Journal Through the Bible: Week 23 Saturday

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Numbers chapter 21

The most notable event of this chapter is the serpents that bit the people and the brazen serpent placed upon the pole as the antidote, but also recorded in this chapter is the first victories over one of the Canaanites. The first couple of battles were not ones that Israel were looking to fight but once they were challenged they did not run. They conquered through the power of the LORD.

Because of the refusal of Edom to allow the Children of Israel to pass through their borders on the King's Highway the people had to make a detour to circumvent that country. They were very discouraged and fell into their default mode of grumbling against Moses and God. Not only did they not like the extra travel but they were unhappy with the food supplies. Hence the serpents.


Does God issue any commands in this chapter?

• God told Moses to make a brass serpent and place it on a pole for all who had been bitten by the live fiery serpents to look upon and live.
• God told Moses to gather the people together at the wells near the border of Moab and he would give them water.

Does God make any promises in this chapter?

• God promised that all who had been bitten by a fiery serpent would live if they looked upon the brass serpent raised above them on a pole.
• God promised water at the springs near Moab.
• God promised victory over Og, king of Bashan.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• The brass serpent was a picture of Jesus. It was made in the likeness of the serpents that were killing the sinners just as Jesus took on the form of sinful man. In His meeting with Nicodemus Jesus told him that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so would the Son of Man (Jesus) be lifted up so that all who believe upon Him would not perish but have eternal life. Jesus knew what type of death He would die. (John 3:14-15)

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• Not specifically, but we are told in scripture that God is a warrior when His people are being abused by their enemies (Exodus 15:3) and that in the future all of God's enemies will be put under the subjection of Jesus. (Psalm 110) Jesus Himself will lead God's army. (Revelation 17:14; 19:11-21)