Numbers 21:7

Numbers 21:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people.

King James Version KJV

¶ Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

American Standard Version ASV

And the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Jehovah, and against thee; pray unto Jehovah, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the people came to Moses and said, We have done wrong in crying out against the Lord and against you: make prayer to the Lord to take away the snakes from us. So Moses made prayer for the people.

Free Bible Version FBV

The people went to see Moses and told him, “We were wrong to make complaints against the Lord and against you. Please pray to the Lord to get rid of the snakes from us.” Moses prayed to the Lord on their behalf.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore the people came to Moses and said, We haue sinned: for wee haue spoken against the Lord, and against thee: pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from vs: and Moses prayed for the people.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the people come in unto Moses and say, 'We have sinned, for we have spoken against Jehovah, and against thee; pray unto Jehovah, and He doth turn aside from us the serpent;' and Moses prayeth in behalf of the people.

World English Bible WEB

The people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” Moses prayed for the people.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Upon which they came to Moses, and said: We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and thee: pray that he may take away these serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the people came to Moses/me and cried out, saying, “We now know that we have sinned against Yahweh and against you. Pray to Yahweh, asking that he will take away the snakes!” So Moses/I prayed for the people.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:7

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Numbers 21:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יָּבֹא֩ הָ/עָ֨ם אֶל מֹשֶׁ֜ה וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ חָטָ֗אנוּ כִּֽי דִבַּ֤רְנוּ בַֽ/יהוָה֙ וָ/בָ֔/ךְ הִתְפַּלֵּל֙ אֶל יְהוָ֔ה וְ/יָסֵ֥ר מֵ/עָלֵ֖י/נוּ אֶת הַ/נָּחָ֑שׁ וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל מֹשֶׁ֖ה בְּעַ֥ד הָ/עָֽם

וַ/יָּבֹא֩ bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

הָ/עָ֨ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

מֹשֶׁ֜ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

חָטָ֗אנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-1cp

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

דִבַּ֤רְנוּ dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Perf-1cp

בַֽ/יהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord Prep | N-proper

וָ/בָ֔/ךְ Conj | Prep | Suff

הִתְפַּלֵּל֙ pâlal H6419 to pray V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

וְ/יָסֵ֥ר çûwr H5493 to turn aside Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms

מֵ/עָלֵ֖י/נוּ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Prep | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/נָּחָ֑שׁ nâchâsh H5175 serpent Art | N-ms

וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל pâlal H6419 to pray Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֖ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

בְּעַ֥ד bᵉʻad H1157 about/through/for Prep

הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:7

וַ/יָּבֹא֩ bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

הָ/עָ֨ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

מֹשֶׁ֜ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

חָטָ֗אנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

דִבַּ֤רְנוּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Perf-1cp

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

בַֽ/יהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" Prep | N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וָ/בָ֔/ךְ "" Conj | Prep | Suff

הִתְפַּלֵּל֙ pâlal H6419 "to pray" V-Hithpael-Impv-2ms

To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.

Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

וְ/יָסֵ֥ר çûwr H5493 "to turn aside" Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms

To turn aside or remove is the meaning of this verb, used in various forms throughout the Bible. It can mean to depart, avoid, or put something away, and is often used in the context of turning away from sin or wrongdoing, as seen in the actions of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament.

Definition: : remove 1) to turn aside, depart 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn aside, turn in unto 1a2) to depart, depart from way, avoid 1a3) to be removed 1a4) to come to an end 1b) (Polel) to turn aside 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to turn aside, cause to depart, remove, take away, put away, depose 1c2) to put aside, leave undone, retract, reject, abolish 1d) (Hophal) to be taken away, be removed

Usage: Occurs in 284 OT verses. KJV: be(-head), bring, call back, decline, depart, eschew, get (you), go (aside), [idiom] grievous, lay away (by), leave undone, be past, pluck away, put (away, down), rebel, remove (to and fro), revolt, [idiom] be sour, take (away, off), turn (aside, away, in), withdraw, be without. See also: Genesis 8:13; 2 Samuel 6:10; Psalms 6:9.

מֵ/עָלֵ֖י/נוּ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/נָּחָ֑שׁ nâchâsh H5175 "serpent" Art | N-ms

A serpent is a snake, often symbolizing evil, as in Genesis 3:1 where the serpent tempts Eve. It can also represent danger or harm.

Definition: 1) serpent, snake 1a) serpent 1b) image (of serpent) 1c) fleeing serpent (mythological)

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: serpent. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 140:4.

וַ/יִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל pâlal H6419 "to pray" Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms

To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.

Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.

מֹשֶׁ֖ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

בְּעַ֥ד bᵉʻad H1157 "about/through/for" Prep

This word means about, through, or for something, often used to describe location or action. It can be translated as 'about', 'at', 'by', or 'through', depending on the context in which it is used.

Definition: 1) behind, through, round about, on behalf of, away from, about 1a) through (of action) 1b) behind (with verbs of shutting) 1c) about (with verbs of fencing) 1d) on behalf of (metaph. especially with Hithpael)

Usage: Occurs in 81 OT verses. KJV: about, at by (means of), for, over, through, up (-on), within. See also: Genesis 7:16; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Psalms 3:4.

הָ/עָֽם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

Study Notes — Numbers 21:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Numbers 21:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:7
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:7
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:7
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:7
Sermons on Numbers 21:7

Context — The Bronze Serpent

5and spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you led us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread or water, and we detest this wretched food!” 6So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.

7Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Intercede with the LORD so He will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses interceded for the people.

8Then 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.” 9So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it on a pole. If anyone who was bitten looked at the bronze snake, he would live.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Acts 8:24	Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”
2	Numbers 11:2	And the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down.
3	Psalms 78:34	When He slew them, they would seek Him; they repented and searched for God.
4	Exodus 8:8	Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the LORD to take the frogs away from me and my people. Then I will let your people go, that they may sacrifice to the LORD.”
5	1 Kings 13:6	Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before.
6	Exodus 8:28	Pharaoh answered, “I will let you go and sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.”
7	Exodus 32:11	But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?
8	Psalms 106:23	So He said He would destroy them— had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them.
9	Job 42:10	After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his prosperity and doubled his former possessions.
10	Deuteronomy 9:20	The LORD was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I also prayed for Aaron.

Numbers 21:7 Summary

In Numbers 21:7, the people confess their sin and ask Moses to pray for them because they realize they have spoken against the Lord and His servant. This shows that when we sin, we should take responsibility and ask for forgiveness, just like the people did. The Lord wants us to come to Him with a humble heart, as seen in Psalm 51:17, and He promises to forgive us if we confess our sins, as stated in 1 John 1:9. By acknowledging our sin and seeking the Lord's mercy, we can experience restoration and healing, just like the Israelites did after Moses interceded for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What led the people to confess their sin in Numbers 21:7?

The people's confession of sin was prompted by the consequences of their rebellion, as seen in Numbers 21:6 where many Israelites were bitten and died from the venomous snakes sent by the Lord, and they realized their mistake in speaking against the Lord and Moses, as stated in Numbers 21:5.

Why did the people ask Moses to intercede for them?

The people asked Moses to intercede for them because they recognized their sin and understood that Moses had a special relationship with the Lord, similar to how Moses interceded for the people in Exodus 32:11-14, and they hoped that his prayer would move the Lord to remove the snakes.

What does this verse reveal about the nature of sin and repentance?

This verse shows that sin has consequences, as seen in Numbers 21:6, but also that genuine repentance, like the people's confession in Numbers 21:7, can lead to forgiveness and restoration, as promised in 1 John 1:9 and illustrated in the Lord's response to Moses' intercession.

How does Moses' intercession in this verse relate to his role as a mediator?

Moses' intercession in Numbers 21:7 demonstrates his role as a mediator between the people and the Lord, similar to his role in Exodus 32:30-35, and foreshadows the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us before the Father, as described in Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I speak against the Lord or His servants, and what are the consequences of such actions?
How can I, like the people in this verse, take responsibility for my sin and confess it to the Lord?
In what ways can I, like Moses, intercede for others and pray for their restoration and healing?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of humility and recognizing my need for the Lord's mercy and forgiveness?

Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:7

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, we have sinned,.... Being bitten with serpents, and some having died, the rest were frightened, and came and made an humble acknowledgment of their sins

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:7

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. We have sinned.

Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 21:7

Numbers 21:7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.Ver. 7. Pray unto the Lord.] Prayer is the best lever at a dead lift. Make thee a fiery serpent,] i.e., The similitude of such a one; an unlikely means to effect such a cure. Yea, some write, that it is deadly for those that are stung with a serpent to look upon brass. Certain it is, that this cure was not wrought by anything in the nature of the brazen serpent, but by the institution and ordination of God, to be also a type of Christ; a noble and notable figure of Christ lifted up on the cross, or rather in his ordinances. They that looked upon their sores, and not upon the sign, died for it; as those that looked on the sign, though but with one eye, though with but a squint eye, or but with half an eye, they were healed presently. So they that fix their eyes upon their sins only, and not upon their Saviour, despair and die; but those that look to Christ, being faithful in weakness, though weak in faith, are sure to be saved. It is but look up and live. Only look up, as they did that were wounded, weepingly, wishfully, pitifully, cravingly. See and sigh, look upon him whom you have pierced; let your sins be as so many Hazaels to you, and your hearts as so many Hadadrimmons.

Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:7

4–9. The bronze serpent. God did not at once take away the plague. Each individual received healing only when he performed an act of faith, by looking at the serpent. An early Jewish writer says that it was not the serpent that brought the Israelites healing, but the fact that they ‘lifted up their eyes and directed their heart towards their heavenly Father.’ This is one of the most familiar and famous of Biblical narratives, owing to our Lord’s reference to it, in John 3:14, as typical of the ‘lifting up’ of the Son of Man. The close connexion between the plague and the instrument of healing is, to the Christian, symbolical of the fact that ‘Him who knew no sin he [God] made to be sin on our behalf’ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It was traditionally believed that the bronze serpent which Moses erected was the same which existed in Hezekiah’s day. He destroyed it because it had long been an object of worship (2 Kings 18:4).

Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:7

7. We have sinned — Man’s moral nature is so constituted that he instinctively ascribes natural evil to a moral cause — suffering to sin. This judgment was designed to arouse the torpid conscience.

Sermons on Numbers 21:7

	Sermon	Description
	Great Words of the Gospel - Part 4 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of repentance in the context of grace and judgment. He emphasizes that the call to repentance is often accompanied by the impendin
	On Eagles' Wings Pt 467 by Don Courville	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the gospel by listening to and meeting people where they are at. He uses the example of Nicodemus, a master t
	Life for a Look by Lewis Williams	Lewis Williams preaches about the importance of prayer and intercession, using the story of the children of Israel seeking Moses' prayers as an example. He emphasizes the power of
	The Believable Christian by Paris Reidhead	Paris Reidhead preaches on the importance of fellowship in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, using Acts 8:5-25 as a background. He emphasizes the need to preach Christ in all aspect
	True vs. False Conversions by C.J. Cutrone	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the repetitive cycle of the Israelites in the Bible. He highlights how the people would turn to God when they needed deliverance, but would q
	Xl. to Robert Stewart, on His Decision for Christ by Samuel Rutherford	Samuel Rutherford preaches a heartfelt message welcoming a brother to the world of suffering and to God's house, encouraging him to grow in faith and trust in Christ. He emphasizes
	Homily 41 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of not giving in to anger and seeking revenge, highlighting the detrimental effects of holding onto grudges and the need to forgive ot