What was Nehushtan?

Response

The term Nehushtan is found once in the Bible, specifically in 2 Kings 18:4, where it states, “He [Hezekiah] removed the high places, broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah. He also shattered the bronze serpent that Moses had made, as the people of Israel had been offering sacrifices to it. They called it Nehushtan.”

2 Kings 18:4 refers back to Numbers 21:6–9, which recounts how the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, causing many Israelites to die. The people confessed their sin to Moses, who interceded for them. God instructed Moses to craft a bronze serpent and place it on a pole. Those who looked at it after being bitten by a serpent would live.

Between the time of Moses and Hezekiah, the Israelites began worshipping the bronze serpent made by Moses. Although Nehushtan is only mentioned in relation to Hezekiah’s reforms, this idolatrous worship likely existed long before his reign. Despite the miraculous healing associated with the bronze serpent, it constituted clear disobedience to God’s commands (Exodus 20:4-5). The bronze serpent served as God’s means of deliverance during the events of Numbers 21, with no indication that it was meant for future use.

Although Jesus does not use the term “Nehushtan,” he does mention the bronze serpent in John 3:14, saying, “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up.” Similar to how looking at the bronze serpent brought healing to those bitten by serpents, anyone can now gaze upon the lifted Son of Man for eternal life.

To Jesus, who was lifted up on the cross for spiritual healing, deliverance, and salvation.

Interestingly, the term Nehushtan seems to simply denote “piece of brass.” Perhaps Hezekiah chose to call it “Nehushtan” to emphasize that it was merely a piece of brass, devoid of any inherent power. Even in the Numbers 21 account, it was God who provided healing, not Nehushtan.

Nehushtan serves as a poignant reminder that even beneficial things— and virtuous individuals— can transform into idols in our lives. Our praise, worship, and devotion should be solely directed towards God. Regardless of its remarkable past, nothing else is deserving of such reverence.