Numbers Chapter 21 — The Bronze Serpent and Victories
After being judged with venomous snakes for their complaints, the Israelites are healed by looking at a bronze serpent and go on to defeat several powerful kings.
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Notable Verses
Numbers 21:7
“The people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.””
This verse illustrates the people's recognition of their sin and their reliance on Moses as an intercessor.
Numbers 21:9
“Moses made a serpent of bronze, and set it on the pole. If a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked at the serpent of bronze, he lived.”
This unique provision of healing through faith and obedience is a central event in Israel's wilderness journey.
Numbers 21:34
“The LORD said to Moses, “Don’t fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people, and his land.””
This command from God reassures Moses of divine support in the face of formidable enemies like King Og.
Chapter Summary
Numbers Chapter 21 chronicles a season of both judgment and triumph for Israel. The narrative begins with a victory over the Canaanite king of Arad. However, as the journey continues around Edom, the people grow discouraged and complain against God and Moses. In response, God sends venomous snakes among the people, leading to many deaths. Upon their repentance, God instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent and place it on a pole; anyone bitten who looks at it is healed. The Israelites then continue their journey, eventually requesting passage through the land of the Amorites. When King Sihon refuses and attacks, Israel defeats him and occupies his cities, including Heshbon. They then face Og, the king of Bashan, whom they also defeat at God's command. These victories secure the territory east of the Jordan River for the Israelites, marking a significant step in their progress toward the Promised Land.
Frequently Asked Questions
God sent venomous snakes as a judgment because the Israelites spoke against Him and Moses. They were discouraged by the journey and complained about the lack of food and water, expressing contempt for the manna God provided.
Following the people's repentance, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Any person who had been bitten by a snake could look at the bronze serpent and they would be healed and live.
Mentioned in verse 14, this appears to be an ancient collection of poems or songs that celebrated the military victories of Israel and the power of God. It is one of several lost books referenced in the Old Testament.
Israel defeated the Canaanite king of Arad, Sihon the king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Bashan. These victories allowed Israel to take possession of the lands belonging to the Amorites and the region of Bashan.
Study Note
The citation of 'The Book of the Wars of the LORD' in verse 14 indicates that the author of Numbers utilized contemporary historical records to document Israel's military history.
Related Chapters
John Chapter 3
Jesus references the lifting of the bronze serpent as a foreshadowing of His own crucifixion.
Deuteronomy Chapter 2
Deuteronomy provides a parallel historical account of the defeat of King Sihon.
2 Kings Chapter 18
This chapter describes how the bronze serpent from Numbers 21 was later destroyed because it became an idol.
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