Old Testament
Numbers 21:8
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The LORD told Moses, "Make a snake and mount it on a pole. Anyone who has been bitten can look at it and live."
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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.
What Numbers 21:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent and place it on a pole. This command comes after the Israelites faced deadly snake bites as a consequence of their complaints against God. The act of looking at the serpent symbolizes faith and obedience; those who were bitten could be healed simply by looking at it. This event foreshadows the New Testament, where Jesus refers to this incident, indicating that just as the serpent was lifted up, He too would be lifted up for the salvation of humanity. The bronze serpent represents God's provision for healing and the importance of faith in His promises. It teaches that even in dire situations, God provides a way for restoration and life, emphasizing the need for trust in His guidance and mercy.
How to apply Numbers 21:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to look to God for healing and hope in our struggles. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God's provision, we too must have faith in His ability to restore us, especially during difficult times. Trusting in God can lead to spiritual and emotional healing.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
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Illustrated scene from Moses's story: The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21:4–9)
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Moses
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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At a Glance — the Book of Numbers
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Numbers 21:8 mean?
Numbers 21:8 describes God's instruction to Moses to create a bronze serpent on a pole for the Israelites who were bitten by snakes. Looking at the serpent would heal them, symbolizing faith and obedience to God's command.
What is the significance of the serpent in Numbers 21:8?
The serpent in Numbers 21:8 represents God's provision for healing and serves as a symbol of faith. It illustrates that even in dire circumstances, God offers a way for restoration and life.
How does Numbers 21:8 relate to Jesus?
In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the bronze serpent in Numbers 21:8, indicating that just as the serpent was lifted up for healing, He would be lifted up for the salvation of humanity.
What lessons can we learn from Numbers 21:8?
Numbers 21:8 teaches the importance of trusting in God's guidance and provision, especially during difficult times. It emphasizes that faith can lead to healing and restoration.
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