Numbers 21:7
Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We haue sinned: for wee haue spoken against the Lord, and against thee: pray vnto the Lord that hee take away the serpents from vs: and Moses prayed for the people. Numbers 21:7 (KJV)
Context: Numbers 21 recounts an incident during the Israelites’ wilderness journey. The people had been grumbling and complaining against God and Moses because of the hardships they faced in the desert. In response to their rebellion, God sent serpents among the people—described in the accounts as fiery and poisonous—and many were bitten and died. The verse in focus records the people’s acknowledgment of their sin and their plea to Moses for help.
Recognising Sin: The first step in dealing with sin is acknowledging it. The Israelites admitted their sin, recognising that they had spoken against the Lord and against Moses. Sin is rebellion against God’s authority and a violation of His commandments. It is essential for us to be honest with ourselves and acknowledge our sins before God.
Confession and Repentance: Their admission was not merely an acknowledgment; it was accompanied by a request for relief from the punishment and a plea for forgiveness. They recognised their need for God’s intervention and asked Moses to intercede on their behalf. Confession involves admitting our wrongdoings to God, seeking His forgiveness and turning away from sin. It is an essential step toward true repentance.
Intercession: The Israelites turned to Moses, their leader, asking him to pray to the Lord on their behalf. Moses, as a mediator between God and the people, interceded for them. This demonstrates the importance of intercessory prayer, where a person acts as an intermediary, bringing the needs and requests of others before God.
God’s Mercy: Their cry for help did not go unanswered. Despite their rebellion, God responded with mercy. In the following verses (Numbers 21:8‑9), He instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up on a pole. Those who looked at the bronze serpent with faith were healed from the bites. God’s mercy and provision show His willingness to forgive and restore those who genuinely repent and turn to Him.
Symbolism and Jesus’ Teaching: The incident holds spiritual significance. In the New Testament, Jesus referred to this event as a type and foreshadowing of His own crucifixion and salvation (John 3:14‑15). He said, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” The bronze serpent points to Christ, indicating that just as looking at the serpent brought physical healing, looking to Him in faith brings eternal salvation.
Key Lessons: We must acknowledge our sins and confess them before God. Confession must be accompanied by genuine repentance and a turning away from sin. Intercessory prayer is powerful and can bring about God’s mercy and deliverance. God is merciful and willing to forgive those who truly repent. The bronze serpent incident foreshadows Jesus’ crucifixion and salvation, highlighting the need for faith in Him for eternal life. Numbers 21:7 reminds us of the importance of acknowledging sin, seeking forgiveness, and turning to God for mercy and deliverance, while also pointing us to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
