share torah logo

Numbers 21:9 - Faith heals through divine symbol

Numbers 21:9 - במדבר 21:9

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ מֹשֶׁה נְחַשׁ נְחֹשֶׁת וַיְשִׂמֵהוּ עַל־הַנֵּס וְהָיָה אִם־נָשַׁךְ הַנָּחָשׁ אֶת־אִישׁ וְהִבִּיט אֶל־נְחַשׁ הַנְּחֹשֶׁת וָחָי׃

English Translation

And Moshe made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as Moshe nachash nechoshet va'y'simehu al hanes v'haya im nashach hanachash et ish v'hibit el nachash hanechoshet vachay.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ מֹשֶׁה֙ נְחַ֣שׁ נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וַיְשִׂמֵ֖הוּ עַל־הַנֵּ֑ס וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־נָשַׁ֤ךְ הַנָּחָשׁ֙ אֶת־אִ֔ישׁ וְהִבִּ֛יט אֶל־נְחַ֥שׁ הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת וָחָֽי׃
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ מֹשֶׁה֙ נְחַ֣שׁ נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וַיְשִׂמֵ֖הוּ עַל־הַנֵּ֑ס וְהָיָ֗ה אִם־נָשַׁ֤ךְ הַנָּחָשׁ֙ אֶת־אִ֔ישׁ וְהִבִּ֛יט אֶל־נְחַ֥שׁ הַנְּחֹ֖שֶׁת וָחָֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Copper Serpent in the Wilderness

The verse describes Moshe's creation of a copper serpent (nechash nechoshet) to heal those bitten by fiery serpents (nechashim serafim) as a response to the people's complaints (Bamidbar 21:6-9). This incident raises several theological and practical questions addressed by traditional commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 21:8) explains that the copper serpent was not the actual source of healing, but rather a symbolic means to direct the people's hearts toward Heaven. When they looked upward and subjugated their hearts to their Father in Heaven, they would be healed. The serpent served as a visual reminder to repent and recognize Hashem's authority.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:37), Rambam discusses this as an example of Hashem accommodating human nature. Since people naturally seek physical remedies, the copper serpent served as a vehicle to inspire faith while appearing as a medical cure. The true healing came from trust in Hashem, not the copper image itself.

Talmudic Insights

  • The Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 3:8) states this teaches that if one merely looks at the serpent, they would live, but if not, they would die - emphasizing the power of faith.
  • The Gemara (Berachos 54b) includes this among the things one must remember daily, teaching that salvation comes from turning to Hashem in times of distress.

Symbolic Meaning

The Midrash (Tanchuma Chukas 19) explains the serpent was chosen because the people were punished through serpents for speaking against Hashem and Moshe (which resembles a serpent's venomous speech). The cure mirrored the cause to teach that their healing required recognizing the source of their affliction.

Later Jewish Interpretation

The Ramban (Bamidbar 21:9) suggests the copper serpent represented the divine attribute of justice being transformed into mercy. Just as copper changes color when polished, the people could transform their situation through repentance. The elevated position on the pole symbolized raising one's focus from earthly matters to spiritual concerns.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Rosh Hashanah 29a
The verse is discussed in the context of whether one can derive benefit from objects used for mitzvot, using the copper serpent as an example.
📖 Avodah Zarah 44a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about idolatry and the prohibition against making images, even for a mitzvah, as the copper serpent was later destroyed due to being misused for idolatry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe make a copper serpent in Numbers 21:9?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 21:8), when the Israelites complained against Hashem and Moshe, they were punished with venomous snakes. When they repented, Hashem instructed Moshe to make a copper serpent and place it on a pole. Looking at it with sincere faith in Hashem would heal them, teaching that salvation comes from turning to Hashem.
Q: What is the deeper meaning behind the copper serpent in Numbers 21:9?
A: The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 29a) explains that the copper serpent itself had no power to heal. Rather, it was a test of faith—when the Israelites looked upward (symbolizing turning their hearts to Heaven), they were healed. This teaches that true healing comes from recognizing Hashem’s authority and repenting.
Q: How does the copper serpent apply to us today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3) uses this episode to emphasize that symbols (like the copper serpent) are only meaningful when directing one’s heart to Hashem. Today, we learn that physical objects or rituals are only effective when accompanied by genuine faith and repentance.
Q: Why was the serpent made of copper specifically?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:22) notes that copper (נחושת) hints at the word 'נחש' (serpent), symbolizing that the very source of their punishment became the means of their healing. This reflects the Jewish concept that teshuvah (repentance) can transform past sins into merits.
Q: Did the copper serpent have magical powers?
A: No. The Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 3:8) and Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 1:3) clarify that the healing came solely from the Israelites’ faith in Hashem, not from the serpent itself. It was a visual reminder to humble themselves and seek Divine mercy.