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The Brazen Serpent, also known as the Bronze Serpent, is a significant symbol found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Numbers. It represents both judgment and salvation, serving as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work on the cross.

Biblical Account

The account of the Brazen Serpent is found inNumbers 21:4-9. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, they became impatient and spoke against God and Moses, lamenting their hardships and the lack of food and water. In response to their complaints and rebellion, the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many Israelites were bitten and died.

Recognizing their sin, the people came to Moses and confessed, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the snakes away from us" (Numbers 21:7). Moses prayed for the people, and God instructed him to make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole. "Then anyone who is bitten can look at it and live" (Numbers 21:8). Moses obeyed, crafting a serpent of bronze and mounting it on a pole. Those who were bitten and looked upon the bronze serpent were healed and lived.

Symbolism and Typology

The Brazen Serpent serves as a powerful symbol of both judgment and mercy. The serpents were a direct consequence of the Israelites' sin, representing God's judgment. However, the bronze serpent lifted on a pole provided a means of salvation, prefiguring the ultimate salvation through Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself references the Brazen Serpent inJohn 3:14-15: "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" . Here, Jesus draws a parallel between the lifting up of the serpent and His own crucifixion. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, so too are believers granted eternal life by looking to Christ in faith.

Historical and Theological Context

The Brazen Serpent was preserved by the Israelites and later became an object of idolatry. During the reign of King Hezekiah, it was destroyed because the people had begun to burn incense to it, calling it Nehushtan (2 Kings 18:4). This incident underscores the human tendency to venerate symbols rather than the divine reality they represent.

Theologically, the Brazen Serpent highlights the necessity of faith and obedience. The Israelites had to trust in God's provision and look upon the serpent to be healed. This act of faith is mirrored in the New Testament call to believe in Christ for salvation.

Conclusion

The Brazen Serpent remains a profound illustration of God's provision for sin and the necessity of faith. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of rebellion and the grace available through faith in God's redemptive plan.Brazen Serpent

BRAZEN SERPENT

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Brazen Serpent

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Brazen Serpent

An image in brass prepared by Moses, resembling the fiery serpents so destructive to Israel in the desert, and set up in the midst of the camp in the view of all, that whosoever would evince penitence, faith, and obedience by looking to it, might live,Numbers 21:6-9. Our Savior has shown us that this was typical of himself and of salvation through him-a gratuitous salvation, free to all, on the easy terms of faith and obedience,John 3:14,15. The brazen serpent was long preserved, as a memorial of the gracious miracle wrought in connection with it; but being regarded as an object of worship, it was broken to pieces by king Hezekiah, as Nehushtan-a mere piece of brass,2 Kings 18:4.

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