Book of Numbers - Chapter 21 - Verse 9

In this verse, God instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent and place it on a pole. The bronze serpent served as a symbol of healing and deliverance for the Israelites. This event took place during the time when the Israelites were wandering in the desert, and they were being plagued by poisonous snakes as a punishment for their disobedience to God. When someone was bitten by a serpent, they could look upon the bronze serpent and be healed. This act of faith in looking upon the serpent as a means of healing symbolized the people's repentance and trust in God's power to save them from harm.

This incident foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would later reference this event in the New Testament. Jesus compares himself to the bronze serpent, stating that just as the people looked upon the serpent and were saved, those who believe in him will have eternal life. This signifies Jesus as the ultimate source of healing and salvation for all who believe in him.

The story of the bronze serpent on the pole serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in God's plan for redemption. It also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the salvation of humanity, emphasizing the need for faith in him as the source of eternal life.

One theological interpretation of the verse where Moses made a serpent of brass and placed it on a pole is that it foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Just as the Israelites were to look upon the serpent to be healed from the venomous snake bites, so too are believers to look upon Jesus on the cross for their spiritual healing and salvation. The serpent, traditionally a symbol of evil and sin, represents the sins and sickness of humanity that Jesus bore on the cross. By looking to Him in faith, believers can receive forgiveness and eternal life. Additionally, the act of looking up at the serpent on the pole signifies the act of looking up to God for deliverance and healing. This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's provision and looking to Him for salvation in times of trouble.