21:5 In Psalm 78, we learn the sources of Israel’s complaining: (1) Their spirits were not steadfast with God (78:8); (2) they refused to obey God’s law (78:10); (3) they forgot the miracles God had done for them (78:11). Our complaining often has its roots in one of these thoughtless actions and attitudes. If we can deal with the cause of our complaining, it will not take hold and grow in our lives.
21:6 God used poisonous snakes to punish the people for their unbelief and complaining. The wilderness where they traveled has a variety of snakes. Some hide in the sand and attack without warning. Both the Israelites and the Egyptians had a great fear of snakes. A bite by a poisonous snake often meant a slow death with intense suffering.
21:8, 9 When the bronze serpent was hung on the pole, the Israelites didn’t know the fuller meaning Jesus Christ would bring to this event (see John 3:14, 15). Jesus explained that just as the Israelites were healed of their sickness by looking at the serpent on the pole, all believers today can be saved from the sickness of sin by looking to Jesus’ death on the cross. It was not the snake that healed the people but their belief that God could heal them. This belief was demonstrated by their obedience to God’s instructions. In the same way, we should continue to look to Christ (see Hebrews 12:2).
21:14 There is no other existing record of the book of the wars of the LORD. Most likely, it was a collection of victory songs or poems.
21:23 How could this horde of wilderness wanderers successfully fight against Sihon’s well-organized army? (1) The Israelites had already engaged in several military encounters (Exodus 17:8; Numbers 21:1); (2) Moses was well trained in warfare from his days as an Egyptian prince; (3) the people were prepared for war (Numbers 1). God had given the Promised Land to Israel. Any country who got in their way would be destroyed, for God, who is mightier than any army, was with his people. Sihon was outmatched without knowing it.
21:27-30 Chemosh, the national god of Moab, was worshiped as a god of war. This false god, however, was no help to this nation when it fought against Israel. Israel’s God was stronger than any of Canaan’s war gods.
21:34 God assured Moses that Israel’s enemy was conquered even before the battle began! God wants to give us victory over our enemies (which are usually problems related to sin rather than armed soldiers). But first we must believe that he can help us. Second, we must trust him to help us. Third, we must take the steps he shows us.