Fiery Serpent
Artifactsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The fiery serpent, or Nehushtan, was a bronze image created by Moses at divine instruction to heal Israelites bitten by venomous snakes in the wilderness; it was later venerated as an idol and destroyed by King Hezekiah.
What is the meaning of Fiery Serpent in the Bible?
The fiery serpent, or Nehushtan, was a bronze image created by Moses at divine instruction to heal Israelites bitten by venomous snakes in the wilderness; it was later venerated as an idol and destroyed by King Hezekiah.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this artifact clarifies the biblical tension between divine provision and the prohibition of idolatry, illustrating how objects intended for healing were later condemned when worshipped as deities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.