Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of the copper serpent in Numbers 21:8?
A: In Numbers 21:8, Hashem commands Moshe to make a copper serpent (נחש נחושת) and place it on a pole so that anyone bitten by a snake could look at it and live. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 29a), the copper serpent was not magical—rather, it was a test of faith. When the people looked upward toward the serpent (and by extension, toward Heaven), they acknowledged Hashem's power and repented, which brought them healing.
Q: Why did Hashem use a serpent for healing instead of another symbol?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:22) explains that the serpent was symbolic—just as the snake caused harm through its bite, the same image would now bring healing. This teaches that the very thing that causes suffering can also become a means of redemption when used with proper intention and faith in Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3) also emphasizes that the healing came from turning to Hashem, not from the serpent itself.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The lesson of the copper serpent teaches us about the power of faith and repentance. Just as Bnei Yisrael had to look upward to the serpent to be healed, we must also turn our hearts and minds toward Hashem in times of difficulty. The Talmud (Berachot 10a) connects this idea to prayer—just as looking at the serpent brought healing, sincere prayer and trust in Hashem can bring us spiritual and physical salvation.
Q: Was the copper serpent kept after this incident?
A: Yes, the copper serpent was preserved and later mentioned in 2 Kings 18:4, where King Chizkiyahu destroyed it because people began treating it as an idol (Rashi there). This teaches an important lesson—while objects can serve as reminders of faith, they must never become objects of worship themselves, as only Hashem is the true source of healing and salvation.
Q: Why did the people need to look at the serpent instead of just praying?
A: The act of looking at the serpent was a physical demonstration of their faith and repentance. The Talmud (Yoma 22b) explains that Hashem often requires an action (מעשה) alongside prayer to awaken people’s hearts. By actively turning their gaze upward, Bnei Yisrael showed their willingness to reconnect with Hashem, reinforcing the idea that healing comes through both divine mercy and human effort (השתדלות).
The Copper Serpent in the Wilderness
The verse (Bamidbar 21:8) describes Hashem's instruction to Moshe to create a saraf (venomous serpent) and place it on a pole, so that those bitten by snakes could look at it and live. This follows the people's complaints and the subsequent plague of fiery serpents.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bamidbar 21:8) explains that the copper serpent was not the actual source of healing. Rather, when the people looked upward toward the serpent, they directed their hearts to Heaven and subjugated themselves to Hashem, thereby meriting healing. The act of looking was symbolic of repentance and faith in Hashem.
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (3:37), Rambam discusses this incident as a means to inspire faith. He explains that the copper serpent served as a test—those who trusted in Hashem would look at it and be healed, while those who doubted would not benefit from it. The miracle was designed to strengthen emunah (faith) in the people.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Symbolism of the Serpent
The choice of a serpent as the symbol is significant. The Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Bamidbar 21:8) explains that the serpent represents the yetzer hara (evil inclination), and by gazing upon it, the people acknowledged their sins and turned back to Hashem. The elevation on a pole symbolized rising above physical desires and focusing on spiritual elevation.
Practical Lesson in Emunah
This episode teaches that salvation comes not through physical objects but through sincere teshuvah and trust in Hashem. The copper serpent was merely a vehicle to inspire introspection and faith, reinforcing the principle that healing and redemption are ultimately in Hashem's hands.