Introduction:
In the Bible, snakes, particularly venomous ones, are often symbolic of danger, deceit, and evil. They are mentioned in various contexts, from literal encounters to metaphorical representations of sin and temptation. The presence of poison-snakes in Scripture serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of the world and the need for vigilance and faith in God's protection.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 3:1-15: The serpent in the Garden of Eden is the first and most infamous snake in the Bible. While not explicitly described as venomous, its role in the deception of Eve introduces the association of snakes with cunning and evil. The serpent's curse in Genesis 3:14-15 foreshadows the ongoing enmity between humanity and snakes, as well as the ultimate victory of the Messiah over evil: "He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel" .

2. Numbers 21:4-9: During the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, they encountered "fiery serpents" sent by God as a punishment for their complaints and lack of faith. These serpents bit the people, causing many deaths. In response to Moses' intercession, God instructed him to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Those who looked upon it were healed, prefiguring the redemptive work of Christ (John 3:14-15).

3. Deuteronomy 8:15: In recounting the Israelites' journey, Moses reminds them of God's protection in the wilderness, a land filled with "fiery serpents and scorpions." This reference highlights the dangers faced by the Israelites and God's provision and deliverance.

4. Psalm 58:4-5: The psalmist uses the imagery of venomous snakes to describe the wicked: "Their venom is like the poison of a serpent, like a cobra that shuts its ears" . This metaphor emphasizes the destructive nature of evil and the stubbornness of those who refuse to heed wisdom.

5. Isaiah 11:8: In a prophetic vision of the Messianic age, Isaiah describes a time of peace and harmony where "the infant will play by the cobra’s den, and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest" . This imagery signifies the restoration of creation and the removal of enmity and danger.

6. Mark 16:18: In the Great Commission, Jesus mentions that His followers "will pick up snakes with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them" . This promise of protection underscores the power of faith and the divine safeguarding of believers as they carry out their mission.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Deception and Sin: Snakes are often associated with deceit, as seen in the Genesis account. This symbolism extends to the broader theme of sin and its consequences.

· Judgment and Redemption: The fiery serpents in Numbers serve as instruments of divine judgment, yet the bronze serpent becomes a symbol of healing and redemption, pointing to Christ's sacrifice.

· Protection and Deliverance: Throughout Scripture, God's protection from venomous snakes illustrates His care for His people, even in the face of physical and spiritual dangers.

· Eschatological Peace: Prophecies like Isaiah 11:8 envision a future where the natural order is restored, and the threat of venomous creatures is nullified, reflecting the ultimate reconciliation of creation.

Conclusion:
The biblical portrayal of poison-snakes encompasses both literal and symbolic elements, serving as a powerful reminder of the reality of evil and the hope of redemption through faith in God.Poison-snakes (3 Occurrences)

Numbers 21:6
Then the Lord sent poison-snakes among the people; and their bites were a cause of death to numbers of the people of Israel.
(BBE)

Deuteronomy 8:15
Who was your guide through that great and cruel waste, where there were poison-snakes and scorpions and a dry land without water; who made water come out of the hard rock for you;
(BBE)

Jeremiah 8:17
See, I will send snakes and poison-snakes among you, against which the wonder-worker has no power; and they will give you wounds which may not be made well, says the Lord.
(BBE)

Poison-snakes (3 Occurrences)
Poison-snakes. Poison-snake, Poison-snakes. Pokereth-hazzebaim .
Multi-Version Concordance Poison-snakes (3 Occurrences). ...
/p/poison-snakes.htm - 7k

Snakes (25 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Numbers 21:6 Then the Lord sent poison-snakes among the people; and their
bites were a cause of death to numbers of the people of Israel. (BBE NIV). ...
/s/snakes.htm - 13k

Wonder-worker (9 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 8:17 See, I will send snakes and poison-snakes among you, against which
the wonder-worker has no power; and they will give you wounds which may not be ...
/w/wonder-worker.htm - 9k

Pokereth-hazzebaim (2 Occurrences)
Pokereth-hazzebaim. Poison-snakes, Pokereth-hazzebaim. Pole . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See NIV). Poison-snakes, Pokereth-hazzebaim. Pole . Reference
/p/pokereth-hazzebaim.htm - 6k

Poison-snake (4 Occurrences)
Poison-snake. Poisons, Poison-snake. Poison-snakes . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Poisons, Poison-snake. Poison-snakes . Reference Bible.
/p/poison-snake.htm - 7k

Bites (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Numbers 21:6 Then the Lord sent poison-snakes among the people;
and their bites were a cause of death to numbers of the people of Israel. ...
/b/bites.htm - 7k

Bite (13 Occurrences)
... Numbers 21:6 Then the Lord sent poison-snakes among the people; and their bites
were a cause of death to numbers of the people of Israel. (Root in BBE YLT). ...
/b/bite.htm - 12k

Wounds (57 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 8:17 See, I will send snakes and poison-snakes among you, against which
the wonder-worker has no power; and they will give you wounds which may not be ...
/w/wounds.htm - 22k

Guide (89 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 8:15 Who was your guide through that great and cruel waste, where there
were poison-snakes and scorpions and a dry land without water; who made ...
/g/guide.htm - 37k

Dry (217 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 8:15 Who was your guide through that great and cruel waste, where there
were poison-snakes and scorpions and a dry land without water; who made ...
/d/dry.htm - 37k

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