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The story in Number 21

 







The people of Israel continued their journey through the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. Along the way, they faced many challenges and conflicts.

First, they came to confront the Canaanite king of Arad in the Negev. The Israelites cried out to the Lord, and He granted them victory, destroying their enemies (Numbers 21:1-3).

Then, Israel traveled along the road that skirts the lands of Moab and Edom. The Edomites refused to let Israel pass through their territory, so Israel took a longer route around (Numbers 21:4).

As they journeyed, the people grew impatient and began to complain against God and Moses:

"Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless bread." (Numbers 21:5)

Because of their rebellion and lack of trust, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people. The snakes bit the Israelites, and many died (Numbers 21:6).

The people came to Moses, admitting their sin:

"We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us." (Numbers 21:7)

Moses prayed for the people, and the Lord instructed him:

"Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live." (Numbers 21:8)

Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Whenever anyone was bitten and looked at the bronze serpent, they lived (Numbers 21:9).

Continuing their journey, the Israelites defeated King Sihon of the Amorites, who refused to allow them passage. They took possession of his land after a fierce battle (Numbers 21:21-25).

Next, they defeated King Og of Bashan, whose territory included many fortified cities. The Lord gave Og and his land into Israel’s hands, and they conquered the region (Numbers 21:33-35).

Thus, the Israelites continued to grow stronger, overcoming enemies and moving closer to the land promised by God.


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