Bible Animals Snake Stories

God had created everything on this planet perfect and good. There was abundance, love, peace, joy and no violence, fear, sickness or death. God created Adam in His image. And from him, formed Eve and delegated to them authority over the earth and Blessed them. They were to protect the Garden of Eden and fill the earth.

Adam and Eve lived in perfect harmony with God. They were physical beings like us, but like Jesus and Christian believers today, they were alive spiritually, connected to God and able to live by faith and experience spiritual revelation. Having daily access to God's wisdom made challenging tasks like naming animals not only possible, but easy.

All the fruit of the garden was there for their benefit and they were only forbidden from eating the fruit of one tree. God had given them a choice to obey His Word, or to rebel and be cut off from God as Satan and a third of the angels had done. (Job 4:18; Isaiah 14:12-17; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Revelation 12)

Satan, disguised as a snake, entered the Garden. Adam had the authority to demand that Satan leave and never return and that would have been the end of Satan on this planet. But instead, Satan sowed seeds of doubt into Eve's mind until she was deceived and no longer trusted God's Word. (2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 2:14)

Satan asked if God had restricted them from eating any fruit in the garden. Eve replied that only the fruit from the tree at the center of the garden was off limits. And strangely, she added that they could not even touch it. But that was not included in God's warning. It was simply to not eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, or they would die. Satan saw the opening he needed. A seed of doubt was present in Eve's mind and Satan jumped on this.

"You will not die!" said Satan. "God knows that your eyes will be open and you will be like God, knowing everything."

Eve took the fruit and ate it. She then gave it to Adam and he ate it as well. At the moment of disobedience, they were cut off from God. They were dead spiritually and their bodies were now subject to sickness and death. They were suddenly aware of their nakedness and ashamed. Innocence, love and peace once reigned in their hearts, but they were now overcome by fear, shame and selfishness. Before, they fellowshipped with God daily, now they tried to hide from Him. Satan would now rule the earth and all of creation would be subject to the curse and the corruption of evil.

God sought out Adam and asked him what had happened. Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. God's relationship with man would be drastically different now. God provided them clothes and explained to them the consequences of their sin. Life would be hard separated from God. But He would provide a solution and pay the penalty for man's mistake once and for all. The seed of Eve, Jesus, would crush the serpent's head, while he could only nip at his heal. This was the first of many promises of a coming Messiah.

There was one more challenge. Adam and Eve still had access to the Tree of Life. Had they eaten its fruit, they would live forever in a fallen, spiritually dead state. God sent them out of the garden and set an angel at the entrance to keep this from happening. The plan of redemption was put in place to reconnect God with His children. But life would be challenging for all mankind until Jesus came. (Genesis 1, 2 & 3)

Satan still attempts to deceive even believers, causing you to doubt God's Word. If he can get you to use your authority and speak words of fear or doubt, he can introduce sin and calamity into your life. But learn from Jesus. He defeated Satan's temptation in the wilderness by quoting God's Word. Jesus released faith-filled, God-inspired words and overcame all the works of the enemy.

Joseph and the Pharaoh that honored him died. Years passed by and the Jewish nation prospered until new leadership emerged in Egypt. Out of fear of the Jews growing numbers, the Egyptians enslaved them. For over 400 years they were forced to work building cities. The more the Egyptians oppressed them, the greater they flourished.

But God was watching and waiting for someone that He could use. He found their deliverer in a man named Moses. He was a Jew who had been raised in Pharaoh's house, but fled when he murdered an Egyptian overseer. He became a shepherd and started a family in Midian. Then one day he saw the glory of God, like fire burning a bush, but never consuming it. God told him that he was chosen to confront Pharaoh and lead the Jews out of Israel. Moses protested and God agreed to let his brother Aaron go with him as his spokesperson. When Moses asked what sign he could give that would prove that God had talked to him, God asked him what was in his hand. Moses answered that it was his rod. God told him to toss it on the ground and immediately it transformed into a snake. God then instructed him to grab it by the tail. When Moses did, it transformed back into a rod. God told him that Pharaoh would be very stubborn and only a dramatic display of God's power would get His people released. (Exodus 1-6)

Moses and Aaron appeared before Pharaoh and demanded that they release God's people. Just as God had said, Pharaoh demanded that they perform a miracle. Moses instructed Aaron to throw down his rod. As before, it transformed into a snake. Pharaoh called his magicians and sorcerers and they each threw down their rods. All transformed into snakes. But much to their surprise, Moses' snake swallowed all the other snakes. When only Moses' snake remained, Aaron grabbed it by the tail and it became a rod again. But Pharaoh was stubborn. He would not let God's people leave. (Exodus 7:1-13)

This seemingly odd story is rich with revelation. Just like the religious leaders demanded a sign from Jesus, Pharaoh demanded a miracle. And before man and all the satanic power behind the Egyptian empire, God gave them a preview of the entire plan of redemption. But nobody really understood.

The rod or staff was a sign of authority. It could also be used as weapon. But the interesting thing is that Jesus is also referred to as a rod in Isaiah 11:1 - A rod shall come out of the stump of Jesse. In Psalm 23:4 the rod and staff comfort the believer. The rod of Moses was a type of Jesus who became sin and swallowed up sin and sickness in death and was raised to sit at God's right hand. Snakes are symbolic of sin and evil. And as you are told throughout the Bible that Jesus became sin to redeem you once and for all. Here are a few references:

Speaking of Jesus, John the Baptist said, Behold the Lamb of God that takes the sins of the world away. (John 1:29)
Jesus said the ruler of this world will be cast out and that when he is lifted up, he will draw all people to him. (John 12:31-32)
Our old man is crucified with him (Jesus), that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
Peter said, He bore our sins on the tree and by his stripes, we are healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
Christ was made a curse to redeem us from the curse. (Galatians 3:13)
Through death, Jesus destroyed Satan who had the power of death (Hebrews 2:14)

After the dramatic display of God's power, the Egyptians released the Jews. God made the Egyptians shower the Jews with gifts out of fear and as just compensation for their labors as slaves. Now it was time for them to head to their promised land. They would have to cross through a wilderness, trusting God for all their needs. When they complained about water, God provided water. (Exodus 15:22-27, 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13) God provided a daily supply of manna for food and quail when they complained because they had no meat. (Exodus 16) God promised with obedience, none would ever be sick because He is the God that heals. (Exodus 15:26)

God had warned his people continually about their words. As humans on the earth, they had authority to speak words of faith or words of fear. The latter would open the door for Satan to introduce sin, sickness and death. After they had crossed the wilderness and were camped just outside their Promised Land, twelve spies went and searched out the land. When they returned, they confirmed everything was as God had said. But ten spies gave what God called an evil report, saying that it was impossible to conquer the inhabitants. The people wept and wished that they had died in the wilderness. And that is exactly what would happen. Only two people, Joshua and Caleb, the two spies that wanted to go at once and conquer the land, would live to enter and possess the Promised Land. Israel would wander in the wilderness another 40 years until the entire generation that had not trusted God had all died. (Exodus 13, 14)

Many years later, God's people were once again approaching the Promised Land. The people began complaining, "Why have you led us into the wilderness to die?" And just as they said, poisonous snakes appeared in the camp and everyone that was bitten died. The people repented and asked Moses to pray for them. God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and place it on a pole. Anyone who was bitten and looked at that symbol was healed. (Numbers 21:4-9)

In this story we see yet again another type of Jesus. A bronze snake is powerless to inflict injury. When Jesus died on the cross, he defeated Satan once and for all. He became a curse to free us from the curse. Jesus refers to this event during a discussion with the Jewish leader Nicodemus.

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. (John 3:14-15 HCSB)

When the people who were bitten by a poisonous snake looked at the bronze snake, they were healed. In our day, we believe in Jesus and are healed both spiritually and physically. God sent His Word, Jesus, and HEALED us. This revelation has been in your Bible for 2,000 years. But many Christians just don't know everything Jesus did for them. Even God says, "My people are destroyed because they lack knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

Faith comes from continually hearing the Word of God. Read and meditate on these truths in your Bible every day. Follow the advice that God gave Joshua - Keep His Word on your mind and on your lips day and night, and carefully observe all that is in it. Then you will prosper and succeed in everything you do. (Joshua 1:8-9)

Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Jesus came to give you life in abundance. (John 10:10)
All sickness is part of the curse. Jesus redeemed you from the curse and gave you the Blessing. (Deuteronomy 28; Galatians 3:13-14)
God's Word is life and health. (Proverbs 4:20-22)
God sent His Word, Jesus, to heal all diseases, forgive all sin and redeem your life from destruction. (Psalm 103:1-5, 107:20)
Jesus bought and paid for your healing. (isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24-25)
Jesus healed everyone that came to him in faith. And he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. (Matthew 8:14-17, Mark 1:29-34, Luke 7:1-17; John 5:1-15; Hebrews 13:8)
Unbelief blocks miracles. (Matthew 13:54-58; Matthew 17:19-20; Mark 6:4-6) .

Jesus was teaching his disciples about prayer when he asked this question:

If your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? If they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? (Matthew 7:10)

He then went on to explain that if sinful people will do what is right for their children, how much more will their heavenly Father give the very best gifts to those who ask Him. God is a good God. We need to expect good things form Him and recognize that when evil comes, it does not come from God.

At another time Jesus was sending the disciples out to the Jewish people. He commanded them to heal the sick and raise the dead. (Matthew 10) He then told them:

I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. Be wary as snakes and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

This was before Christ had gone to the cross and defeated Satan. After the resurrection, disciples could be spiritually reborn and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They would be in an even more powerful position to overcome the power of the enemy. As Peter would later explain by writing:

Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

Jesus loves everyone and was quick to forgive any sinner who approached him in faith. But he pulled no punches when it came to the religious leaders of his time. The Pharisees and Saducees were the teachers of the Law and should have been spiritual role models for the nation of Israel. Instead, they had become corrupt, ignoring the most important commandment to love God and show mercy to His people.

Jesus came to spread the Good News that God loves His people. And the religious leaders persecuted Jesus for that and eventually had him crucified for calling God his Father. Along with the audacity to show mercy, by healing people on the Sabbath.

In Matthew 23, Jesus gives a passionate speech condemning the religious leaders. Among the charges, they don't practice what they preach. They act pious for show. They enjoy attention and the special seats at banquets. They exalt themselves and do not serve others. They are blind guides leading the blind. They ignore the more important aspects of the law - justice, mercy and faith. They worry about outward appearances and ignore the evil in their own hearts - hypocrisy, greed and lawlessness. They persecute and murder prophets and teachers.

Jesus called them snakes and a brood of vipers. Interestingly, John the Baptist had used the same language about the religious leaders. (Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7)

The religious leaders of Jesus' day had developed hundreds of rules and customs, along with a bureaucracy of leaders who no longer sought God, but instead sought their own personal gratification. Selfishness ruled the day which is the exact opposite of love. They had turned the Temple into a shopping center, further discouraging true worship of God. (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-48)

They were so spiritually blind and corrupt, they did not even recognize God in their presence. They saw the good works, the fulfillment of prophecy, the wisdom of the Words he spoke and even witnessed Jesus healing the people of all diseases. They loved their status and were so jealous of Jesus that only a few secretly followed him. The majority plotted almost from the very beginning to have Jesus destroyed. They were pawns in Satan's hands, but this time his actions would lead to his eternal defeat.

Christians and especially their pastors have a wonderful responsibility. But a frequent reading of Matthew 23 should be required. It is very important that your efforts are for the glory of God and not for selfish reasons or pride. Love should be the primary motivation for everything you do. You should remember the warning Jesus gave of the dangers of causing anyone to lose faith. He told them it would be better if they had a millstone tied around their neck and were tossed in the sea rather than cause a believer to sin. (Matthew 18:5-7; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:1-2)

Paul was taken under guard to Rome. On the journey, the ship sank near the island of Malta. All the sailors and prisoners made it to shore where the residents greeted them and built fires to warm them. As Paul was placing wood on a fire, a poisonous snake bit his hand and hung there. Paul shook it off into the fire and continued his work.

The residents of the island assumed that Paul was a dangerous criminal who had escaped the sea, but justice simply found a different way to deal with him. As the minutes passed and they saw that Paul showed absolutely no ill effect from the snake bite, they then assumed he was a god.

Publius, the island's chief official, entertained them. His father was very sick so Paul went and prayed for him and he was healed. Soon, many of the inhabitants brought their sick to Paul and they were cured. When it was time to leave for Rome, they were showered with gifts and provisions for the journey. (Acts 28:1-10)

The people of Malta judged the world by what they picked up through their senses. What they could see, taste, hear, feel, smell, was the basis for all their knowledge and superstition. When they saw the poisonous snake hanging on Paul's hand, based on their knowledge, he was a dead man and a victim of divine justice. But Paul was living under a greater spiritual revelation. He knew that Jesus, his Savior, had defeated sin, sickness and death on the cross. He had God's promise that he would preach at Rome. When Satan tried to interfere, Paul simply shook it off and continued his ministry. It is no surprise that later Paul would write, "The Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and bring me safely to his heavenly Kingdom." (2 Timothy 4:18)

God's promises for protection fill the Bible. In fact, Jesus specifically mentions snakes in both Mark 16:17-18 and Luke 10:18-20 declaring that believers have been given authority over all the power of the enemy, and can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. This promise is not limited to snakes and scorpions, but to any person, thought or thing Satan uses in an attempt to hurt a child of God. Like Paul, you need to fill your spirit with God's Word and renew your mind to know how much God loves you. This is most perfectly represented by Psalm 91. Read it often and remember that God has your back.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
Surely he will save you
from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

If you say, "The LORD is my refuge,"
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

"Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
(Psalm 91 NIV)