Having been refused passage by the Edomites, the Israelites faced further opposition from the Canaanites. They were attacked and some of the Israelites were captured. For once the Israelites responded with faith. They approached God and made avow to Him. They then gained victory over the Canaanites.
Unfortunately this improved behaviour did not last and they soon started complaining again, largely because they had to take the long way round because of the Edpmites. They also started complaining about the food again.
The Lord sent poisonous snakes among them. The people admitted their guilt and Moses prayed for them. God told Moses to make a bronze snake, if anyone had been bitten by a snake they were to look at the bronze snake and they would be healed. There are obvious parallels here with Jesus and the cross. Jesus was lifted up on the cross, and we need to look to Him for forgiveness. Moreover, He became sin for us.
The Israelites then continued on their journey. Sihon offered further opposition, but Israel defeated them. They also faced further opposition, but also overcame this.
They key point to note from this is that Israel is now starting to win victories, and this will have an effect on the attitude of other nations to her. This prepares the ground for what happens in the next chapter.
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