Numbers 21:8
Numbers 21:8 in Multiple Translations
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.”
And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live.
And the Lord said to Moses, Make an image of a snake and put it on a rod, and anyone who has been wounded by the snakes, looking on it will be made well.
The Lord told Moses, “Make a model of a snake and put it on a pole. When anyone who has been bitten looks at it, they will live.”
And the Lord said vnto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it vp for a signe, that as many as are bitten, may looke vpon it, and liue.
And Jehovah saith unto Moses, 'Make for thee a burning [serpent], and set it on an ensign; and it hath been, every one who is bitten and hath seen it — he hath lived.
The LORD said to Moses, “Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”
And the LORD said to Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
And the Lord said to him: Make brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck shall look on it, shall live.
Then Yahweh told him/me, “Make a model/image of a poisonous snake, and attach it to the top of a pole. If those who are bitten by the snakes look at that model, they will ◄recover/get well►.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 21:8
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 21:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
יְהוָ֜ה
אֶל
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
עֲשֵׂ֤ה
לְ/ךָ֙
שָׂרָ֔ף
וְ/שִׂ֥ים
אֹת֖/וֹ
עַל
נֵ֑ס
וְ/הָיָה֙
כָּל
הַ/נָּשׁ֔וּךְ
וְ/רָאָ֥ה
אֹת֖/וֹ
וָ/חָֽי
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
Môsheh
H4872
Moses
N-proper
עֲשֵׂ֤ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ/ךָ֙
Prep | Suff
שָׂרָ֔ף
sârâph
H8314
serpent
N-ms
וְ/שִׂ֥ים
sûwm
H7760
to set
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
נֵ֑ס
nêç
H5251
ensign
N-ms
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ/נָּשׁ֔וּךְ
nâshak
H5391
to bite
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
וְ/רָאָ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וָ/חָֽי
châyay
H2425
to live
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 21:8
וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
יְהוָ֜ה
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.
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.
מֹשֶׁ֗ה
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.
עֲשֵׂ֤ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לְ/ךָ֙
""
Prep | Suff
שָׂרָ֔ף
sârâph
H8314
"serpent"
N-ms
A seraph is a majestic being that appears in the Bible, with six wings and a powerful presence, like in Isaiah 6:1-3. The word means burning or fiery, and seraphs are often associated with God's throne and worship. They are symbolic creatures that represent God's power and glory.
Definition: 1) serpent, fiery serpent 1a) poisonous serpent (fiery from burning effect of poison)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: fiery (serpent), seraph. See also: Numbers 21:6; Isaiah 6:2; Isaiah 6:6.
וְ/שִׂ֥ים
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
נֵ֑ס
nêç
H5251
"ensign"
N-ms
A nes is a flag or banner, often used as a signal or standard. It can also refer to a sail or flagstaff, and is sometimes used figuratively as a symbol or token.
Definition: 1) something lifted up, standard, signal, signal pole, ensign, banner, sign, sail 1a) standard (as rallying point), signal 1b) standard (pole) 1c) ensign, signal
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: banner, pole, sail, (en-) sign, standard. See also: Numbers 21:8; Isaiah 31:9; Psalms 60:6.
וְ/הָיָה֙
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/נָּשׁ֔וּךְ
nâshak
H5391
"to bite"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
This Hebrew word refers to paying interest on a loan, often with excessive or unfair rates. It is condemned in the Bible as usury, and is seen in passages like Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. The concept of fair lending is emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to bite 1a) (Qal) to bite 1b) (Piel) to bite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: bite, lend upon usury. See also: Genesis 49:17; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 23:32.
וְ/רָאָ֥ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אֹת֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
וָ/חָֽי
châyay
H2425
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
This verb means to have life, to be alive, and to stay alive. It is used in the Bible to talk about living a long and healthy life, and is translated as 'to live' or 'to save life'.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiph) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: live, save life. See also: Genesis 3:22; Deuteronomy 19:4; Ezekiel 47:9.
Study Notes — Numbers 21:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 21:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:8
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
- Sermons on Numbers 21:8
Context — The Bronze Serpent
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. 10Then the Israelites set out and camped at Oboth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 3:14 | Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, |
| 2 | Psalms 106:43–45 | Many times He rescued them, but they were bent on rebellion and sank down in their iniquity. Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion. |
| 3 | Psalms 145:8 | The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion. |
Numbers 21:8 Summary
In Numbers 21:8, God tells Moses to make a bronze serpent and mount it on a pole, so that anyone who is bitten by a snake can look at it and live. This is a powerful picture of how God provides for our needs and heals us from the effects of sin, as seen in Psalm 107:20. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be healed, we need to look to Jesus Christ to be saved from our sins, as stated in Acts 4:12. By trusting in God's provision and looking to Him for our needs, we can experience healing and redemption, just like the Israelites did when they looked at the bronze serpent, as seen in John 3:14-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the fiery serpent in Numbers 21:8?
The fiery serpent represents the judgment of God, but also points to the redemption and healing that comes through faith in Him, as seen in John 3:14-15, where Jesus compares Himself to the bronze serpent.
Why did God instruct Moses to make a bronze serpent instead of removing the snakes?
God's instruction to Moses to make a bronze serpent was a test of the people's faith, requiring them to trust in God's provision and look to the serpent for healing, rather than relying on their own strength or solutions, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ?
The lifting up of the bronze serpent on a pole is a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, where He would be lifted up on the cross for the salvation of all people, as stated in John 12:32-33, and just as the Israelites had to look at the serpent to be healed, we must look to Jesus to be saved, as seen in Acts 4:12.
What can we learn from the Israelites' response to the snakes and the bronze serpent?
The Israelites' response teaches us the importance of acknowledging our sin, repenting, and trusting in God's provision, as seen in 1 John 1:9, and the need to look to Jesus Christ for our salvation and healing, as stated in Isaiah 45:22.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to look to God for healing and redemption, and how can I apply the principle of looking to the bronze serpent in those areas?
- How can I balance the idea of God's judgment with His mercy and love, as seen in this verse and other parts of Scripture, such as Psalm 103:8-10?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision and look to Him for my needs, rather than relying on my own strength or solutions, as seen in Philippians 4:19?
- How can I share the message of salvation and healing through Jesus Christ with others, using the story of the bronze serpent as an illustration, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:23-24?
- What are some things that I can do to cultivate a deeper faith and trust in God, like the Israelites who looked to the bronze serpent and were healed, as seen in Hebrews 11:6?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 21:8
And the Lord said unto Moses,.... Out of the cloud; or, it may be, Moses went into the sanctuary, and there prayed, and the Lord answered him from between the cherubim: make them a fiery serpent; not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 21:8
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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
A fiery serpent, i.e. the figure of a serpent in brass, which is of a fiery colour. This would require some time: God would not speedily take off the judgment, because he saw they were not thoroughly humbled. Set it on a pole, that the people might see it from all parts of the camp; and therefore the pole must be high, and the serpent large. This method of cure was prescribed, partly that it might appear to be God’ s own work, and not the effect of nature or art; and partly that it might be an eminent type of our salvation by Christ. See ,15. The serpent signified Christ, who was in the likeness of sinful flesh, , though without sin, as this brazen serpent had the outward shape, but not the inward poison of the other serpents: the pole resembled the cross upon which Christ was lift up for our salvation; and looking up to it designed our believing in Christ.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
(8) Make thee a fiery serpent.—The single Hebrew word which is here employed is saraph (a seraph), or burning one, as in Numbers 21:6, where the word nehashim—serpents—occurs also. The meaning is explained in the following verse, in which it is said that Moses made “a serpent of brass.” Set it upon a pole.—Better, a standard. The LXX. have σημεῖον, the Vulgate signum. The Hebrew word (nes) is the same which occurs in Exodus 17:15, “Jehovah-nissi”—i.e., Jehovah is my standard or banner.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
Verse 8. Make thee a fiery serpent] Literally, make thee a seraph. And put it upon a pole] על נס al nes, upon a standard or ensign.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 21:8
8. a fiery serpent] Here it is a single substantive, the second of the two in Numbers 21:6. set it upon a pole] The rendering of the A.V. may here be retained.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 21:8
Make thee a fiery serpent - i. e. a serpent resembling in appearance the reptiles which attacked the people. The resemblance was of the essence of the symbolism (compare 1 Samuel 6:5).
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 21:8
8. Make thee a fiery serpent — This was an astonishing answer to the prayer. Moses doubtless expected that the serpents would disappear, as the plagues had vanished from Egypt when he interceded in behalf of Pharaoh.
Sermons on Numbers 21:8
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Heaven and Hell by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and putting one's trust in Jesus. He warns that there is no security in earthly things and that everyone, regardle |
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Apostle's Doctrine - Part 5 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living by faith and how it changes the basis of our lives. He highlights that we are not justified by our own efforts or wo |
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Man's Ruin and God's Remedy by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher addresses sinners and emphasizes their desperate state. He describes four alarming truths that sinners must face: their guilt for past sins, their inab |
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The Incarnation and Birth of Christ by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar. The preacher emphasizes how Nebucha |
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The Power of the Blood - Sermon 5 of 5 - the Holy Place or the Holiest by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the tabernacle and its significance in the journey of the children of Israel. The tabernacle was a portable place of worship th |
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(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 10 by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the humanity of Jesus as portrayed by Luke, who was a doctor. The speaker highlights the compassion, sensitivity, and reality of Jesus' chara |
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The Fact of God's Love by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their experience of being called to pastor a Presbyterian church in Osacus, Minnesota many years ago. They prayed about what message to deli |