Numbers 21

 

Those Who Looked at the Bronze Snake Lived (Numbers 21:1-20)

Numbers 21:9 (NIV): "So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived."

 

Numbers 21 covers the journey of the Israelites from Kadesh Barnea to the east side of the Jordan, including their victory in three wars and

the singing of two songs. Today's passage first begins with an attack from the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negeb,

the wilderness region south of Canaan. The first generation of the Exodus had been defeated, but this time, God allowed them to utterly

destroy them and named the place "Hormah," a Hebrew word meaning "complete destruction." Ironically, however, their victory in that first battle

did not guarantee an an easy path. 

 

1. Israel's Disheartened State While Bypassing the Land of Edom and Moab

1) Israel had experienced the omnipotent God who gave them victory in the first war.

2) However, like the first generation, they raised their voices in grumbling and complaint in the face of difficulties.

3) Eventually, as in verse 5, they grumbled against God and Moses.

4) Those who were dying from the venomous snakes were made to live if they looked at the bronze snake.

 

2. All Who Looked at the Bronze Snake Lived

1) In Hebrews 3:1 and 12:2, it is also said that we who believe should fix our attention on the Lord Jesus.

2) The Israelites' journey, disciplined through the fiery serpents and the bronze serpent, was difficult but they overcame it well.

3) And in the first half of verses 17-18, the first song of Israel is introduced.

4) The second generation of the Exodus defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, with the sword.

 

3. Israel Conquers the East Side of the Jordan

1) After their first victory at Hormah, they fought their third war.

2) In the east of the Jordan, Israel met a powerful enemy, Og, king of Bashan.

3) God enabled them to conquer even the land of Bashan.

4) Consequently, the second generation of the Exodus, Israel, was on the verge of conquering Canaan.

 

Conclusion: Israel's Victory After the Experience with the Bronze Snake

1) God's purpose in making the second generation of the Exodus detour through a long and arduous path.

2) Job, who looked up to God alone in suffering, left behind the Book of Job.

3) Apostle John, who proclaimed John 1:1 and 1:14, also confessed 1 John 1:1.

4) The bronze snake that Moses made and hung on a pole was solely the power of God's Word.

 

The lifting up of the bronze snake symbolizes being lifted onto an execution stake, that is, the death of the serpent.

Therefore, it means that God conquered Satan, the power of sin and curse. He is the one who rules over the power of evil and,

through it, delivers His people. Therefore, the spiritual meaning of looking at the bronze snake hung on a pole is to believe that

God has the power to save His people from the power of sin and death. It prefigures the redemptive work of Christ,

who would one day bear the curse of sin on the cross.

Even if the reality you face is difficult and challenging, do not complain or be discouraged, but hold firmly to today's Word that tells you

to look up at the bronze snake. And so, live as witnesses of Christ, singing the song that the second generation of the Exodus sang

in today's passage. I pray in the name of the Lord that you will grasp God's promise of ultimate victory

and live this day with complete faith fully directed toward the Lord.