Key Verse: "And Moses 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."
- Numbers 21:9 KJV
The Book of Numbers, often seen as a record of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, is rich with both history and prophetic insight. Even within this book, hidden among the genealogies, censuses, and accounts of rebellion, the presence of Jesus is evident. From the cloud by day to the pillar of fire by night, God is leading His people, but the subtle glimpses of Christ predict the greater salvation that would come.
Let’s explore how Jesus is revealed in the Book of Numbers.
1. Jesus as the Provision of Life
In Numbers 21:1-9, the Israelites, growing impatient and complaining against God and Moses, are bitten by venomous serpents. As a result, many die. But in an act of mercy, God commands Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Whoever looks at it will be healed.
Numbers 21:8-9 (KJV)
“And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses 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.”
This event is a powerful typology of Jesus. In John 3:14-15 (KJV), Jesus Himself refers to this incident when speaking to Nicodemus: “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be healed from their snake bites, we must look to Jesus, who was lifted up on the cross, to be healed from the deadly venom of sin. The bronze serpent was a symbol of the curse (sin), yet it became a means of life. Jesus, who bore the curse of sin on the cross, became our source of eternal life.
2. Jesus as Our Intercessor
In Numbers 16, we read the tragic story of Korah’s rebellion, where he challenges Moses’ leadership. God’s anger burns against the people, and a plague begins to spread. However, in a powerful moment of intercession, Moses and Aaron fall on their faces and plead for mercy on behalf of the people.
Numbers 16:47-48 (KJV)
“And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.”
Aaron stands between the living and the dead, making atonement for the people. In the same way, Jesus stands between God’s holy wrath and sinful humanity, interceding on our behalf. He took on our sins, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to quench the judgment of God and to bring us peace.
Romans 8:34 (KJV)
“Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Through Jesus' death and resurrection, He is continually interceding for us before the Father, ensuring that we have access to the throne of grace.
3. Jesus as the Source of Living Water
In Numbers 20:2-13, the people are again in a desperate situation—thirsty in the wilderness. God commands Moses to speak to the rock, and from it, water will flow to quench the people’s thirst. However, Moses, in his frustration with the people, strikes the rock instead of speaking to it. Despite Moses' disobedience, God still provides the water, but Moses is not allowed to enter into the Promised Land.
Numbers 20:11 (KJV)
“And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.”
This rock is a type of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:4 (KJV) tells us “that Rock was Christ.” Just as the rock provided the Israelites with water, Jesus, the true Rock, provides us with living water.
John 4:10 (KJV)
“Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.”
And in John 7:37b-39 (KJV), Jesus declares that He is the source of this living water, by saying:
“If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
In the wilderness, the Israelites were thirsty, but Jesus is the eternal supply of living water for all who are spiritually thirsty. He quenches our deepest need and offers us the promise of eternal satisfaction in Him.
4. Jesus as the Fulfillment of God’s Promise
Finally, the very name "Numbers" can remind us of the idea of counting or numbering the people of Israel, indicating that God has a plan and purpose for each person. Jesus, as the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, came not just for Israel, but for all nations, to bring them into God's family.
In Numbers 24:17, Balaam prophesies of a star that will rise out of Jacob, a ruler who will come from Israel.
Numbers 24:17a (KJV)
“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…”
This prophecy points to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would rise out of Israel, bringing salvation to all nations. The "Star" is a clear reference to Christ, who, as the Light of the World, has come to bring salvation to the Gentiles as well.
Conclusion
In the wilderness wanderings, Israel experienced many trials and testing, but God’s provision, mercy, and promises pointed ahead to a greater fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the Rock, the Water, the Intercessor, and the fulfillment of every promise.
As we reflect on the Book of Numbers, let us remember that even in the midst of struggle and failure, God has provided a perfect Savior. Just as Israel looked to the bronze serpent and were saved, we look to Jesus, lifted up on the cross, and are saved. May we never forget the precious gift of life and intercession He offers to all who come to Him.
John 6:35 (KJV)
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
Psalm 34:8 (KJV)
“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
May we continue to trust in the one who provides for us in every way, now and forevermore. Amen.
