The Poison of Nehushtan

In the previous post, we learned that the Israelites rebelled against God once again because they felt they were going back into the wilderness rather than toward their Promised Land. Because of their rebellion, God sent poisonous snakes among them. It is likely this was somewhat symbolic of the winged serpent god Wadjet that many Egyptians worshipped.

In Egypt, the snake (asp or cobra) was considered a protector of Pharaoh and was often depicted with wings. It is interesting that God was demonstrating to the Israelites that wanting to go back to Egypt is what is deadly to them. Their only hope was to trust in God (their new way, their deliverance) – not Egypt (their old way, their slavery).

But are we not the same? We desire our sin, the thing that enslaves us.

God is making a symbolic statement here. Going back to Egypt, or their old ways, is death. Going forward with God is life.

There is other symbolism here as well. In the Hebrew text, it states that God sent fiery (seraph) serpents. In Hebrew, the word “seraph” means “burning.” This could mean the snakes were very poisonous and their bite extremely painful. Or it could mean they were copper in color. Or it could reference what were known as “flying” serpents as the word seraph is also used for certain angels near God’s throne who have six wings (Is 6:2). Some believe the hood of the cobra could be what is representative of wings in this reference.

There are two types of snakes that may fit the Biblical description of these snakes which would live in this area. One is the Painted Carpet Viper. Its venom is both cytotoxic (meaning it causes tissue necrosis) and hemotoxic (meaning it interferes with the body’s ability to clot). Therefore, it causes a slow painful death, if untreated. It comes in various colors, but can be in an off-red, copper-like, color. The other is the Arabian Cobra. Its venom is neurotoxic which will cause paralysis and death. It also has a hood like other cobras and could be the reason for saying it has “wings.”

Another analogy can also be drawn here: Seraph angels are near God’s throne and have been described as protectors and purifiers. Therefore, this could also be symbolic of God’s name and character being defended.

The making of such an object took time. We’ll explore that aspect next time.

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Visit Books & Words to Inspire by Randy C. Dockens