TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Numbers 21:4–9. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. The fatigue of Israel by a long march round the land of Edom, because they could not obtain passage through it the nearest way: The soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way, Num 21:4. Perhaps the way was rough and uneven, or foul and dirty; or it fretted them to go far about, and that they were not permitted to force their passage through the Edomites' country. Those that are of a fretful discontented spirit will always find something or other to make them uneasy.
II.Their unbelief and murmuring upon this occasion, Num 21:5.
Though they had just now obtained a glorious victory over the Canaanites, and were going on conquering and to conquer, yet they speak very discontentedly of what God had done for them and distrustfully of what he would do, vexed that they were brought out of Egypt, that they had not bread and water as other people had by their own care and industry, but by miracle, they knew not how. They have bread enough and to spare; and yet they complain there is no bread, because, though they eat angels' food, yet they are weary of it; manna itself is loathed, and called light bread, fit for children, not for men and soldiers. What will those be pleased with whom manna will not please? Those that are disposed to quarrel will find fault where there is no fault to be found. Thus those who have long enjoyed the means of grace are apt to surfeit even on the heavenly manna, and to call it light bread. But let not the contempt which some cast upon the word of God cause us to value it the less: it is the bread of life, substantial bread, and will nourish those who by faith feed upon it to eternal life, whoever calls it light bread.
III.The righteous judgment which God brought upon them for their murmuring, Num 21:6.
He sent fiery serpents among them, which bit or stung many of them to death. The wilderness through which they had passed was all along infested with those fiery serpents, as appears, Deu 8:15. but hitherto God had wonderfully preserved his people from receiving hurt by them, till now that they murmured, to chastise them for which these animals, which hitherto had shunned their camp, now invade it. Justly are those made to feel God's judgments that are not thankful for his mercies. These serpents are called fiery, from their colour, or from their rage, or from the effects of their bitings, inflaming the body, putting it immediately into a high fever, scorching it with an insatiable thirst. They had unjustly complained for want of water (Num 21:5), to chastise them for which God sends upon them this thirst, which no water would quench. Those that cry without cause have justly cause given them to cry out. They distrustfully concluded that they must die in the wilderness, and God took them at their word, chose their delusions, and brought their unbelieving fears upon them; many of them did die. They had impudently flown in the face of God himself, and the poison of asps was under their lips, and now these fiery serpents (which, it should seem, were flying serpents, Isa 14:29) flew in their faces and poisoned them. They in their pride had lifted themselves up against God and Moses, and now God humbled and mortified them, by making these despicable animals a plague to them. That artillery is now turned against them which had formerly been made use of in their defence against the Egyptians. He that brought quails to feast them let them know that he could bring serpents to bite them; the whole creation is at war with those that are in arms against God.
IV.Their repentance and supplication to God under this judgment, Num 21:7.
They confess their fault: We have sinned. They are particular in their confession: We have spoken against the Lord, and against thee. It is to be feared that they would not have owned the sin if they had not felt the smart; but they relent under the rod; when he slew them, then they sought him. They beg the prayers of Moses for them, as conscious to themselves of their own unworthiness to be heard, and convinced of the great interest which Moses had in heaven. How soon is their tone altered! Those who had just before quarrelled with him as their worst enemy now make their court to him as their best friend, and choose him for their advocate with God. Afflictions often change men's sentiments concerning God's people, and teach them to value those prayers which, at a former period, they had scorned. Moses, to show that he had heartily forgiven them, blesses those who had cursed him, and prays for those who had despitefully used him Herein he was a type of Christ, who interceded for his persecutors, and a pattern to us to go and do likewise, and thus to show that we love our enemies.
V.The wonderful provision which God made for their relief.
He did not employ Moses in summoning the judgment, but, that he might recommend him to the good affection of the people, he made him instrumental in their relief, Num 21:8, Num 21:9. God ordered Moses to make the representation of a fiery serpent, which he did, in brass, and set it up on a very long pole, so that it might be seen from all parts of the camp, and every one that was stung with a fiery serpent was healed by looking up to this serpent of brass. The people prayed that God would take away the serpents from them (Num 21:7), but God saw fit not to do this: for he gives effectual relief in the best way, though not in our way. Thus those who did not die for their murmuring were yet made to smart for it, that they might the more feelingly repent and humble themselves for it; they were likewise made to receive their cure from God, by the hand of Moses, that they might be taught, if possible, never again to speak against God and Moses. This method of cure was altogether miraculous, and the more wonderful if what some naturalists say be true, that looking upon bright and burnished brass is hurtful to those that are stung with fiery serpents. God can bring about his purposes by contrary means. The Jews themselves say that it was not the sight of the brazen serpent that cured them, but, in looking up to it, they looked up to God as the Lord that healed them. But there was much of gospel in this appointment. Our Saviour has told us so (Joh 3:14, Joh 3:15), that as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness so the Son of man must be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish. Observe then a resemblance,
1.Between their disease and ours. The devil is the old serpent, a fiery serpent, hence he appears (Rev 12:3) as a great red dragon. Sin is the biting of this fiery serpent; it is painful to the startled conscience, and poisonous to the seared conscience. Satan's temptations are called his fiery darts, Eph 6:16. Lust and passion inflame the soul, so do the terrors of the Almighty, when they set themselves in array. At the last, sin bites like a serpent and stings like an adder; and even its sweets are turned into the gall of asps.
2.Between their remedy and ours.
(1.)It was God himself that devised and prescribed this antidote against the fiery serpents; so our salvation by Christ was the contrivance of Infinite Wisdom; God himself has found the ransom.
(2.)It was a very unlikely method of cure; so our salvation by the death of Christ is to the Jews a stumbling-block and to the Greeks foolishness. It was Moses that lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the law is a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, and Moses wrote of him, Joh 3:14-16. Christ was lifted up by the rulers of the Jews, who were the successors of Moses.
(3.)That which cured was shaped in the likeness of that which wounded. So Christ, though perfectly free from sin himself, yet was made in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom 8:3), so like that it was taken for granted that this man was a sinner, Joh 9:24.
(4.)The brazen serpent was lifted up; so was Christ. He was lifted up upon the cross (Joh 12:33, Joh 12:34), for his was made a spectacle to the world. He was lifted up by the preaching of the gospel. The word here used for a pole signifies a banner, or ensign, for Christ crucified stands for an ensign of the people, Isa 11:10. Some make the lifting up of the serpent to be a figure of Christ's triumphing over Satan, the old serpent, whose head he bruised, when in his cross he made an open show of the principalities and powers which he had spoiled and destroyed, Col 2:15.
3.Between the application of their remedy and ours. They looked and lived, and we, if we believe, shall not perish; it is by faith that we look unto Jesus, Heb 12:2. Look unto me, and be you saved, Isa 45:22. We must be sensible of our wound and of our danger by it, receive the record which God has given concerning his Son, and rely upon the assurance he has given us that we shall be healed and saved by him if we resign ourselves to his direction. The brazen serpent's being lifted up would not cure if it was not looked upon. If any pored on their wound, and would not look up to the brazen serpent, they inevitably died. If they slighted this method of cure, and had recourse to natural medicines, and trusted to them, they justly perished; so if sinners either despise Christ's righteousness or despair of benefit by it their wound will, without doubt, be fatal. But whoever looked up to this healing sign, though from the outmost part of the camp, though with a weak and weeping eye, was certainly healed; so whosoever believes in Christ, though as yet but weak in faith, shall not perish. There are weak brethren for whom Christ died. Perhaps for some time after the serpent was set up the camp of Israel was molested by the fiery serpents; and it is the probable conjecture of some that they carried this brazen serpent along with them through the rest of their journey, and set it up wherever they encamped, and, when they settled in Canaan, fixed it somewhere within the borders of the land; for it is not likely that the children of Israel went so far off as this was into the wilderness to burn incense to it, as we find they did, Kg2 18:4. Even those that are delivered from the eternal death which is the wages of sin must expect to feel the pain and smart of it as long as they are here in this world; but, if it be not our own fault, we may have the brazen serpent to accompany us, to be still looked up to upon all occasions, by bearing about with us continually the dying of the Lord Jesus.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Many things were done in figure which were done in former times. For when he said that the fathers who were bitten by serpents in the desert could not be healed in any other way except that Moses hung up a brazen serpent, and when this was seen, those deadly bites and injurious effects of the poison were cured, he added: But these things were done in figure to instruct us (1 Corinthians 10:6). In the image, a bronze serpent was placed on a cross; because the true one to be crucified was announced to the human race, who would empty the venom of the devilish serpent, cursed in its image, but in truth, would erase all curses of the world.
Continue studying Numbers 21:7 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
Numbers 21:7 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's wilderness journey, chronicling the people's humble confession of sin and their desperate plea for Moses' intercession after being afflicted by a divine judgment of fiery serpents. This verse captures their acknowledgment of rebellion against both the LORD and Moses, leading to Moses' immediate and compassionate prayer on their behalf, thereby setting the stage for God's unique and redemptive provision.
Context
Literary Context
Numbers 21:7 is strategically positioned within a recurring cycle of Israelite rebellion, divine judgment, and subsequent divine provision in the wilderness narrative. Immediately preceding this verse, the Israelites, weary and impatient from their journey after bypassing Edom, "spoke against God and against Moses" (/numbers/21-5 "Numbers 21:5 - Israel's Complaints"), expressing contempt for the manna and lamenting the lack of water. In response to this direct challenge to His authority and provision, the LORD sent "fiery serpents" among them, resulting in widespread death (/numbers/21-6 "Numbers 21:6 - The Fiery Serpents"). Verse 7 serves as the crucial turning point, depicting the people's confession of sin and their appeal for mediation, which directly precedes God's instruction to Moses to fashion the bronze serpent—a powerful symbol that would become a profound foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work (/numbers/21-8 "Numbers 21:8 - The Bronze Serpent"). This sequence underscores the consistent pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and divine grace that permeates the wilderness account.
Historical & Cultural Context
The setting is the harsh, unforgiving terrain of the wilderness, a challenging environment that continually tested the Israelites' faith and obedience. Their arduous journey from Mount Hor exacerbated their impatience, leading to their grumbling. In the ancient Near East, serpents were often perceived as agents of divine wrath or chaotic forces, and their venomous bites were a common and deadly threat, making this judgment particularly terrifying and effective. As a people in covenant with Yahweh, the Israelites understood that their well-being and survival were directly contingent upon their fidelity to Him. Their complaints were not merely expressions of discomfort but grave violations of the covenant, demonstrating a profound lack of trust in God's leadership and provision. Moses, as God's divinely appointed leader and mediator, occupied a unique position of authority and responsibility, rendering the people's complaints "against thee" a serious affront to divine order.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully illustrates several foundational theological themes. Firstly, it underscores the gravity of sin, particularly grumbling and unbelief, which are depicted as direct offenses against God's sovereignty and His chosen instruments (/numbers/21-5 "Numbers 21:5 - Complaining Against God"). Secondly, it highlights the consequences of disobedience, as God's righteous judgment is meted out in a tangible, deadly form, demonstrating that sin carries severe repercussions. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the indispensable role of intercession, with Moses faithfully standing in the gap for a rebellious people, mirroring his consistent mediatorial work throughout the wilderness period (/exodus/32-11 "Exodus 32:11 - Moses' Intercession"). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of divine mercy in judgment, as God, though provoked, remains open to the confession and prayer of His people, paving the way for a miraculous deliverance that points beyond itself to a greater, ultimate salvation (/numbers/21-8 "Numbers 21:8 - God's Provision").
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root literally means "to miss the mark," "to fall short," or "to go astray." In a theological context, it signifies a deviation from God's revealed will, a transgression against His commands, or a failure to live up to the covenant relationship. Here, it denotes a conscious and culpable act of rebellion against both divine authority ("against the LORD") and human leadership ("against thee," referring to Moses). It is an admission of guilt, acknowledging that their complaints were not mere frustrations but deliberate offenses against God's established order.
While the full phrase is "spoken against," the root dâbar primarily means "to arrange" or "to speak." In this context, when combined with "against," it carries a strong connotation of opposition, accusation, or defamation. It is more than just grumbling; it implies a direct challenge to authority, a public declaration of discontent that actively undermines the leadership of God and Moses. This highlights the severity of their complaints, equating their murmuring with a direct verbal assault against the divine and His representative.
This primitive root means "to judge (officially or mentally)" and, by extension, "to intercede" or "to pray." It describes Moses' immediate and selfless act of standing between God's wrath and the people's sin. This is not a casual request but a fervent plea on behalf of others, demonstrating Moses' unwavering commitment to his role as a mediator and his deep compassion for the very people who had just maligned him.
Verse Breakdown
"Therefore the people came to Moses, and said,"
This opening clause establishes the immediate and compelling consequence of God's judgment. The severe affliction of the fiery serpents (/numbers/21-6 "Numbers 21:6 - The Fiery Serpents"), which had caused widespread death and suffering, finally broke the people's rebellious spirit and compelled them to seek out their leader. Their approach to Moses signifies a recognition of his mediatorial role and their desperate need for divine intervention, acknowledging that only through him could they approach God.
"We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee;"
This is a crucial and explicit confession of sin. The people acknowledge their wrongdoing, identifying the specific nature of their transgression: speaking "against the LORD" (a direct offense against God's sovereignty, provision, and covenant faithfulness) and "against thee" (a rejection of Moses' divinely appointed leadership and a challenge to his authority). This dual confession indicates a deeper understanding of their rebellion, recognizing that their complaints were not merely about physical discomfort but were rooted in a profound lack of trust and respect for divine authority and its human representation.
"pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us."
Having confessed their sin, the people turn to Moses with a clear and urgent plea for intercession. They understand that only through Moses' mediation can they hope for relief from the deadly judgment. Their request is specific: the removal of the serpents, which are the tangible manifestation of God's wrath and the immediate cause of their suffering. This demonstrates their desire for immediate deliverance from the consequences of their sin, acknowledging their utter helplessness without divine intervention.
"And Moses prayed for the people."
This final clause highlights Moses' faithful, compassionate, and unwavering response. Despite being the direct target of their complaints and rebellion, Moses does not hesitate or harbor resentment. His immediate act of prayer underscores his consistent role as an intercessor for Israel, demonstrating his selflessness and profound commitment to God's covenant people. This act of mediation is central to the narrative, providing the necessary bridge for God's subsequent provision of salvation and healing.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Juxtaposition is evident in the stark contrast between the Israelites' prior grumbling and their subsequent humble confession, highlighting the transformative power of divine judgment in bringing about repentance. The narrative also utilizes Dramatic Irony, as Moses, the very figure against whom the people had spoken and rebelled, becomes their sole hope for deliverance through his intercession. This underscores the depth of Moses' character and God's consistent use of His chosen, even when maligned. Furthermore, the passage contains strong Foreshadowing, as Moses' intercession and the subsequent divine instruction regarding the bronze serpent (/numbers/21-8 "Numbers 21:8 - The Bronze Serpent"), though a specific remedy for a specific crisis, clearly anticipate a greater, universal salvation to be achieved through a divinely appointed mediator who would be "lifted up." The Repetition of the concept of "speaking against" (explicitly in /numbers/21-5 "Numbers 21:5 - Israel's Complaining" and implicitly confessed in /numbers/21-7 "Numbers 21:7 - The People's Confession") emphasizes the gravity and pervasive nature of their sin.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Numbers 21:7 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring principles of sin, judgment, repentance, and divine mercy. It illustrates that God's holiness demands a response to human rebellion, yet His character is also marked by a profound willingness to hear the contrite heart. The people's confession, though prompted by severe judgment, is a necessary step towards restoration, demonstrating that true repentance involves acknowledging specific wrongdoing and seeking a mediator. Moses' immediate and selfless intercession highlights the biblical pattern of mediation, where a righteous individual stands between a holy God and a sinful people, paving the way for grace and reconciliation. This event, therefore, is not merely a historical anecdote but a profound theological lesson on the nature of God's justice, the pathway to reconciliation, and the vital role of intercessory prayer in the life of faith.
Reflection and Application
Numbers 21:7 offers profound insights for believers today, serving as a stark reminder that our complaints, grumbling, and discontent, often dismissed as minor annoyances, can be profound expressions of unbelief and direct offenses against God's sovereignty and His appointed leadership. True spiritual health begins with a humble and specific acknowledgment of our sin, recognizing that our rebellion is not just against circumstances or people, but ultimately "against the LORD." Just as the Israelites were compelled by the severe consequences of their sin to seek Moses' intercession, we too are called to confess our wrongdoing and seek God's mercy through prayer, trusting in His compassionate response. Furthermore, Moses' immediate and selfless act of prayer for those who had wronged him challenges us to embrace our own calling to intercessory prayer, standing in the gap for others, especially those who are suffering or have strayed. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility, quick repentance, and persistent prayer, knowing that God's judgment, while severe, often serves as a catalyst for genuine transformation and a pathway to His gracious provision and healing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God send serpents as a judgment?
God sent "fiery serpents" (likely venomous snakes whose bites caused intense burning pain and inflammation) as a direct, tangible consequence for the Israelites' persistent grumbling and rebellion against Him and Moses. This judgment served multiple purposes: it was a righteous display of God's holiness and His intolerance for sin, a severe chastisement designed to humble the people and bring them to repentance, and a stark reminder that their lives and well-being were entirely dependent on their obedience and trust in Him. The severity of the punishment underscored the gravity of their sin, which was not merely physical discomfort but a profound spiritual rebellion against their covenant Lord, as detailed in /numbers/21-5-6 "Numbers 21:5-6 - Israel's Rebellion and Judgment".
Was the Israelites' confession of sin genuine, or simply a reaction to the judgment?
While it is true that their confession was prompted by the severe consequences of the serpent bites (/numbers/21-6 "Numbers 21:6 - The Fiery Serpents"), the text indicates a genuine, albeit reactive, acknowledgment of their wrongdoing. They explicitly state, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee." This specific confession, identifying both God and Moses as the offended parties, suggests more than just a desire for relief; it implies a recognition of the spiritual nature of their offense. Furthermore, God's subsequent provision of the bronze serpent (/numbers/21-8 "Numbers 21:8 - The Bronze Serpent") in response to their confession and Moses' prayer suggests that their repentance, at least in this moment, was sufficient for God to extend His mercy and provide a way for healing.
What is the significance of Moses' immediate prayer for the people?
Moses' immediate prayer for the people, despite being the target of their complaints, is profoundly significant. It highlights his unwavering commitment to his role as God's chosen mediator and shepherd of Israel. His intercession demonstrates his deep compassion, selflessness, and faithfulness to God's covenant. This act underscores the vital biblical principle of intercessory prayer, where a righteous individual stands in the gap for others, appealing to God's mercy. Moses' consistent role as an intercessor, seen throughout the wilderness narrative (e.g., after the Golden Calf incident in /exodus/32-11 "Exodus 32:11 - Moses' Intercession for Israel"), prefigures the ultimate intercessory work of Jesus Christ.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Numbers 21:7, with its narrative of sin, judgment, confession, and intercession, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, as the faithful intercessor who stood between a holy God and a sinful people, prefigures Christ, who is the one true Mediator between God and humanity (/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator Between God and Man"). Just as the Israelites confessed their sin and pleaded for Moses' prayer to remove the deadly serpents, humanity, afflicted by the venom of sin and facing spiritual death, must confess its rebellion and look to Christ for salvation. The subsequent provision of the bronze serpent (/numbers/21-8 "Numbers 21:8 - The Bronze Serpent"), which brought healing to those who looked upon it, is explicitly interpreted by Jesus Himself as a type of His own crucifixion: "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life" (/john/3-14-15 "John 3:14-15 - Jesus and the Bronze Serpent"). Christ, though sinless, became sin for us (/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"), taking the full judgment for our rebellion upon Himself on the cross. Through His atoning sacrifice, He provides the ultimate remedy for sin's deadly bite, offering not just physical healing but eternal life to all who look to Him in faith. His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God (/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession") ensures that those who come to God through Him receive mercy and grace, fulfilling Moses' mediatorial role in a perfect and everlasting way.