The account of the healing by the brazen serpent is a significant event in the narrative of the Israelites' wilderness journey, illustrating God's provision and the necessity of faith. This miracle is recorded in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 21:4-9. It serves as a profound example of divine intervention through the leadership of Moses and Aaron, and it foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ.

Context and Background

The Israelites, having been delivered from Egyptian bondage, were journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the people frequently succumbed to complaints and rebellion against God and His appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron. In Numbers 21, the Israelites grew impatient and spoke against God and Moses, lamenting their lack of food and water and expressing disdain for the manna provided by God.

The Plague of Serpents

In response to their rebellion, the LORD sent venomous serpents among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died. This severe judgment led the people to acknowledge their sin and seek Moses' intercession. They pleaded with Moses to pray to the LORD to remove the serpents from them.

The Brazen Serpent

God instructed Moses to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. According to Numbers 21:8-9 , "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze serpent, he lived."

This directive required the Israelites to exercise faith; merely looking at the bronze serpent was the means of their healing. The act of looking symbolized trust in God's provision and obedience to His command.

Theological Significance

The miracle of the brazen serpent is rich in theological meaning. It underscores the themes of sin, judgment, repentance, and divine mercy. The Israelites' sin brought about judgment in the form of deadly serpents, yet God's provision of the bronze serpent offered a means of salvation. This event highlights the necessity of faith and obedience in receiving God's grace.

Furthermore, the brazen serpent is a typological foreshadowing of Christ's crucifixion. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself references this event in John 3:14-15 , stating, "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." Here, Jesus draws a parallel between the lifting up of the serpent and His own impending crucifixion, emphasizing that faith in Him brings spiritual healing and eternal life.

Conclusion

The healing by the brazen serpent is a testament to God's mercy and the power of faith. Through Moses' obedience and the people's response, this miracle not only provided physical healing but also pointed to the ultimate healing found in Christ.Numbers 21:8,9
And the LORD said to Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looks on it, shall live.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... That Christ's doctrine, life, actions, miracles, death, resurrection, ascension ... moral
law, that is, it is wrought by us ... and of its coming to us through the death ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... been laid against them], they have passed through the gate ... the world; and such tender
bowels in God towards them ... lift up his head against his servants, but his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

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