Nehushtan is the name given to the bronze serpent that Moses crafted and lifted up in the wilderness, as recorded in the Old Testament. This artifact holds significant theological and historical importance within the biblical narrative, symbolizing both divine judgment and healing.

Biblical Account

The story of the bronze serpent is found in the Book of Numbers. During the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, they spoke against God and Moses, leading to a divine judgment in the form of venomous snakes. Many Israelites were bitten and died. In response to the people's repentance and plea for deliverance, God instructed Moses to make a serpent and set it on a pole. Numbers 21:8-9 (BSB) states: "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 serpent and mounted it on a pole. Whenever someone was bitten and he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived."

Symbolism and Significance

The bronze serpent served as a tangible symbol of God's provision and mercy. It was a means of healing for those who demonstrated faith by looking upon it. The act of looking at the serpent was not merely a physical action but an expression of trust in God's promise of salvation.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ references the bronze serpent in His conversation with Nicodemus, drawing a parallel between the serpent and His own crucifixion. John 3:14-15 (BSB) states: "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 bronze serpent prefigures Christ's redemptive work on the cross, where faith in Him brings spiritual healing and eternal life.

Historical Context and Later Developments

The bronze serpent, known as Nehushtan, continued to exist as a religious artifact for centuries. However, over time, it became an object of idolatrous worship among the Israelites. This misuse led to its destruction during the reign of King Hezekiah, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:4 (BSB): "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."

Hezekiah's reform was a return to the worship of Yahweh alone, emphasizing the importance of focusing on God rather than the symbols He provides. The destruction of Nehushtan serves as a reminder of the dangers of idolatry and the need to maintain a pure and undivided devotion to God.

Conclusion

Nehushtan, the bronze serpent, is a profound symbol within the biblical narrative, representing both God's judgment and His provision of healing. Its story underscores the importance of faith and obedience, while also serving as a caution against idolatry. Through its connection to Christ's crucifixion, Nehushtan points to the ultimate source of spiritual healing and salvation found in Jesus Christ.2 Kings 18:4
He removed the high places, and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made: for to those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.
Nave's Topical Index

Why didn't Adam and Eve find it strange that a serpent was talking to them? | GotQuestions.org

Why is a bronze serpent used to save the Israelites in Numbers 21:8-9? | GotQuestions.org

What was Nehushtan? | GotQuestions.org

Nehushtan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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