Numbers 21 Scofield
Read Numbers 21 · Matthew Henry on Numbers 21
21:9 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.
“serpent”
(See Scofield "Gen 3:14"). The serpent is a symbol of sin judged; brass speaks of the divine judgment, as in the brazen altar See Scofield "Ex 27:1", note (2) and self-judgment, as in the laver of brass. The brazen serpent is a type of Christ "made sin for us"; John 3:14; John 3:15; 2 Cor 5:21 in bearing our judgment. Historically, the moment is indicated in the cry: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" Matt 27:46.
21:17 Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it:
“Then Israel”
The spiritual order here is beautiful:
(1) atonement Num 21:8; Num 21:9; John 3:14; John 3:15
(2) water, symbol of the Spirit bestowed Num 21:16; John 7:37–39.
(3) joy Num 21:17; Num 21:18; Rom 14:17.
(4) power Num 21:21–24.
Public domain (1917). Text from the BibleSupport.com e-Sword module.
21:3 And the LORD hearkened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and he called the name of the place Hormah.
“Hormah”
i.e. utter destruction.