# Overview Numbers Chapter 21 recounts a series of significant events as the Israelites continue their journey towards the Promised Land under the leadership of #Moses. Initially, the chapter describes a military victory over the Canaanite king of Arad, who had attacked Israel and taken some captives. In response to this aggression, the Israelites make a vow to the #LORD, pledging to utterly destroy the cities of their enemies if granted victory. The LORD hears their plea and delivers the Canaanites into their hands, leading to the destruction of their cities and the place being named #Hormah. This victory marks a turning point, as it demonstrates God's continued faithfulness and power to deliver His people when they call upon Him with sincerity and faith. Following this victory, the chapter describes the journey around the land of #Edom, during which the Israelites grow impatient and speak against God and Moses. In response to their complaints, the LORD sends fiery serpents among them, resulting in many deaths. The people, realizing their sin, repent and ask Moses to intercede. Moses prays, and God instructs him to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole; whoever looks at it after being bitten will live. This act of looking upon the bronze serpent becomes a profound symbol of faith and obedience, prefiguring the redemptive power of faith in Christ, as later referenced in the New Testament (John 3:14-15). The chapter concludes with the Israelites continuing their travels, recording victories over the Amorite kings #Sihon and #Og, demonstrating God's provision and the fulfillment of His promises as they near the borders of the Promised Land. ## Theological Insights Numbers 21 presents profound theological insights into the nature of #God's provision, #judgment, and #mercy in the journey of the #Israelites towards the #PromisedLand. 1. **God's Sovereignty and Provision**: The chapter opens with the account of the #Canaanite king of #Arad attacking #Israel, capturing some of them (Numbers 21:1). In response, the Israelites vow to the LORD to utterly destroy the cities of the Canaanites if He delivers them into their hands, which He does (Numbers 21:2-3). This demonstrates God's sovereignty over the nations and His provision for His people, fulfilling His promises to give them victory over their enemies. 2. **The Bronze Serpent as a Symbol of Salvation**: The narrative of the #bronze_serpent (Numbers 21:4-9) is a pivotal moment that prefigures #Christ's crucifixion. When the people speak against God and #Moses, fiery serpents are sent as a judgment. However, God provides a means of salvation through the bronze serpent, which Moses lifts up. Whoever looks upon it is saved from death. This act of looking upon the bronze serpent is an act of faith, mirroring the New Testament principle of salvation through faith in Christ, as referenced in [[John/John Chapter 3]] where Jesus likens Himself to the serpent lifted up in the wilderness. 3. **God's Faithfulness Amidst Rebellion**: Despite their constant rebellion and complaints (Numbers 21:4-5), God remains faithful. He hears their cries for help and provides a remedy. This underscores the theme of God's enduring mercy and patience with His people, a recurring theme in the Pentateuch. 4. **Victory over Amorite Kings**: The latter part of the chapter (Numbers 21:21-35) records Israel's victory over #Sihon, king of the #Amorites, and #Og, king of #Bashan. These victories are significant as they represent God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant promises, securing territory for Israel. The defeat of these kings also highlights God's power and the fulfillment of His promise to Abraham regarding the land (see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15]]). 5. **The Song of the Well**: The song recorded in Numbers 21:17-18 celebrates God's provision of water, a vital resource for survival. This song reflects a moment of gratitude and recognition of God's provision, contrasting with their earlier complaints. It serves as a reminder of the importance of worship and thanksgiving in the life of the covenant community. Overall, Numbers 21 illustrates the interplay of judgment and mercy, faith and rebellion, and victory and provision, pointing forward to the ultimate redemption and victory found in [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. The chapter also encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign plans and His provision, no matter the circumstances. ## Thematic Connections ### Divine Judgment and Mercy In Numbers 21, we see the recurring theme of #DivineJudgment and #Mercy. The Israelites' complaints against God and #Moses lead to the judgment of fiery serpents. However, God's instruction to Moses to make a bronze serpent demonstrates His mercy and provides a means for healing through faith. This theme of judgment followed by mercy is echoed in the story of #Cain, where God punishes him but also places a mark of protection on him in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 4]]. Similarly, the theme is evident in the story of #David's census and the resulting plague, where God relents and provides a means for atonement in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 24]]. ### The Power of Intercession Moses' role as an intercessor is highlighted again in this chapter. The Israelites appeal to Moses to intercede for them to God, a theme previously seen when Moses intercedes on behalf of Israel after the golden calf incident in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 32]]. The power of intercession is further seen in the story of #Abraham pleading for #Sodom in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 18]], and in the New Testament, where believers are exhorted to pray for others as intercessors in [[1 Timothy/1 Timothy Chapter 2]]. ### God’s Sovereignty and Provision Throughout Numbers 21, the theme of #God'sSovereignty and provision is prevalent. Despite the Israelites' rebellion, God continues to lead them toward the Promised Land, providing victory over their enemies, such as the defeat of #KingArad and #Sihon. This reflects God’s consistent provision for His people, as seen in the miraculous provision of manna and quail in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]]. Similarly, God's continued provision and guidance are themes echoed in the New Testament with Jesus' feeding of the 5,000 in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 14]]. ### Faith and Obedience The incident of the bronze serpent highlights the importance of faith and obedience. The Israelites were required to look at the bronze serpent to be healed, symbolizing faith in God's provision for salvation. This theme recurs in the story of #Naaman, who was required to wash in the Jordan River to be healed of leprosy in [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 5]]. In the New Testament, the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation is illustrated in [[John/John Chapter 3]], where Jesus references the bronze serpent as a foreshadowing of His crucifixion. ### Conquest and Inheritance The chapter also marks significant victories for Israel as they begin to conquer territories east of the Jordan River, foreshadowing the conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land. This theme of conquest and divine inheritance is seen in the promises made to #Abraham concerning the land in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 15]]. It is also reflected in the New Testament in the promise of spiritual inheritance for believers, as seen in [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 1]] and [[1 Peter/1 Peter Chapter 1]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Bronze Serpent In Numbers 21, the episode involving the #BronzeSerpent serves as a prophetic type of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]’s redemptive work on the cross. When the Israelites spoke against God and Moses, the Lord sent fiery serpents among them as a punishment. However, God also provided a means of salvation through the bronze serpent set on a pole (Numbers 21:8-9). Anyone bitten by a serpent who looked at the bronze serpent was healed and lived. This event is directly referenced by Jesus in the New Testament in [[John/John Chapter 3|John 3:14-15]], where He states, "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." Here, the lifting up of the bronze serpent becomes a foreshadowing of Jesus being lifted up on the cross. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking at the bronze serpent, so too are believers granted eternal life through faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. This fulfillment highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament through Christ. ### Victory Over Enemies Numbers 21 also details the victories of Israel over the Canaanite king of Arad, the Amorites under King Sihon, and Og, the king of Bashan. These victories prefigure the ultimate victory of God’s people over their spiritual enemies through #Christ. The defeat of these adversaries points to the comprehensive victory over sin and death achieved by Jesus, as noted in [[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 15|1 Corinthians 15:57]], which states, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." These accounts reinforce the theme of God’s faithfulness in delivering His people and foreshadow the spiritual triumphs realized in the New Testament through Christ's work. ### The Promise of Rest The conquests over the lands east of the Jordan River, as recorded in Numbers 21, are a prelude to the eventual settling in the Promised Land. This foreshadows the ultimate rest and inheritance promised to believers, as discussed in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4:8-10]], where it is explained that there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. Just as Israel’s journey through the wilderness led to entering the physical land of Canaan, so too does the journey of faith lead believers to the spiritual rest found in Christ. This prophetic fulfillment emphasizes the ongoing journey toward the eternal rest promised to all who trust in Jesus. ## Verses - **Numbers 21:1** - "The Canaanite king of #Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that the Israelites were approaching on the road through Atharim. So he attacked the Israelites and took some of them as prisoners." - See also [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 33]] for additional details on the journey of the Israelites. - **Numbers 21:2** - "Then the people of Israel made this vow to the Lord: 'If you will hand these people over to us, we will completely destroy all their towns.'" - The concept of vows to the Lord can be compared with [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 27]]. - **Numbers 21:3** - "The Lord heard the Israelites' request and gave them victory over the Canaanites. The Israelites completely destroyed them and their towns, and the place has been called Hormah ever since." - Hormah is also mentioned in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 1]]. - **Numbers 21:4** - "Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey," - The journey around Edom is also noted in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 2]]. - **Numbers 21:5** - "and they began to speak against God and Moses. 'Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?' they complained. 'There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!'" - For more on the Israelites' complaints, see [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 16]]. - **Numbers 21:6** - "So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died." - See also [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 8]] for references to the wilderness journey. - **Numbers 21:7** - "Then the people came to Moses and cried out, 'We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.' So Moses prayed for the people." - Intercession by Moses can be seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 32]]. - **Numbers 21:8** - "Then the Lord told him, 'Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!'" - The bronze serpent is referenced in [[John/John Chapter 3]]. - **Numbers 21:9** - "So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!" - See [[2 Kings/2 Kings Chapter 18]] for the fate of the bronze serpent. - **Numbers 21:10** - "The Israelites traveled next to Oboth and camped there." - Oboth is part of their journey recorded in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 33]]. - **Numbers 21:11** - "Then they went on to Iye-abarim, in the wilderness on the eastern border of Moab." - Moab is frequently mentioned throughout the journey; see [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 19]] for its origins. - **Numbers 21:12** - "From there they traveled to the valley of Zered Brook and set up camp." - The Zered Brook is mentioned again in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 2]]. - **Numbers 21:13** - "Then they moved out and camped on the far side of the Arnon River, in the wilderness adjacent to the territory of the Amorites. The Arnon is the boundary line between the Moabites and the Amorites." - The Arnon River is also mentioned in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 3]]. - **Numbers 21:14** - "For this reason The Book of the Wars of the Lord speaks of 'the town of Waheb in the area of Suphah, and the ravines of the Arnon River," - The Book of the Wars of the Lord is a lost text, referenced only here. - **Numbers 21:15** - "and the ravines that extend as far as the settlement of Ar on the border of Moab.'" - **Numbers 21:16** - "From there the Israelites traveled to Beer, which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, 'Assemble the people, and I will give them water.'" - The provision of water is reminiscent of earlier events in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 17]]. - **Numbers 21:17** - "There the Israelites sang this song: 'Spring up, O well! Yes, sing its praises!'" - **Numbers 21:18** - "Sing of this well, which princes dug, which great leaders hollowed out with their scepters and staffs.' Then the Israelites left the wilderness and proceeded on through Mattanah," - The song highlights the leadership and provision during the journey. - **Numbers 21:19** - "Nahaliel, and Bamoth." - **Numbers 21:20** - "After that they went to the valley in Moab where Pisgah Peak overlooks the wasteland." - Pisgah is noted as a significant place in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 34]]. - **Numbers 21:21** - "The Israelites sent ambassadors to King Sihon of the Amorites with this message:" - Sihon is also mentioned in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 2]]. - **Numbers 21:22** - "'Let us travel through your land. We will be careful not to go through your fields and vineyards. We won’t even drink water from your wells. We will stay on the king’s road until we have passed through your territory.'" - **Numbers 21:23** - "But King Sihon refused to let them cross his territory. Instead, he mobilized his entire army and attacked Israel in the wilderness, engaging them in battle at Jahaz." - The battle with Sihon is also recorded in [[Judges/Judges Chapter 11]]. - **Numbers 21:24** - "But the Israelites slaughtered them with their swords and occupied their land from the Arnon River to the Jabbok River. They went only as far as the Ammonite border, because the boundary of the Ammonites was fortified." - **Numbers 21:25** - "So Israel captured all the towns of the Amorites and settled in them, including the city of Heshbon and its surrounding villages." - **Numbers 21:26** - "Heshbon had been the capital of King Sihon of the Amorites. He had defeated a former Moabite king and seized all his land as far as the Arnon River." - **Numbers 21:27** - "Therefore, the ancient poets wrote this about him: 'Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt! Let the city of Sihon be restored.'" - **Numbers 21:28** - "'A fire flamed forth from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It burned the city of Ar in Moab; it destroyed the rulers of the Arnon heights.'" - **Numbers 21:29** - "'What sorrow awaits you, O people of Moab! You are finished, O worshipers of Chemosh! Your sons and daughters have been taken away as captives by Sihon, king of the Amorites.'" - Chemosh is the god of the Moabites, as seen in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 11]]. - **Numbers 21:30** - "'We have utterly destroyed them, from Heshbon to Dibon. We have completely wiped them out as far away as Nophah and Medeba.'" - **Numbers 21:31** - "So the people of Israel occupied the territory of the Amorites." - **Numbers 21:32** - "After Moses sent men to explore the Jazer area, they captured all the towns in the region and drove out the Amorites who lived there." - **Numbers 21:33** - "Then they turned and marched up the road to Bashan. But King Og of Bashan and all his people attacked them at Edrei." - Og is a significant figure mentioned in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 3]]. - **Numbers 21:34** - "The Lord said to Moses, 'Do not be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you, along with all his people and his land. Do the same to him as you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon.'" - **Numbers 21:35** - "And Israel killed King Og, his sons, and all his subjects; not a single survivor remained. Then Israel occupied their land."