So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the peopleThis phrase indicates divine intervention as a response to the Israelites' complaints and lack of faith. The sending of venomous snakes, or "fiery serpents," is a direct act of God, demonstrating His sovereignty and justice. The term "fiery" may refer to the burning sensation of the bites or the appearance of the snakes. This event occurs during the Israelites' wilderness journey, a period marked by repeated instances of rebellion and divine discipline. The wilderness itself, likely the region of the Negev or the Arabah, was known for its harsh conditions and dangerous wildlife, including snakes. This incident is a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of sin. It also foreshadows the need for a savior, as the Israelites later seek deliverance from the consequences of their actions.
and many of the Israelites were bitten and died
The severity of the punishment is highlighted by the fact that many Israelites suffered and perished. This underscores the gravity of their sin and the holiness of God, who cannot tolerate rebellion. The death of many serves as a stark warning to the community about the cost of disobedience. This event is later referenced in the New Testament, specifically inJohn 3:14-15, where Jesus compares His crucifixion to the lifting up of the bronze serpent by Moses, providing a means of salvation for those who believe. The physical death caused by the snake bites symbolizes the spiritual death that results from sin, pointing to the need for redemption and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for humanity's salvation.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is both just and merciful. In this passage, He acts in response to the Israelites' rebellion.
2.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are journeying through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. They are often characterized by their complaints and lack of faith.
3.
Venomous Snakes (Seraphim)The Hebrew word used here is "seraphim," which can mean "fiery" or "burning," indicating the painful and deadly nature of the snake bites.
4.
The WildernessThe setting of the Israelites' journey, a place of testing and reliance on God.
5.
The Event of JudgmentThis event is a direct consequence of the Israelites' grumbling and lack of trust in God, leading to divine discipline.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of DisobedienceDisobedience and lack of faith in God can lead to severe consequences. The Israelites' grumbling led to a tangible and painful judgment.
God's Justice and MercyWhile God is just and disciplines His people, His actions are also a call to repentance and restoration. The subsequent verses show God's provision of a remedy.
The Importance of FaithThis passage foreshadows the necessity of faith for salvation, as later illustrated by Jesus' reference to the bronze serpent.
The Role of RepentanceThe Israelites' acknowledgment of their sin and plea for Moses' intercession is a model for repentance and seeking God's mercy.
Symbolism of the SerpentThe serpent, often a symbol of sin and judgment, becomes a symbol of healing when lifted up, pointing to Christ's redemptive work.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Numbers 21:6?
2.What does Numbers 21:6 reveal about God's response to Israel's disobedience?
3.How can we avoid provoking God's anger as seen in Numbers 21:6?
4.Compare Numbers 21:6 with Hebrews 12:6. What similarities do you find?
5.How does understanding God's discipline in Numbers 21:6 affect our daily walk?
6.What lessons from Numbers 21:6 can be applied to modern Christian communities?
7.Why did God send venomous snakes among the Israelites in Numbers 21:6?
8.How does Numbers 21:6 reflect God's justice and mercy?
9.What is the historical context of the snake incident in Numbers 21:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Numbers 21?
11.What is the story of the Bronze Serpent?
12.Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting Psalm 91:10 that faithful individuals experienced literal immunity from disasters?
13.What is the origin of the Ancient Serpent myth?
14.Numbers 21:8-9 – Why would God command Moses to create a bronze serpent, seemingly at odds with prohibitions against idol-making in Exodus 20?What Does Numbers 21:6 Mean
So the LORD sentGod Himself initiated this judgment.
• He is not a passive observer; His direct action echoes earlier judgments likeGenesis 19:24, where “the LORD rained down sulfur and fire.”
•Deuteronomy 32:39 reminds, “There is no god besides Me… I wound and I heal,” underscoring His sovereign right to discipline.
• This sending follows Israel’s grumbling inNumbers 21:4-5, showing that rebellion invites tangible consequences.
venomous snakesThe instrument of judgment fits the sin: serpents recall Eden’s serpent of deception (Genesis 3:1-5).
•Psalm 91:13 speaks of trampling “the cobra and serpent,” a promise of protection for the obedient—highlighting the contrast here.
• InRevelation 12:9, Satan is called “that ancient serpent,” tying physical serpents to a larger spiritual lesson about sin’s deadly bite.
among the peopleThe snakes invaded the camp itself, leaving no refuge.
•Numbers 14:45 records Amalekites infiltrating the camp after earlier rebellion; here, danger comes internally, not externally.
•1 Corinthians 10:9 warns New-Covenant believers, “We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes,” applying this incident as a cautionary tale for the church community.
and many of the IsraelitesJudgment was widespread, not isolated to a few.
•Romans 3:23, “all have sinned,” mirrors the corporate dimension of guilt.
•Joshua 7:1-5 shows national impact from Achan’s sin; similarly, communal rebellion here brings communal consequences.
were bitten and diedThe result was immediate, physical death—a sobering reminder that sin’s wages are real.
•Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death.”
• Yet God’s ensuing provision of the bronze serpent (Numbers 21:8-9) reveals His mercy foreshadowing Christ:John 3:14-15, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent… so the Son of Man must be lifted up.”
summaryNumbers 21:6 records a literal, divine judgment where God sends venomous snakes to discipline a grumbling Israel. The serpents symbolize sin’s lethal bite, their presence inside the camp shows rebellion’s pervasive reach, and the resulting deaths declare that sin always leads to death. Yet, even here, God is preparing hearts for the saving lift of Christ, proving that His justice and mercy move hand in hand throughout Scripture.
(6)
And the Lord sent fiery serpents . . . --Hebrew,
the serpents, the seraphim(
i.e.,the burning ones). (See
Deuteronomy 8:15;
Isaiah 14:29;
Isaiah 30:6.) The word appears to denote a particular kind of serpent, as in the following verse. Some think that they were so called because of the bright fiery red upon their heads; others because of the blazing sunbeams on their scales; and others because of their inflammatory and poisonous bite. Venomous snakes are said to abound still in the Arabah.
Verse 6. -
Fiery serpents,גְחָשִׁים שְׂרָפִים.
Nachash is the ordinary word for serpent. The word
saraph which seems to mean "burning one," stands (by itself) for a serpent in verse 8, and also in
Isaiah 14:29;
Isaiah 30:6. In
Isaiah 6:2, 6 it stands for one of the symbolic beings (seraphim) of the prophet's vision. The only idea common to the two meanings (otherwise so distinct) must be that of brilliance and metallic luster. It is commonly assumed that the "fiery" serpents were so called because of the burning pain and inflammation caused by the bite, after the analogy of the
πρηστῆρες and
καύσωνες of Dioscorus and AElian. But is hardly possible that Isaiah should have used the same word in such wholly dissimilar senses, and it is clear from comparison with Ezekiel's vision of the cherubim (
Ezekiel 1:7) that the
saraph of
Isaiah 6:2 was so called from the burnished luster of his appearance. Even our Lord himself is described in the Apocalypse as having in the highest degree this appearance of glowing brass (
Revelation 1:15;
Revelation 2:18). It is further clear that the
saraph was so named from his colour, not his venom, because when Moses was ordered to make a
saraph he made a serpent of brass (or rather copper), with the evident intent of imitating as closely as possible the appearance of the venomous reptile. We may conclude then with some confidence that these serpents were of a fiery red colour, resembling in this respect certain very deadly snakes in Australia, which are known as "copper snakes." Travelers speak of some such pests as still abounding in the region of the Arabah, but it is quite uncertain whether the fiery serpents of that special visitation can be identified with any existing species.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So the LORDיְהוָ֜ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsentוַיְשַׁלַּ֨ח(way·šal·laḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, outpoisonous snakesהַנְּחָשִׁ֣ים(han·nə·ḥā·šîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5175:A serpentamong the people,בָּעָ֗ם(bā·‘ām)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockand manyרָ֖ב(rāḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatof the Israelitesמִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(mî·yiś·rā·’êl)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descwere bittenוַֽיְנַשְּׁכ֖וּ(way·naš·šə·ḵū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5391:To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usuryand died.וַיָּ֥מָת(way·yā·māṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4191:To die, to kill
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OT Law: Numbers 21:6 Yahweh sent fiery serpents among the people (Nu Num.) 
