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The Bronze Serpent: Numbers 21
As the Israelites journeyed toward the promised land, they were going around the land of Edom. The people once again began to complain about food and water, saying that they loathed the “miserable food.” In response, the Lord sent “fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died” (Numbers 21:6).
The people confessed that they had sinned by speaking against the Lord, asking Moses to intercede for them so that God would remove the serpents. Moses did so. The Lord told him to make a fiery serpent and set it on a standard. Whoever was bitten could then look at it and live. So Moses made one of bronze and set it up.
This event teaches some important lessons. The people had once again lost sight of God’s provision and protection for them. When circumstances are not what we might desire, we cannot afford to lose focus upon God and what He has provided for us. Further, God will not tolerate such lack of gratitude. Sin brings punishment and consequences. But God is also merciful. He provided for them a way to avoid death.
Jesus referred to this incident and compared it to His own death on the cross (John 3:14-15). As the serpent was lifted up among the people, so Jesus was lifted up. And as the people had to look to the brass serpent to save their lives, so we must look to the lifted up Savior for our salvation. Through Jesus, God has provided life and all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
Discussion
1. Why were the people complaining this time? Again, what does complaining demonstrate?
2. What does the punishment of the serpents indicate about how thinks of such rebellion?
3. What role does Moses play in this incident?
4. How is God’s mercy shown?
5. Compare the lifting up of the serpent with the death of Jesus. How are they alike? Then compare how their lives were saved with how we are saved today.