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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Israelites Cured by Looking at One of Brass</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--israelites_cured_by_looking_at_one_of_brass.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/numbers/21-8.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/serpents.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Serpents</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--many_kinds_of_poisonous.htm" title="Serpents: Many Kinds of Poisonous">◄</a> Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Israelites Cured by Looking at One of Brass <a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--moses'_rod_turned_into.htm" title="Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Moses' Rod Turned Into">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#ttt" title="Torrey's Topical Index">Torrey's</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the biblical narrative, serpents are often depicted as symbols of sin, temptation, and judgment. However, they also play a role in one of the miraculous events recorded in the Old Testament, where a serpent becomes a symbol of healing and divine intervention. This event is found in the Book of Numbers and involves the Israelites during their wilderness journey.<br><br><b>Context and Background</b><br><br>The Israelites, having been delivered from slavery in Egypt, were journeying through the wilderness under the leadership of Moses. Despite witnessing numerous miracles, the people frequently complained and rebelled against God and Moses. In <a href="/bsb/numbers/21.htm">Numbers 21</a>, the Israelites spoke against God and Moses, lamenting their hardships and expressing dissatisfaction with the manna provided to them.<br><br><b>The Plague of Serpents</b><br><br>In response to their complaints and lack of faith, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people. These serpents bit the Israelites, causing many to die. The presence of the serpents served as a divine judgment for their rebellion and ingratitude. Recognizing their sin, the people came to Moses, confessing, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the serpents away from us" (<a href="/numbers/21-7.htm">Numbers 21:7</a>).<br><br><b>The Bronze Serpent</b><br><br>Moses interceded for the people, and God provided a means of deliverance. The Lord instructed Moses, "Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live" (<a href="/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8</a>). Moses obeyed and made a serpent of bronze, setting it upon a pole. Those who were bitten and looked upon the bronze serpent were miraculously healed and lived.<br><br><b>Symbolism and Significance</b><br><br>The bronze serpent on the pole is rich in symbolism and foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to this event, 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" (<a href="/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14-15</a>). The lifting up of the bronze serpent prefigures the crucifixion of Christ, where He was lifted up on the cross to provide salvation and healing from the curse of sin.<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, the incident of the bronze serpent underscores several key themes:<br><br>1. <b>Judgment and Mercy</b>: The fiery serpents represent God's judgment on sin, while the provision of the bronze serpent illustrates His mercy and willingness to forgive and heal those who repent.<br><br>2. <b>Faith and Obedience</b>: The healing came not through any inherent power in the bronze serpent but through the Israelites' faith and obedience in looking upon it as God commanded. This act of faith is a precursor to the faith required for salvation through Christ.<br><br>3. <b>Christological Foreshadowing</b>: The bronze serpent serves as a type of Christ, highlighting the necessity of looking to Him in faith for spiritual healing and eternal life.<br><br>The account of the bronze serpent remains a powerful testament to God's provision and the transformative power of faith, serving as a reminder of the ultimate healing and redemption found in Jesus Christ.<a name="ttt" id="ttt"></a><div class="vheading2">Torrey's Topical Textbook</div><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/numbers/21-8.htm">Numbers 21:8,9</a></span><br>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.<br><span class="source">Torrey's Topical Textbook</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/context/john/3-14.htm">John 3:14,15</a></span><br>And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:<br><span class="source">Torrey's Topical Textbook</span><p><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/the_pilgrims_progress.htm"><span class="l">The Pilgrim's Progress</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and day; That they have trod on <b>serpents</b>, fought with <b>...</b> your mercies come, by receiving<br> them with <b>looking</b> up. <b>...</b> with <b>one</b> Linger-after-lust, and with <b>one</b> Sleepy-head <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-serpent.html">Was Satan the serpent in Genesis chapter 3? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-chain-letters.html">How should a Christian respond to chain letters? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/ultimate-reconciliation.html">What is ultimate reconciliation? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/serpents.htm">Serpents</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents_were_often_enchanted_or_fascinated.htm">Serpents were often Enchanted or Fascinated</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--(poisonous_bite_of)_baneful_effects_of_wine.htm">Serpents: (Poisonous Bite of) Baneful Effects of Wine</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--(sharp_tongue_of)_malice_of_the_wicked.htm">Serpents: (Sharp Tongue of) Malice of the Wicked</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--all_kinds_of,_can_be_tamed.htm">Serpents: All Kinds of, Can be Tamed</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--called_crooked.htm">Serpents: Called Crooked</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--characterised_as_subtle.htm">Serpents: Characterised As Subtle</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--created_by_god.htm">Serpents: Created by God</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--cursed_above_all_creatures.htm">Serpents: Cursed Above all Creatures</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--dangerous_to_travellers.htm">Serpents: Dangerous to Travellers</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--doomed_to_creep_on_their_belly.htm">Serpents: Doomed to Creep on Their Belly</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--doomed_to_eat_their_food_mingled_with_dust.htm">Serpents: Doomed to Eat Their Food Mingled With Dust</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--infest--deserts.htm">Serpents: Infest: Deserts</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--infest--hedges.htm">Serpents: Infest: Hedges</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--infest--holes_in_walls.htm">Serpents: Infest: Holes in Walls</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--man's_aversion_and_hatred_to.htm">Serpents: Man's Aversion and Hatred To</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--many_kinds_of_poisonous.htm">Serpents: Many Kinds of Poisonous</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--israelites_cured_by_looking_at_one_of_brass.htm">Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Israelites Cured by Looking at One of Brass</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--moses'_rod_turned_into.htm">Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Moses' Rod Turned Into</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--power_over,_given_to_the_disciples.htm">Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Power Over, Given to the Disciples</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_enemies_who_harass_and_destroy.htm">Serpents: of Enemies Who Harass and Destroy</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_hypocrites.htm">Serpents: of Hypocrites</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_the_devil.htm">Serpents: of the Devil</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--of_the_tribe_of_dan.htm">Serpents: of the Tribe of Dan</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--often_sent_as_a_punishment.htm">Serpents: Often Sent As a Punishment</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--produced_from_eggs.htm">Serpents: Produced from Eggs</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--unclean_and_unfit_for_food.htm">Serpents: Unclean and Unfit for Food</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/eve.htm">Eve (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/serpents.htm">Serpents (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/v/viper.htm">Viper (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/z/zoheleth.htm">Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/worship.htm">Worship (332 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/woodcutters.htm">Woodcutters (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/flying.htm">Flying (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/emerge.htm">Emerge (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/philistia.htm">Philistia (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/palestina.htm">Palestina (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birth.htm">Birth (357 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/basilisk.htm">Basilisk (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cockatrice.htm">Cockatrice (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adder.htm">Adder (9 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/seruch.htm">Seruch (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wolf.htm">Wolf (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fiery.htm">Fiery (47 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/straw.htm">Straw (21 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/head.htm">Head (4291 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/stone.htm">Stone (290 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/root.htm">Root (54 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/feed.htm">Feed (117 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bullock.htm">Bullock (95 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/serpent.htm">Serpent (40 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/lion.htm">Lion (92 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabeel.htm">Tabeel (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/mouth.htm">Mouth (534 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hurt.htm">Hurt (84 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/old.htm">Old (3966 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--many_kinds_of_poisonous.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Serpents: Many Kinds of Poisonous"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Serpents: Many Kinds of Poisonous" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/ttt/s/serpents--miracles_connected_with--moses'_rod_turned_into.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Serpents: Miracles Connected With: Moses' Rod Turned Into"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" 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