The bronze snake

The Israelites would have to live in the desert for many years—until all those who had complained and grumbled against the Lord had died. Only their children would be allowed to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 14:31–32).

Yet even while they were traveling from Mount Hor to the area of Edom, the people began complaining again. So God sent poisonous snakes among them, and many Israelites were bitten and died.

The people realized they had sinned against the Lord and asked Moses to pray for them. Then God said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it on a pole. Anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.”

So Moses made a bronze snake and lifted it up on a pole. All those who obeyed God and looked at the snake were healed.

Why did God send snakes?

Are you afraid of snakes? Imagine crawling into your tent on a dark night and touching something soft and slithery.

Snakes, like other dangerous animals, are part of God’s creation. Before Adam and Eve sinned, there was no danger and no death. Eve was not even afraid of a snake! Sin changed that. When Adam and Eve sinned, God cursed the snake and said, “I will make you and the woman hate each other. Her descendants will crush your head, and you will bite their heel” (Genesis 3:14–15). For the Israelites, the snake once again became a sign of death—the punishment for disobedience and rebellion.

Only Jesus could come and make everything right again—a world of safety and peace where children will one day play near snakes without fear (Isaiah 11:8).

Many years later, Jesus did come. He was lifted up on a cross to die and to bring healing to all who look to Him.

Verse for today

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15

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