Numbers 21:1-9 This lovely serpentine cross sculpture at Mt. Nebo was created by Italian artist, Giovanni Fantoni. It is symbolic of the bronze serpent created by Moses in the wilderness and the cross upon which Jesus was crucified.

Examining the Text V.1, the Canaanite king of Arad fought against Israel and captured some of them. Vv.2-3, the place where Israel, with God’s obvious help, defeated the king of Arad was called “Hormah”- which means devoted to destruction. V.4, the people were required to go around Edom by way of the Red Sea and Mt. Hor.

Supposed location of Mt. Hor, Num.21:4 Approximate location of Hormah, Num.21:3

Examining the Text V.4, it was during this arduous journey that the people became impatient “because of the journey.” Vv.5-6, they then “spoke against God and Moses”. God subsequently sent “fiery serpents among the people…they bit the people, so that many of the people of Israel died.” (cf. 1Cor.10:9) V.7, the people then confessed their sin, and asked that the serpents be removed. Vv.8-9, God told Moses to make a fiery serpent, put it on a standard, and that whoever looked upon it would live. Moses did so, and it worked.

Lessons for Us V.4, The Importance of Faith and Patience. The arduous journey was meant to both spare Israel from the peril of the Edomites, and to test their faith. God often spares us from unforeseen dangers too- and it likewise tests our faith. cf. James 1:2-8 Vv.5-6, There is Eminent Danger in Blaming God. Remember that Israel would have already been in Canaan had it not been for their lack of faith and trust in God, cf. Num.13:27-33; 14: Note also that Israel not only blamed God, but also His appointed leader of them, Moses, 21:5. We too today sometimes want to reject God and His ways for our own, 2Thess.2:9-10, Heb.10: (see also Gal.4:16 > 6:1)

Lessons for Us V.7, The Duality of Confession. As they confessed sin against God and Moses, so too we may need to confess sin both to God and to our brethren: as taught by the prodigal son, Luke 15:18,21; and as in James 5:16 and 1John 1:8-10. Vv.7b-8, The difference between Man’s Request vs. God’s Response. Israel requested that “He may remove the serpents” (personal accountability / consequence) but God instead provided a cure for snakebites! His response required individual faith and obedience. We often want God to remove the temptation, or even the physical consequence of our sin(s), but instead He provides a cure in Jesus Christ, but such still requires faith and obedience on our part, Mark 16:15-16!

Lessons for Us V.9, Compare Israel’s Bronze Serpent with Our Great Physician.  Both were lifted up for all who would look to see, v.8 > John 8:28; 12:32-34  Both were here to alleviate the suffering and consequences (Rom.6:23) of sin, v.9 > Luke 19:10; Heb.9:22-26; Rom.6:3-7  Both required obedient, active faith, v.8b > Mark 16:15-16; Jas.2:  Both required the grace of God, for the obedient faith (action) of man did not equate in value to the result that was given by God, v.9b > Acts 15:11; Eph.2:1-9.  And both required actions which, to some at least, made, and make no sense whatsoever. What medicinal value is there to a bronze serpent on a stick? And what possible spiritual value is there to being immersed in water??? John 3:1-21

Conclusion Yes, there is a lot that can and should be learned from Israel and a Bronze Serpent, John 3:1-21 and 1Cor.10:1-13