Who Was Nehushtan in the Bible?
Nehushtan, referred to in Hebrew as נְחֻשְׁתָּן (Nĕchushtan), meaning “a piece of brass,” appears in the biblical narrative during the reign of King Hezekiah. Found in 2 Kings 18:4, Nehushtan was not a male deity but a bronze serpent that the Israelites had begun to worship. This object had a significant history dating back to the time of Moses, where it served as a symbol of God’s healing power.
Historical Background of Nehushtan
The story of Nehushtan begins in Numbers 21:4-9. During their wilderness journey, the Israelites complained against God and Moses, resulting in the Lord sending venomous snakes among them. Many Israelites were bitten and died. When the people repented, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten could look at the bronze serpent and live. This serpent was a powerful symbol of God’s mercy and deliverance.
The Idolatry of Nehushtan
Over the centuries, this symbol of healing turned into an object of idolatry. By the time of King Hezekiah, the Israelites had begun to burn incense to the bronze serpent, effectively worshiping it as an idol. This practice was in direct violation of God’s commandments against idolatry. Hezekiah, known for his religious reforms, took decisive action to restore true worship. 2 Kings 18:4 records his actions: “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it. (It was called Nehushtan).”
Hezekiah’s Religious Reforms
King Hezekiah’s reign was marked by a return to the worship of Yahweh alone. His reforms included the removal of high places, destruction of sacred stones, and cutting down of Asherah poles—all practices associated with idol worship. The destruction of Nehushtan was a significant part of these reforms. By breaking the bronze serpent into pieces, Hezekiah demonstrated a clear break from the idolatrous practices that had crept into Israelite worship.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
Avoiding Idolatry
The story of Nehushtan serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of idolatry. Idolatry is not limited to the worship of statues or images; it can include anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. Modern Christians must be vigilant in ensuring that their devotion and worship are directed solely towards God. Material possessions, personal ambitions, and even religious symbols can become idols if they displace God from the center of our lives.
The Importance of True Worship
Hezekiah’s actions underscore the importance of true worship. Worshiping God involves more than outward rituals; it requires a heart wholly devoted to Him. Christians today can learn from Hezekiah’s commitment to removing anything that detracts from pure worship. This might involve evaluating personal habits, priorities, and influences to ensure they align with biblical principles.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Mercy and Deliverance
The original purpose of the bronze serpent was to provide a means of deliverance for the Israelites. This underscores God’s mercy and willingness to heal and restore His people. Despite their rebellion, God provided a way for them to be saved. This aspect of God’s character is a constant source of hope and assurance for believers today.
Staying True to God’s Commandments
Hezekiah’s destruction of Nehushtan highlights the necessity of adhering to God’s commandments. God’s instructions are designed to protect and guide His people. By obeying His commandments, believers can experience the fullness of God’s blessings and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry and sin.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The Bronze Serpent as a Foreshadowing
Jesus Christ Himself made a direct connection between the bronze serpent and His own mission. In John 3:14-15, Jesus said, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” The bronze serpent was a foreshadowing of Christ’s crucifixion. Just as the Israelites looked upon the bronze serpent to be healed, believers look to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for spiritual healing and eternal life.
Christ as the Ultimate Healer
The bronze serpent was a temporary provision for physical healing, but Christ offers eternal healing for the soul. His death and resurrection provide the ultimate deliverance from sin and death. Christians are called to place their faith in Christ alone for salvation, recognizing that He is the fulfillment of the hope symbolized by the bronze serpent.
Conclusion
The account of Nehushtan in the Bible is a multifaceted story that offers rich lessons for modern Christians. It warns against the dangers of idolatry, emphasizes the importance of true worship, and points to the ultimate deliverance found in Jesus Christ. By understanding and applying these lessons, believers can deepen their relationship with God and remain faithful to His commandments, ensuring that their worship is directed solely towards the Creator.