Nehushtan is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 18:4, referring to the bronze serpent that Moses made in the wilderness. The name "Nehushtan" is derived from the Hebrew word "נְחֻשְׁתָּן," which is related to "נְחֹשֶׁת" (nechosheth), meaning "bronze" or "copper." The term is used in a derogatory sense to describe the object that had become an idol to the Israelites.

Biblical Background

The origin of the bronze serpent is found in the Book of Numbers. During the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, they spoke against God and Moses, leading to the Lord sending venomous snakes among them. Many Israelites were bitten and died. In response to the people's repentance, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and live (Numbers 21:4-9).

Idolatry and Destruction

Over time, the bronze serpent, which was initially a symbol of God's provision and healing, became an object of idolatrous worship. By the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah, the Israelites had begun to burn incense to it. In his efforts to purify the worship practices of Judah and restore proper worship of Yahweh, Hezekiah destroyed the bronze serpent. The Bible records, "He removed the high places, shattered the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He also broke into pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had burned incense to it. It was called Nehushtan" (2 Kings 18:4).

Theological Significance

The account of Nehushtan serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the human tendency to venerate objects rather than God Himself. The bronze serpent, originally a means of divine healing, became a stumbling block when it was revered as an idol. This incident underscores the importance of focusing worship solely on God and not on created things, no matter how significant their historical or religious value.

New Testament Reference

The bronze serpent is also referenced in the New Testament, where Jesus uses it as a typological symbol of His crucifixion. In John 3:14-15 , Jesus says, "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, the lifting up of the serpent is paralleled with the lifting up of Christ on the cross, emphasizing faith in Him as the source of eternal life.

Historical and Cultural Context

The practice of creating and venerating images was common in the ancient Near East, and the Israelites were often tempted to adopt these practices from surrounding cultures. The destruction of Nehushtan by Hezekiah was part of a broader reform movement aimed at eliminating syncretistic worship and returning to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. This reform was significant in the history of Judah, as it sought to align the nation's religious practices with the covenantal laws given to Moses.

Nehushtan, therefore, stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle against idolatry and the need for continual reformation in the worship of God.Nehush'tan (1 Occurrence)

2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, and broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah; and he broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made; for unto those days the children of Israel did offer to it; and it was called Nehushtan.
(See RSV)

Nehush'tan (1 Occurrence)
Nehush'tan. Nehushtan, Nehush'tan. Neiel . Multi-Version Concordance
Nehush'tan (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 18:4 He removed the high ...
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Nehushtan (1 Occurrence)

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Neiel (1 Occurrence)

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