Numbers Chapter 21
There are not too many people who like snakes, especially poisonous ones. I am one of them. I do not like snakes. Snakes have been associated with evil since the garden of Eden. While we do not know exactly what type of snakes these were that are mentioned in this chapter, we know that they were poisonous because many of the new generation of Israel died from the venomous fiery bites. God used an unusual punishment of snake bites to get the attention of a generation poised to rebel against Him and His leader Moses. God used an even more unusual means to bring about an answer to their prayers and He gave them complete miraculous healing.
Let's Reflect
1. It was not fun to have to travel so far out of the way to get to the promised land. Having to go around Edom added many hard and exhausting steps. With the lack of water and food it is easy to see why the people were upset and complained. But their complaining went much too far. What things did they say that brought the wrath of God upon them?
2. God was right there wanting to take care of them, they only needed to ask for His help. In what way had God helped them in just one situation recorded in verses 1-3?
3. Many sermons have been given that compare our Savior being lifted up on the cross to the bronze serpent Moses had constructed being lifted up on a pole. And rightly so. Both brought salvation to people who were condemned to die. What happened to the people when they were bitten by a fiery serpent but then looked up to the bronze serpent?
4. In the verses following the redemption story of the bronze serpent do you find the Israelites complaining again? What were they doing besides travelling toward the promised land?
5. There is a book mentioned in these verses that is not part of the Holy Scriptures because it was not inspired by God. There are other books mentioned in Scriptures that are also not included in the Bible. It does not mean that the Bible is incomplete it simply means that God did not want them to be a part of our Bible. What book is mentioned here?
6. You will notice many towns mentioned that the Israelites passed through. Some of them can be found on ancient maps and some cannot. Why do you think God included the names of these towns in the Bible?
7. What was the name of a king who would not let the Israelites pass through their land?
8. Starting in verse 21 through the end of the chapter we read about small victories of war that God is giving to Israel as they move closer to the promised land. God is preparing His people to go in and conquer the land. In verse 35 the people of Israel were rewarded for trusting God for their help. What was the reward?
