Answering Islam - A Christian-Muslim dialog

Serpent to Savior

Roland Clarke

The article titled, Serpent, in the New World Encyclopedia makes a number of interesting observations showing how cultures around the world have viewed snakes and serpents:

Serpent (from Latin: serpens, serpentis) is a word used in mythological or religious contexts to denote a being that looks like a snake but has a heightened sense of intelligence. Serpents are found in the mythology of many cultures and world religions, and are associated with both negative and positive connotations. On the one hand, serpents are commonly connected with regeneration, renewal, and health (which is still implied by the modern medical symbol); yet, on the other hand, they are frequently seen in Judeo-Christian and Islamic cultures as symbols of evil and wickedness. Such ambivalent viewpoints reflects the fascination that humanity has placed in these creatures over the ages. Overall, few cross-cultural symbols have played such a widespread role in evoking a range of attitudes from fear to loathing to admiration. (bold added)

A prominent archaeologist and theologian recently noted that the bronze image of a snake on a pole in Moses' time “focused the Israelites' faith on God, who pledged that everyone bitten would look to His promise and live. ... [Interestingly,] snake cults existed in the Bronze Age prior to the Israelites' arrival [in the promised land]. Excavations have uncovered snake cult objects in (five Canaanite) cities. Because the bronze serpent (preserved from Moses' time) became like an idol, Hezekiah destroyed it. (2 Kings 18:4)” (From Snake to Savior, by Randall Price)

Snake cults and serpent symbols are not only found in the ancient past; they exist in modern times. Interestingly, in the city where I live we have 600 newcomers who have traditionally venerated the (black) snake, “one of the enigmas and mysteries of Yezidism.” (p.49, The Serpent Symbolism in the Yezidi Religious Tradition and the Snake in Yerevan, by Dr. Peter Nicolaus)

The author further explores the brass image of a sacred serpent and bamboo stick associated with a Yezidi cult which he, himself, discovered in Yerevan, Armenia. Nicolaus also notes that “Any visitor to Lalish in Northern Iraq will be stunned … by the image of a huge black snake that greets them on entry into the courtyard of the Yezidi main sanctuary.... In addition to these snake images carved into the walls of … many sanctuaries, the Yezidis also possess at least one statue of a snake cast in bronze.” (p. 50, bold font added for emphasis) Isn't this fascinating?

These last few years I've been asking God for wisdom to make the most of the opportunities – not only in terms of building genuine friendships with Yezidis but also pointing them to Jesus. While reading the article by Randall Price I was reminded of John 3:14-16, where Jesus “used the fiery serpent incident to explain how He interceded for us. We were fatally bitten by that old serpent, the Devil, through the fall (Rev. 12:9; 20:2) and were dying from the poison of sin. … Once we realize we are doomed to die for our sin (Rom. 5:12) and look to the One God has raised up, Christ on the cross, to heal us, we will live (eternally).” (Price, op. cit.)

Mystery

The Scripture passage which instructs us to relate to unbelievers in a gracious, seasoned-with-salt manner also mentions the “mystery” of the gospel. (Colossians 4:2-6) Indeed, the Bible often talks about the gospel as a mystery that we need to present in a clear, understandable way.

Dr. Peter Nicolaus notes that Yezidizm acknowledges senjaqs (like peacock and snake) as “symbols of the supreme divine being (Xwade, Allah, etc,) … the symbolism of the snake remain(s) mysterious and inaccessible for non-Yezidis.” (bold added) This emblem is shrouded in secrecy as Nicolaus has carefully documented. For example, he recounts a conversation in 1846 between Yezidi leaders and the famous archaeologist, “Sir Austen Henry Layard, whose excavations greatly increased the knowledge of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia. … Layard was invited to participate in almost all events connected with the celebration of the principal feast of the Yezidi religious year. The religious leadership appeared to reply openly to all his questions in the friendliest and frankest manner. Nevertheless, they did not tell him the full truth. For instance, when he saw a black snake carved into the wall near the doorway of the main temple at Lalish … Layard considered it 'particularly conspicuous' and suspected that the snake and the other figures on the same wall were emblematical. However, he could 'obtain no other explanation from Sheikh Nasr, than that they had been cut by the Christian mason who repaired the tomb some years ago, as ornaments suggested by his mere fancy.'” (Layard, 1882: 184)

More recently Joanna Bochenska probes the fascinating, if perplexing, snake symbol in her article, Following the snake: Yezidi Interpretations in Contemporary Literature. Bochenska cites three modern Kurdish authors (Mehmed Uzun, Hesene Mete & Jan Dost) who “admit that many [Yezidi] symbols are 'mysterious' and one is unable to understand them fully.” So she suggests that creative new interpretations of mythical Kurdish stories “await to be discovered in its intertextual dimension. That is why the modern interpretation should rather expand the borders and seek new perspectives and approaches.” (p.124)

The Paradoxical Symbolism of Snakes in Yezidism

Bochenska cites a snake fairy tale titled, Cilkezi, which involves a black and white snake. Then she “underline(s) a few meanings which can be connected with the Yezidi tradition where the snake is a significant symbol associated with Good rather than Evil as is widespread in Christian and Muslim traditions.” (p.127, bold added) She continues to explain that it “would be more appropriate to say that the snake's 'natural evil' is understood as the source of Good not Evil.” (p.128) In the final analysis, Bochenska endorses a conundrum/paradox, “based on the co-existence of opposites and implies the close relationship between God and Satan.” (p.146) Nevertheless, instead of resolving the tension between these opposites, her approach ends up blurring the distinction between Good and Evil!

Interfaith-Intertext

Tragically, Bochenska overlooks two stories about serpents from the writings of Moses that can provide a key to unlock the paradox involving opposites: God/Satan, Good/Evil. In the first story YHWH, the one true God, confounds and overpowers Pharaoh's false gods by miraculously turning Moses' rod into a snake which ultimately devours the inferior snakes belonging to Pharaoh's magicians.

The second Bible story which conveys positive snake symbolism is summarized in The Action Bible as follows (based on Numbers 20:22-21:22):

The Israelites travel on. When they come to Mount Hor, God tells Moses that Aaron will soon die, and he should take Aaron and his son Eleazer to the mountaintop.

“Eleazar, take your father's robes. You will take his place as High Priest of all Israel.”

Aaron dies on Mount Hor and Israelites mourn for 30 days. Then they move on. A cloud leads them by day, and a pillar leads them by night. But the people soon forget God's care … and again they complain …

“There's not enough water I'm always thirsty.”

“Hasn't God always given us water when we needed it?”

“Yes, but the food-- I'm always sick of this stuff that we have to gather every day and make into bread. I want food like we had in Egypt – melons, fruit ...”

“And you said God would give us freedom! Do you call this freedom? Wandering around the wilderness?”

Suddenly, as punishment for their grumbling, the camp comes alive with poisonous snakes.

“Help! I've been bitten!”

“Help me or I'll die!”

Moses, we've sinned against God and against you. Forgive us and take away these snakes! Please!”

“I will ask God to help you.”

Moses prays and God tells him to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole.

“Listen to me, everyone who has been bitten by the snakes. God said that if you look at this bronze snake, you will be well again.”

“I'm well! God has healed me.”

Everyone who looks up at the snake is healed.

We know that a serpent image/symbol was common in the ancient world and in the time of Moses snakes were venerated in Egypt and in land of Canaan. But the Israelites had a starkly different attitude rooted in their understanding that God cursed the ancient serpent for misleading Adam and Eve and causing their downfall. So the question naturally arises, "Why did God use a bronze image of a snake lifted on a pole as a positive remedy, signifying deliverance?"

While this story strikes many moderns as some form of ancient magic, the text is clear that it is actually the Lord's solution and works only because of his power. By having the Israelites look at the very symbol of their judgment, the Lord is having them acknowledge, “This is the judgment that you, Lord, have justly brought upon us, and only you can deliver us from it.” Jesus uses this event to explain his death on the cross. (John 3:14-16) [Footnote to Numbers 21:8-9, NIV Zondervan Study Bible, D.A. Carson]

Connecting the dots: SNAKE to SAVIOR

Christ's disciples found it extremely difficult to comprehend what Jesus was saying even when he clearly predicted that he would be killed and rise again three days later. (Luke 18:33-36; cf. John 20:9) If Jesus' closest associates struggled to grasp this teaching we mustn't think it will be easy for modern unbelievers, including Yezidis, to recognize how the bronze snake which Moses lifted up corresponds with Jesus who was lifted up (on a cross). This challenge calls to mind the earlier statement from Colossians 4 describing the gospel as a mystery thus implying that we need to present the good news in a way that is meaningful and understandable to our audience.

I've been in the home of certain Yezidis who have displayed a snake symbol on a wall-hanging beside a depiction of their main sanctuary at Lalish. On another occasion, while in the home of another Yezidi friend, they gave me a 'virtual' tour on a cell phone showing pictures of this special temple to which every devout Yezidi is encouraged to make pilgrimage.

In these pictures I noticed an image of a snake next to the entrance of their temple, not unlike the one Sir Austen Layard observed 180 years ago. As a friend it would have been natural for me to make an observation or ask questions out of genuine curiosity (without judgmental overtones), but sadly, I missed that opportunity.

In such circumstances it is appropriate to comment as follows; “Seeing the snake reminds me of a story about a bronze snake that God told the prophet Moses to mount on a pole.” “Have you heard about this story?” Then, if/when the door opens one could read the story as recorded in Numbers chapter 20 & 21.

After reading this riveting story we need to consider, “How can we make stimulating (seasoned) conversation with our Yezidi friends?” Allow me to suggest a simple question, “What do you think (or how do you feel) about this story?” Then, give a sincere listening ear. (This may also include exploring some impromptu remark from your friend involving a peculiar facet of Yezidi snake tradition.)

After listening carefully, be alert to an opportunity for posing a question based on the Bible story, “Why did the Israelites ask for advice from Moses?” … “Do you think they were looking for a quick and easy solution or did they sincerely want healing for the sin they committed?”

Obviously, a superficial solution for outward symptoms would be pointless. This raises another question, “How do you think God's servant, Moses, would be able to discern people's heart motives?”

Any Israelite who was willing to gaze with a contrite heart at the bronze serpent – the very symbol of their judgment – would humbly acknowledge, “This is the judgment that you, Lord, have justly brought upon us, and only you [Lord] can deliver us from it.” However, for those who were unrepentant and only wanted relief from bodily pain, probably they refused to heed Moses instruction. They were not interested to look with faith at the uplifted bronze snake. But whoever did look in faith was healed. This response demonstrated which people humbled themselves.

Making the connection between the uplifted serpent and the uplifted Son of Man may not be easy but remember that Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would guide us. Four Scriptures as quoted below are especially helpful in clarifying this challenging comparison:

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.” Galatians 3:13

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness... 2 Peter 2:24

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. … Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Messiah will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? … Who is this ‘Son of Man’?” (bold added for emphasis) John 12:23-34

Fanciful Christian ornament?

Earlier we noted how leaders in Lalish gave archaeologist Layard an evasive answer in response to his curious query, “Is there any significance to the snake emblem at the shrine entrance?” They explained that it was “cut by the Christian mason who repaired the tomb some years ago, as ornaments suggested by his mere fancy.” (bold added for emphasis) Were these Yezidi leaders inadvertently pointing in the right direction?

Furthermore, we have noted Joanna Bochenska's suggestion that creative new interpretations of mythical Kurdish stories “await to be discovered in its intertextual dimension.” (bold added) Undoubtedly this is true, but sadly, Bochenska (unwittingly or cleverly?) limits the scope of her “intertextual dimension” to Kurdish and Muslim writers. The fact is: most modern scholars use the term intertextual in the context of interfaith dialog. Therefore, Bochenska would have been wiser if she had included Jewish and Christian Scriptures (Old and New Testament) in her discussion. Clearly the Bible is the true compass enabling lost humanity to find our way home.

Destiny of the ancient serpent

The last book of the Bible records the final events of world history, in line with the divine verdict against Satan as predicted earlier by Christ in John 12:31 and indeed, as foretold by God in Genesis 3:15.

The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. … He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. … And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 12:9, 20:2,10, bold added)

Conclusion

The basic purpose of this article is to explain the redemptive analogy in John 3:14-16 where Jesus said, "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him."

Much of the discussion focused on how this principle applies to Yezidis, however, we should not underestimate its relevance to people of other cultures who also venerate/admire snakes. Indeed, the Serpent-to-Savior analogy has profound worldwide relevance, if only, because most humans harbor deep feelings of fear and or hatred toward snakes.

However, it is also important to bear in mind: snake cults, like Yezidizm, are painfully aware that snakes can be very dangerous. Dr. Peter Nicolaus has documented this at length in, The Serpent Symbolism in the Yezidi Religious Tradition and the Snake in Yerevan. He explains on page 57 that “according to Yezidi lore and the Black Book, the serpent, or at least its offspring, caused harm to man and was finally caught and burned. According to one account even the intentions of the serpent that rescued the ark [of Noah] were from the outset sinister and evil.24 ” (bold added) Nicolaus continues by quoting from two researchers who cited a tradition which involved the eminent trio Sheikh 'Adi, Melik, Sheikh Sin and Sheikh Shems. These three dignitaries encountered a snake while walking on a road, and each of them, in turn, recoiled from the snake, not allowing it to kiss his hand. Why?

“so that respect and awe for you [snake] would remain among humans forever, and they would fear you.” [Therefore] From that time onwards, according to Yezidi mythology, the snake is left alone and people fear it and recoil from it. When a man sees a snake, even when he know(s) it is not poisonous and cannot harm him, still he will recoil and be afraid” (Kreyenbroek/Rashow 2005: 391-392). ...

[In conclusion, Nicolaus says,] In view of the above quotes from the Yezidi religious oral tradition and from ad hoc statements of Yezidis concerning snakes, it becomes evident that the serpent represents opposing principles. On the one hand, the serpent is seen as frightening and dangerous ('they’ll build him a house from scorpions and snakes'). … Recalling the above briefly outlined dichotomy, as well as Yezidi secretiveness it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to decipher the exact symbolism of the serpent in Yezidi mythology.41 The serpent is a very ancient and universal symbol built upon the chthonic nature of the snake.42 [p.57-58, Nicolaus, op cit. Note: according to Oxford Languages Dictionary chthonic means; "concerning, belonging to, or inhabiting the underworld. 'a chthonic deity'".]


Point to ponder

The Devil's final destiny

Earlier we glimpsed the final destruction and burning of the serpent as taught in Yezidi folk lore and their Black Book. Interestingly, this agrees with the Bible, "And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lack of burning sulfur." (Revelation 20:10) I want to urge readers, therefore, to take to heart how Jesus pointed to the ancient healing imagery of the snake as lifted up by Moses. Then, immediately after comparing the uplifted serpent to himself being lifted up, Jesus declared, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

God's 'foolishness': wiser than man's wisdom

The article, titled, Look Snake, raises some thought provoking questions based on negative connotations associated with the ancient serpent's crafty deceit in causing the downfall of mankind. It strikes humans as strange that God uses a snake metaphor in Numbers 21 to signify a good remedy – a way to rescue and redeem mankind?

Let me rephrase the question, “Considering the serpent was accursed in the garden of Eden, why didn't God instruct Moses to use a completely different motif than a serpent image?” “Wouldn't it have been simpler for Moses to set up a bronze lamb on a pole for the stricken Israelites to look at and live?” (echoing the familiar rescue motif of the Passover Lamb). It is tempting to think this way, but on closer examination we see that God has his reasons.

Earlier we noted that the Israelites who suffered fatal snake bites should look at a snake image, the very symbol of their judgment so they would humbly acknowledge God had justly brought this judgment and only he could deliver them. Similarly, today we must repent and look at Jesus on the cross, acknowledging that he bore our sin, God's wrath and judgment for our sake.

Scripture says that from man's viewpoint, the cross is foolishness and weakness, but the truth is, the cross shows God's wisdom and demonstrates his power. Furthermore, God's wisdom 'outwits' worldly wisdom (i Corinthians 1:18-31; 3:18-20) Humanly speaking, it makes no sense for Almighty God to allow his Son to die like a criminal on the cross. However, in the end, God's plan proves to be wise. Through Christ's death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus is exalted above all principalities and powers. He is acclaimed the victor over all enemies including death and the Devil. (Philippians 2:5-10; 1 Corinthians 15:25-26; Revelation 20:10,14) Therefore, we should never presume that we can improve on God's wisdom by theorizing that a better solution for healing deadly snake bites could be to put a bronze lamb on a pole (as well intentioned as this suggestion may be).

A precis of the long article, Serpent to Savior, is available under the title, Look Snake!, which fits conveniently on two pages and is formatted as a PDF file. It shows how snake imagery in Exodus 7:8- 13 was, in fact, a strategic part of God's plan to outwit and overpower Pharaoh's wise magicians.

Another article exploring the theme of eternal life in the context of Yezidism is titled, Living water for Yezidis. It is available online here.

All Bible quotes are taken from the New International Version.

If you have questions about the article or would like to discuss these themes further please contact me here.

 

Postscript

Global Symbol: Snake-on-a-Pole

John Gu's excellent article, The Serpent on a Pole, observes that this image is featured on the flag of the World Health Organization. He asks, “Why is this? And where did it come from? Despite being such a unique and well known symbol, it seems as if the real story behind it has been long forgotten.”

[Gu continues] “If you were to do a quick surface level dive into ... the Rod of Asclepius, you likely won’t find anything that pertains to Christianity. In fact, what Google will lead you to is man-made mythology and idolatry. The Caduceus refers to the staff carried by Hermes from Greco-Egyptian mythology, while the Rod of Asclepius refers to Greek mythology regarding healing and medicine. That is what people think of now, when they see the snake on the pole. They see made-up stories along with made-up gods. Idolatry.

So what's the real story? The Bible tells plainly how God performed countless signs and wonders demonstrating idolatry to be false and proving that he is the one true living God. John Gu explains that enroute to the promised land,

God provided for them [Israelites] food, water and heavenly manna. [However] despite God's goodness, these people had the audacity to spit in the face of God, 'Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die … there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.'

Despite being more privileged and blessed by God than any other people, the Israelites were wicked in thought and evil at heart. Those snakes were doing the world a favour by ridding it of them – yet God showed mercy. [The Lord instructed Moses to lift up an image of a snake on a pole and anyone suffering a deadly snake bite could be healed by looking at it. John Gu emphatically states] that serpent on the pole itself did nothing for them. It was neither magical nor did it have healing properties. … The only thing that made it special, was that it symbolized God's mercy towards them. To accept and receive God's forgiveness and healing, all they had to do was look at it, and they would live.

The story doesn’t end there, however, and what happens next is tragic. Many years go by, and the Israelites keep the serpent on the pole, but instead of remembering it as a symbol of God’s grace and mercy, they corrupt it into an object of idolatry. We see this after a time skip into the days of King Hezekiah, when he starts his reign. It’s written that he was a king who trusted God, followed Him, and kept His commandments. As he begins his rule, 2 Kings 18:4 says that “he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan).” This short verse speaks volumes about what happened after that time in the desert. The people of Israel had forgotten the true meaning behind the serpent on the pole.

The true story behind the serpent on the pole became lost to the Israelites, and they forgot about it, along with the grace and mercy that they were shown by God. They then gave the mere object a name, fabricated false mythologies about it, and even proclaimed it to be divine and worthy of worship. Are you starting to see the parallels yet? What was once a symbol of mercy had become an object of idolatry. [bold font added]

As history tends to repeat itself, we see what happened with the Israelites again in our very day, with ... the rod of Asclepius. Not only that, but we as people have also turned to idolatry, have we not? So often in our personal lives, we tend to turn our worship away from our Creator and worship His creation instead. Because of that, we also find ourselves in the same plight as the Israelites: the wrath of God is coming for us.

The cure for the poison of the snakes wasn’t the bronze serpent on the pole. That object had no power to save anyone. In the face of death (the rightful punishment that we deserve as sinners), the only one who can save us is God.

Salvation from death comes not from a Greek god, Asclepius, or indeed, any other idol. As it is written, “Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to gods that cannot save. Declare what is to be, present it—let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:20-22) Then a few chapters later the prophet Isaiah foretells the coming of a special servant of the LORD who brings God's salvation worldwide. “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob … I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)

That one and only way is through Jesus Christ. That snake on the pole foreshadowed a greater salvation from death, a greater healing, and the ultimate sign of grace and mercy. The snake on the pole foreshadowed the coming of Christ. … Jesus speaks of himself in John 3:14-15, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world ...”

This is the story that the world has forgotten. The great story of God’s [sacrificial Lamb, John 1:29] ... who suffered in our place, paying the cost for us, even if it meant being likened to a serpent or a criminal. Jesus compared himself to the snake on the pole, knowing that He would be treated as a curse, as “anyone who is hung on a pole is under God’s curse” (Deuteronomy 21:23). He did this for our sake, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). … Jesus said with absolute certainty, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)