The Copper Serpent: Symbolism and Salvation in Numbers 21

Among the many intriguing narratives in the Old Testament, the story of the copper serpent stands out as a powerful symbol of salvation and a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. This peculiar incident, recorded in Numbers 21, offers rich theological insights and raises thought-provoking questions about faith, obedience, and divine healing.

The Biblical Account

And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. (Numbers 21:6-9, KJV)

The Context of Rebellion

The copper serpent incident occurs in the context of Israel's journey through the wilderness. The people, frustrated with their circumstances, speak against God and Moses, prompting divine judgment in the form of venomous snakes.

The Paradox of the Serpent

God's remedy for the snake bites presents a fascinating paradox. The very image of what caused harm becomes the source of healing. This divine instruction challenges our understanding of symbolism and healing.

Symbolism and Faith

The act of looking at the copper serpent required faith. It wasn't the serpent itself that healed, but the obedience to God's command and the faith exercised in doing so. This principle of faith-based healing foreshadows the Christian concept of salvation.

New Testament Connection

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:14-15, KJV)

Jesus Himself draws a parallel between the copper serpent and His crucifixion, elevating this Old Testament event to a prophetic symbol of His own redemptive work.

The Danger of Idolatry

Interestingly, the copper serpent later became an object of idolatrous worship and had to be destroyed by King Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:4). This serves as a cautionary tale about the human tendency to idolize symbols rather than worshipping the God they represent.

Theological Implications

Conclusion

The story of the copper serpent in Numbers 21 is far more than a peculiar historical account. It offers a profound exploration of faith, obedience, and divine healing, while also serving as a powerful typological precursor to the Christian understanding of salvation through Christ. This often-overlooked narrative deserves deeper consideration in biblical studies and theological discussions.