Snakes & adders – Chukkat
The people appeal to Moses. He prays to God, who says to make a fiery serpent out of brass and put it on a pole, so that anyone who is bitten will look at it and live (Num. 21).
The Mishnah explains that it is not some magical property in the brazen serpent that cures them, but by looking at it the people are reminded of the supremacy of God and submit themselves to Him (RH 3:5).
Perhaps the explanation needs explaining. What Samson Raphael Hirsch says is this. The serpents are sent to show the people that danger besets their every step. It is only because of God’s protection that they can proceed safely. What God is doing in the wilderness is not to endanger their lives but to provide them constantly with the means of survival.
The fact is that you live in fantasy land if you expect that life’s path will always be smooth. There are and will always be challenges ahead. Instead of accusing God of being malicious in making us confront the challenges we should be grateful that He tests our moral strength and helps us find within ourselves the power to proceed.
