Numbers 21:6-9 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.… If this narrative was a bare record of facts, it would supply precious lessons respecting sin and salvation; but being one of the typical histories, applied by the Saviour. to himself,... it has in itself "no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory which excelleth. It was a type, not through the discernment of men, but by the preordination of God. Among the analogies the following may be suggested, from which such truths may be selected as will best further the object for which the subject is used in the pulpit. 1. The origin of the evil in the camp and in the world was the same sin. 2. The fiery serpents apt "ministers" (2 Corinthians 11:15) of "the old serpent," and so sufferings and death the natural work of Satan, who "was a murderer from the beginning," and who hath the power of death (Romans 6:23; Hebrews 2:14). 3. The devil could have no power to injure "except it were given him from above." "The Lord sent the serpents "(cf. Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20). 4. The helplessness of the sufferers the same. A new life needed in each case. But neither herbs, nor cordials, nor caustics, nor charms could expel the poison from the blood. And neither reformation, nor tears, nor services, nor ceremonies can avert the consequences of sin. 5. The remedy of Divine appointment. "God sent forth his Son" (Romans 8:32; Galatians 4:4, 5; cf. Wisdom 16:6, 7, 12). 6. In both cases a resemblance between the destroyer and the deliverer. The brazen serpent a deliverer in the likeness of the destroyer; Christ a Saviour in the likeness of the stoner (Romans 8:3). But the serpent was without venom, and Christ without sin. 7. Deliverance was provided not by words, but by deeds. The Son of man, like the serpent, lifted up. 8. In both cases a declaration of God's plan follows its appointment. Moses proclaimed to the camp the heaven-sent remedy, and "we preach Christ crucified." 9. An appropriation of God's offer required: "when he looketh," "whosoever believeth." Salvation limited to those who trust. 10. No obvious connection between the means and the result. The serpent and the cross "foolishness" to the scoffer. 11. Saving faith impossible without "godly sorrow working repentance" (cf. verse 7; Acts 20:21; 1 John 1:9). 12. The offer of salvation made to all, and the effect of faith alike in all. Cf. verse 9 and the world-embracing "whosoever." - P. Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. |
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