Grumbling turned deadly. But even in judgment, God gave the people a way to be healed. #Numbers21vs6#DivineJustice#christianforums#crosswalkforums#forums#crosswalk#faithcommunity#faithforums
In Numbers 21, the Israelites complained against God and Moses—and were met with a terrifying response: fiery serpents. As the venom spread, many died. But even in His justice, God provided mercy through a bronze serpent lifted up for their healing.
This strange and sobering story often raises tough questions. Why would God send something so severe? And why use a serpent—something typically symbolic of evil—as a means of deliverance?
Jesus later referenced this moment, saying, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14). Judgment and mercy meet at the cross.
What does this story tell us about sin, suffering, and divine discipline? Do you think God still “allows the bite” today to wake us up?
Absolutely, this story in Numbers 21 has always struck me deeply—because it reminds me that God is not only just, but merciful beyond comprehension. When I read about the fiery serpents, I don’t see a cruel or impulsive act from God; I see a holy response to a rebellious heart. The Israelites weren’t just grumbling about the menu—they were rejecting God’s provision, His plan, and His presence. That’s not a small complaint; that’s covenantal rebellion. And rebellion against a holy God always carries consequence.
But here’s what humbles me: even in His righteous judgment, God made a way of healing. That bronze serpent didn’t cancel the bite—but it did cancel the death. That speaks volumes to me. Sometimes I wonder—how many “bites” in my life were allowed, not because God wanted to harm me, but because He wanted to wake me up? The serpent’s venom made them realize what sin does—it kills. It numbs. It poisons the soul slowly. And just like them, I’ve had seasons where I didn’t even realize I was dying inside until the consequences showed up.
But thank God—He doesn’t just let us suffer. He provides a remedy. And it’s not random that Jesus referred to this moment in John 3:14. He was that lifted-up answer, that shocking, almost offensive symbol of judgment and mercy wrapped in one. Think about it—the very thing causing the pain (the image of a serpent) became the picture of healing. In the same way, Jesus—who knew no sin—was made to be sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He became the “curse” lifted up on a tree (Galatians 3:13), so that when we look to Him in faith, we don’t die in our sin.
So yes, I absolutely believe God still “allows the bite” today. Not because He enjoys watching us suffer, but because in His wisdom, sometimes pain is the only thing that brings us back to our senses. He lets the sting of bad choices, the fallout of rebellion, and even the silence of our own wandering hearts remind us: we need to look up. We need a Savior. We need the cross—not just once, but daily.
In the end, this passage reminds me that sin is real, judgment is real, but mercy is still greater. And if I ever find myself bitten again—by sin, by pride, by apathy—I know exactly where to look. Not to myself. Not to religion. But to Jesus, the One who was lifted up—not just as a symbol—but as my Savior, my Healer, and my hope.
The grumbling/complaining of the people shows that they not only had no memory but had not learnt anything about God.
They had seen the ten plauges, experienced the pass over, seen the firy piller, crossed the Red Sea, where eating mana etc etc.
And dispite all this they were complaining.
It was not a minor matter but a major rebellion.
God actted in judge ent, but even his mercy involved judgemet as only those who were prepared to act in faith a d loo, at the bronze s ake would be healed, those who would not believe died.
What do we learn.
That God is a God of justice and that failure to act by us in acckrdance with Gods decrees results in judgement.
