Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "bitten" is most notably associated with the account of the fiery serpents in the wilderness during the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Numbers and serves as a significant moment of divine judgment and subsequent redemption.Biblical Account: The primary reference to being "bitten" occurs in Numbers 21:4-9. The Israelites, growing impatient and speaking against God and Moses, complained about their hardships and the lack of food and water. In response to their rebellion, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and many were bitten and died. The people then came to Moses, acknowledging their sin and asking for deliverance from the serpents. Moses prayed for the people, and God instructed him to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and live. This account is captured in the Berean Standard Bible as follows: "Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died. The people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD to take the snakes away from us.' So Moses interceded for the people. Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will live.' So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. Whenever a snake bit someone, he looked at the bronze snake and lived." (Numbers 21:6-9) Theological Significance: The incident of the fiery serpents and the bronze serpent holds deep theological significance. It illustrates the consequences of sin and the necessity of repentance and faith for salvation. The serpents represent the judgment of God upon a rebellious people, while the bronze serpent symbolizes God's provision for healing and life. This event foreshadows the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, as referenced in the New Testament. In John 3:14-15, Jesus draws a parallel between the bronze serpent and His own crucifixion: "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life." Here, Jesus indicates that just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, so too are believers granted eternal life by looking to Him in faith. Symbolism and Typology: The act of being bitten by the serpents serves as a typological representation of the sting of sin and death. The bronze serpent, lifted up for all to see, becomes a symbol of Christ's atoning sacrifice. The lifting up of the serpent on a pole prefigures the crucifixion, where Christ was lifted up on the cross to provide salvation for all who would believe in Him. Moral and Spiritual Lessons: The narrative of the fiery serpents teaches several moral and spiritual lessons. It underscores the seriousness of sin and the importance of obedience to God. It also highlights God's mercy and grace, as He provides a means of salvation even in the midst of judgment. The Israelites' experience serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the power of intercessory prayer. In summary, the concept of being "bitten" in the biblical narrative is a powerful illustration of the human condition, divine judgment, and the hope of redemption through faith. The account of the fiery serpents and the bronze serpent continues to resonate as a profound testament to God's justice and mercy. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (p. p.) of Bite.2. (p. p) of Bite. 3. (a.) Terminating abruptly, as if bitten off; premorse. Strong's Hebrew 7457. raeb -- hungry... hunger bitten, hungry. From ra'eb; hungry (more or less intensely) -- hunger bitten, hungry. see HEBREW ra'eb. 7456, 7457. raeb. 7458 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/7457.htm - 6k 5391a. nashak -- to bite Library Nun Bitten Wir Den Heiligen Geist. Now Pray we all God, the ... Whether Limbo is the Same as the Hell of the Damned? The Poison and the Antidote Why they Call Themselves Perat??; their Theory of Generation ... Luther's Small Catechism. AD 1529. Psalm LXXIV. The Beatific vision. (Continued. ) In what Sense He who Hangs on a Tree is Cursed. The Saviour Lifted Up, and the Look of Faith. The Gaze of the Soul Thesaurus Bitten (6 Occurrences)... 1. (pp) of Bite. 2. (p. p) of Bite. 3. (a.) Terminating abruptly, as if bitten off; premorse. Multi-Version Concordance Bitten (6 Occurrences). ... /b/bitten.htm - 8k Ensign (21 Occurrences) Pole (21 Occurrences) Cockatrice (3 Occurrences) Standard (42 Occurrences) Bit (46 Occurrences) Hunger-bitten (1 Occurrence) Looks (76 Occurrences) Leans (7 Occurrences) Leant (7 Occurrences) Resources What was Nehushtan? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about snake handling? Should we be handling snakes in church? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.org Bitten: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bitten (6 Occurrences)Numbers 21:8 Numbers 21:9 Ecclesiastes 10:8 Jeremiah 8:17 Amos 5:19 Amos 9:3 Subtopics Related Terms |