Bible Commentaries
Numbers 21

Verses 1-35

The movement forward of the people now brought them into the path of conflict. The way was rough and difficult and the people were discouraged. Again they felt a lusting after Egypt and spoke against God and against Moses. So pronounced was their rebellion that swift judgment fell upon them in the form of the serpents. The provision made in the elevating of the brazen serpent was simple and sublime. That serpent was erected by the command of God. The people were told to look at it. In itself that was an act of obedience and a yielding to the God against whom they had rebelled.

Proceeding on their way they met and overcame Sihon and his Amorite hosts and then gained victory over Og the king of Bashan. At last we find them in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.