In this episode, we cover Numbers 21. Chapter 21 is a turning point in the wilderness wanderings for Israel. God’s perseverance with Israel begins to pay off and there is a glimmer of hope for God’s people.
HAYLEY’S BIBLE BENDER:
Originally, when I read this passage, I found it odd that God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and hold it up. I always found it odd as idolatry was always a concern with the Israelites because..ahem….gold calf statue issue all over again. I was grateful Susan explained the bender that she did between the venom and antivenom.
God using the detestable snake to be Israel’s plague. On top of that, snakes reminded them and us to the fall and our sin. The major takeaway from Susan’s explanation was this: “By forcing the Israelites to look at the bronze snake, it was like they had to look in the mirror and see the reflection of the rebellious serpent in themselves.”
She takes it even further by explaining that, “The bronze snake is also symbolic to Jesus. In John 3:14 it says, ‘Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.’ Jesus was saying that he was the ultimate antidote to the venom of death that results from sin. By looking up at Christ lifted on the cross, we see the horror of our sin nailed to the cross in Him and are saved. In Israel’s story to be saved from the venom, they had to look at the bronze snake. In our story to be saved from sin, we have to look at Jesus on the wooden cross.”
This explanation add a deeper layer to this passage than I have ever given it. I hope it does for you too!
What was your Bible bender? Did you learn anything new?
VERSES MENTIONED:
SHOW NOTES:
The Journey from Kadesh-Barnea to Plains of Moab
This article was written by Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club.
