Israelites continued their journey and camped at Zalmonah, as recorded in Numbers 33:41-42. This location is part of the detailed itinerary of the Israelites' travels through the wilderness, highlighting the various stages of their journey and the lessons learned along the way.

The episode of the fiery serpents serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the mercy of God in providing a means of salvation. It underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the life of God's people as they journey toward His promises.