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FIERY SERPENT*
Bronze symbol of a snake made by Moses on God’s instruction to save the Israelites.
Deadly snakes were sent by God to punish the Israelites for their rebellious grumblings, many of whom died from the poisonous bites (Nm 21:4-9). Recognizing their sin, they cried out to God for deliverance, and he instructed Moses to make a fiery (bronze) serpent and set it on a pole. Healing was granted to those who gazed at the uplifted figure.
Jesus Christ referred to the bronze serpent incident as a symbol of the saving power of his crucifixion. A person who looks in faith to the uplifted Christ will receive deliverance from sin and have eternal life (Jn 3:14-15). The apostle Paul also drew upon the OT event as a warning to those who might arrogantly test God (1 Cor 10:9).
See also Bronze Serpent, Bronze Snake.