Numbers 21:6

KJV

And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} sent {H7971} fiery {H8314} serpents {H5175} among the people {H5971}, and they bit {H5391} the people {H5971}; and much {H7227} people {H5971} of Israel {H3478} died {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In response, ADONAI sent poisonous snakes among the people; they bit the people, and many of Isra'el's people died.

Berean Standard Bible

So the LORD sent venomous snakes among the people, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 21:6 records a severe divine judgment upon the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. After a period of renewed impatience and direct rebellion against God and Moses concerning their provision and journey, the LORD sent venomous, "fiery serpents" among the people. These serpents bit the Israelites, resulting in widespread death, underscoring the gravity of their sin and God's holy response to persistent ingratitude and unbelief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the larger narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, specifically after their detour around Edom (which refused them passage) and a difficult leg of their journey from Mount Hor by way of the Red Sea (Numbers 20:14-21; Numbers 21:4). The immediate preceding verses (Numbers 21:4-5) explicitly state the people's renewed grumbling against God and Moses, expressing weariness with the journey and contempt for the manna, calling it "light bread" and complaining about the lack of water. This incident is a direct consequence of that specific complaint, fitting into a recurring pattern of sin, divine judgment, repentance, and deliverance that characterizes much of the wilderness narrative (e.g., the rebellion of Korah in [Numbers 16](/numbers/16 "Numbers 16 - Korah's Rebellion")). The subsequent verses (Numbers 21:7-9) detail the people's repentance, Moses' intercession, and God's provision of the bronze serpent as a means of healing, setting the stage for a profound theological type.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the arid wilderness, a region known to harbor dangerous serpents. The phrase "fiery serpents" likely refers to the intense burning sensation caused by their venomous bites, or possibly their vivid, fiery coloration. In the ancient Near East, serpents were often associated with chaos, evil, and divine judgment, as seen in the [Garden of Eden narrative](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity"). God's "sending" of these serpents is not a random natural occurrence but a direct, deliberate act of divine judgment, mirroring earlier plagues and disciplinary actions against Israel and Egypt. This underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His use of natural elements to execute His will. The Israelites, having witnessed numerous miracles of provision and deliverance, were expected to trust God, yet their repeated complaints demonstrated a profound lack of faith and respect for the covenant relationship.
* **Key Themes:** Numbers 21:6 powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Judgment for Sin**, demonstrating God's holiness and His intolerance for persistent disobedience, ingratitude, and rebellion against His authority and provision. The severity of the judgment—widespread death—underscores that sin has tangible and often fatal consequences, both spiritual and physical. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Consequences of Complaining and Unbelief**. The Israelites' words were not mere expressions of discomfort but a direct affront to God's character and faithfulness, revealing a deep-seated lack of trust despite His miraculous sustenance (Exodus 16:35). This event serves as a stark warning against murmuring and testing God, a theme echoed in [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Warning Against Tempting Christ"). Thirdly, the verse showcases **God's Sovereignty and Discipline**. The LORD "sent" the serpents, affirming His ultimate control over all creation and His active involvement in the lives of His people, even through disciplinary measures designed to humble them and draw them back to obedience and dependence (Deuteronomy 8:15-16). This judgment, while severe, also sets the stage for a profound act of divine grace and a foreshadowing of future salvation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fiery Serpents (Hebrew, _saraph_):** The Hebrew word שָׂרָף (*saraph*) literally means "burning" or "poisonous," and is often associated with the intense inflammation and burning pain caused by the venomous bites of these serpents. It might also refer to their bright, fiery coloration. This same root word is used in Isaiah 6:2-6 to describe the "seraphim," celestial beings often depicted with fiery attributes, suggesting a connection to something awe-inspiring, powerful, and potentially destructive. The choice of "fiery serpents" as the instrument of judgment is fitting, as it directly attacks the physical well-being of the people who had complained about their physical discomforts.
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shalach_):** The verb שָׁלַח (*shalach*) emphasizes the direct, intentional agency of the LORD. This was not an accidental or natural infestation but a deliberate act of divine judgment. God actively dispatched these serpents as a direct consequence of the people's rebellion. This highlights God's sovereignty and His direct involvement in the affairs of humanity, demonstrating that He is not a passive observer but an active participant who responds to human sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people":** This clause establishes divine initiation. The judgment is not random or coincidental but a direct, purposeful act of God. The "fiery serpents" are the specific instrument of this judgment, chosen for their painful and deadly effect, directly contrasting with the people's complaints about their lack of comfort and sustenance.
* **"and they bit the people":** This describes the immediate and widespread consequence of God's action. The serpents were effective in their mission, inflicting painful and venomous bites upon a large number of Israelites. This highlights the direct and tangible nature of the divine retribution.
* **"and much people of Israel died":** This final clause reveals the severe and fatal outcome of the judgment. The phrase "much people" indicates a significant loss of life, emphasizing the widespread and deadly impact of God's wrath. It underscores the seriousness of their sin and the ultimate cost of rebellion against the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 21:6 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Divine Retribution** is the most prominent device, where the punishment directly and immediately follows the offense, demonstrating a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Israel's grumbling and God's judgment. The choice of serpents as the instrument of judgment carries strong **Symbolism**, as serpents in biblical tradition often represent evil, temptation, and death (Genesis 3). Here, they become agents of divine wrath, ironically bringing death to a people who had been miraculously preserved. The phrase "much people of Israel died" uses **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** to emphasize the severity and widespread nature of the judgment, ensuring the reader grasps the magnitude of the divine displeasure. The repetition of "people" also serves to underscore the pervasive impact of the judgment across the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 21:6 serves as a stark reminder of God's holiness and justice, demonstrating that His patience is not limitless in the face of persistent rebellion and ingratitude. While God is merciful and long-suffering, He is also righteous and will not tolerate sin indefinitely without consequence. This judgment highlights the destructive power of unbelief and complaining, revealing how such attitudes grieve God and can lead to severe spiritual and physical repercussions. Yet, even within this severe judgment, the narrative subtly prepares the way for God's redemptive grace, as the subsequent verses introduce the bronze serpent—a powerful symbol of salvation that would later be fulfilled in Christ. This pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and divine provision underscores God's ultimate desire for His people's restoration and life.

* [1 Corinthians 10:9](/1_corinthians/10-9 "1 Corinthians 10:9 - Warning Against Tempting Christ")
* [Deuteronomy 8:15](/deuteronomy/8-15 "Deuteronomy 8:15 - God's Guidance in the Wilderness")
* [Psalm 78:34-35](/psalms/78-34 "Psalm 78:34-35 - Israel's Repentance Under Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 21:6 stands as a timeless warning against the insidious dangers of impatience, ingratitude, and rebellion against God's sovereign will and provision. In our own lives, it is easy to fall into the trap of complaining when circumstances are difficult, when our expectations are not met, or when God's path seems arduous. This passage reminds us that our words and attitudes profoundly matter to God. A spirit of murmuring not only dishonors God but can also poison our own hearts and lead to severe spiritual and relational consequences. Instead, we are called to cultivate a heart of deep gratitude and unwavering trust, recognizing that God's wisdom and goodness are unfailing, even when His ways are challenging. This narrative ultimately calls us to embrace humility, acknowledge our dependence on God, and respond to His discipline with repentance, knowing that He always provides a path to healing and restoration for those who turn to Him in faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find yourself most prone to complaining or expressing discontent with God's provision or circumstances?**
* **How does understanding God's holy response to Israel's grumbling in this passage challenge your own perspective on the seriousness of sin, even seemingly "small" sins like complaining?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a more grateful and trusting heart, even amidst difficult or uncomfortable situations?**

### FAQ
**Why did God send serpents specifically, and was this punishment too harsh?**

Answer: God's choice of "fiery serpents" (Numbers 21:6) as the instrument of judgment was deeply symbolic and fitting for the context. The Israelites were in a wilderness known for such creatures (Deuteronomy 8:15), and the painful, burning bites directly countered their complaints about physical discomfort and the "light bread." It was a judgment that directly addressed their physical and spiritual rebellion against God's provision. As for whether the punishment was too harsh, it's crucial to understand the cumulative nature of Israel's sin. This was not an isolated incident but the latest in a long pattern of grumbling, unbelief, and direct rebellion against God and His appointed leaders, despite repeated miraculous interventions and covenant blessings. God's holiness demands a response to persistent sin, and His discipline, while severe, is always purposeful—designed to humble His people, reveal the deadly nature of sin, and ultimately draw them back to repentance and dependence on Him (Hebrews 12:5-11). The severity underscores the gravity of rejecting divine authority and provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly harsh judgment of the fiery serpents in Numbers 21:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the subsequent divine remedy: the bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:8-9). This Old Testament event is not merely a historical account but a powerful "type" of Christ, explicitly interpreted by Jesus Himself in [John 3:14-15](/john/3-14 "John 3:14-15 - The Son of Man Lifted Up"). Just as the dying Israelites, bitten by the venomous serpents, had to look to the bronze serpent to live, so too must humanity, afflicted by the deadly venom of sin, look to Jesus Christ, who was "lifted up" on the cross. The serpents represented the deadly consequence of sin, and in a profound paradox, Jesus, though sinless, became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21), bearing the curse and the judgment we deserved (Galatians 3:13). He became the "antidote" to sin's poison. Those who, in faith, look to the crucified Christ are healed from the spiritual death sentence of sin and receive eternal life. The judgment of the fiery serpents highlights the dire need for salvation, and the bronze serpent points directly to the ultimate, gracious provision of God in His Son, who offers life to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 10:9

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Jeremiah 8:17

For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which [will] not [be] charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.

Deuteronomy 8:15

Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Amos 9:3

And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:

Amos 9:4

And though they go into captivity before their enemies, thence will I command the sword, and it shall slay them: and I will set mine eyes upon them for evil, and not for good.

Isaiah 30:6

The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence [come] the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches upon the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures upon the bunches of camels, to a people [that] shall not profit [them].

Isaiah 14:29

Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.