Definition: And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Numbers 21:6. It’s a really powerful story about God’s judgment on Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Serpent Attack: The verse tells us that God sent fiery serpents – think of them like snakes but incredibly hot and dangerous – to attack the people of Israel. They Bit People: These serpents didn't just crawl around; they bit people! They were venomous and caused real harm. Many Died: This is the really heartbreaking part. A lot of people died as a result of these snakes. What’s Happening – It’s About God’s Wrath: This story is about God's anger at Israel for disobeying Him. He’s showing that when people don’t follow His rules and directions, He will punish them. The serpents are a symbol of God’s judgment and force. They represent the consequences of sin and disobedience. What it’s Telling Us – A Message About Obedience: God's Justice: It highlights God’s justice – that He always keeps His promises and takes action when people don't live according to them. Responsibility: It shows that we are responsible for our actions, both good and bad. We must obey God’s commands. Important Note: It’s a sobering story, but it also emphasizes the importance of keeping His Word. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, I could go into: The context of this story in the Book of Numbers What the serpents represent metaphorically (like temptation and evil) How it relates to other stories in the Bible about God’s judgment