The Copper Serpent

DOES that look like a real snake wrapped around a pole?  It isn't. The snake is made of copper. Jehovah told Moses to put it up on a pole so that the people could look at it and keep alive. But the other snakes on the ground are real.  They have bitten the people and made them sick. Do you know why? 

It is because the Israelites have spoken against God and Moses.  They complain: 'Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no food, or water here. And we can't stand to eat this manna anymore. 

But the manna is good food.  By a miracle Jehovah has given it to them. And a miracle he has given them water too.  But the people aren't thankful for the way God has take care of them.  So Jehovah sends these poisonous snakes to punish the Israelites.  The snakes bit them, and  many of them die.

Finally, the people come to Moses and say: 'We have sinned, because we have spoken against Jehovah and you. Now pray to Jehovah to take these snakes away.'

Next time: Conclusion of The Copper Snake

From the jw.org publications