Numbers 21

Jehovah

Jehovah (LORD) — the covenant God of Israel, the premortal Jesus Christ

And Israel vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. Numbers 21:2–3

Israel makes a vow to the LORD, and He hears them and delivers them. Latter-day Saints understand the LORD (Jehovah) who answers Israel's prayers here to be the premortal Jesus Christ.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · a traditional type, cited

• the same title in D&C 110:3-4 — The resurrected Christ identifies Himself as Jehovah.

Manna

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. Numbers 21:4–5

The "light bread" the people despise is the manna, the bread from heaven that Jesus said pointed to Him as the Bread of Life. Tired of the journey, Israel rejects the very gift that kept them alive, the same way people can take the Savior for granted.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a traditional type, cited

• alludes to Exodus 16:14-15 — The manna first given in the wilderness.
• interpreted by John 6:31-35 — Jesus explains the manna: Moses gave not the true bread from heaven; I am the bread of life.

Jehovah

Jehovah (LORD) - the covenant God of Israel, the premortal Jesus Christ

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. Numbers 21:5–6

The people speak against God, and the LORD sends the fiery serpents among them. Paul says outright that these Israelites were tempting Christ and were destroyed by serpents (1 Corinthians 10:9). The God they murmured against in the wilderness was the premortal Jesus Christ.

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · a footnote points to Him · a traditional type, cited

• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 10:9 — "Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents."
• alluded to by 1 Nephi 17:41 — Nephi recalls that the Lord sent fiery flying serpents among the hardened Israelites.

Moses as intercessor (type)

Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. Numbers 21:7

The people confess their sin, and Moses prays to the LORD for them, even though they had just spoken against him too. This points softly to Christ, who pleads with the Father for sinners.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• a type of what is in Hebrews 7:25 — Christ ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God by Him.
• a type of what is in D&C 45:3-5 — Christ as the advocate pleading the cause of the repentant before the Father.

Brazen Serpent

And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. Numbers 21:8–9

Anyone bitten who simply looked at the brass serpent on the pole lived. Jesus taught that this was a type of Him being lifted up on the cross, so that all who look to Him in faith can live. Book of Mormon prophets add that many would not look because it seemed too simple (1 Nephi 17:41; Alma 33:20).

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it · another scripture interprets it of Him

• interpreted by John 3:14-15 — Jesus: as Moses lifted up the serpent, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
• interpreted by Helaman 8:14-15 — Nephi: even so shall He be lifted up who should come; whoever looks to Him with faith shall live.
• interpreted by Alma 33:19-22 — Alma: a type was raised up in the wilderness; look to the Son of God and live.
• alluded to by 1 Nephi 17:41 — Nephi recalls the easy cure of looking, which many refused.
• alluded to by 2 Nephi 25:20 — Nephi cites the brazen serpent while testifying that there is no other name to be saved by than Jesus Christ.
• a type of what is in John 12:32-33 — "If I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" signifying His death.

Living Water

And from thence they went to Beer: that is the well whereof the LORD spake unto Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water. Numbers 21:16

Jehovah promises water to His thirsty people in the desert, and they sing when the well springs up. Paul taught that the water Israel drank in the wilderness came from Christ, and Jesus offers living water that never runs dry.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• alluded to by 1 Corinthians 10:4 — Paul says Israel drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.
• a type of what is in John 4:10-14 — Christ gives living water, a well springing up into everlasting life.

Jehovah

Jehovah (LORD) — the covenant God of Israel, the premortal Jesus Christ

And the LORD said unto Moses, Fear him not: for I have delivered him into thy hand, and all his people, and his land; and thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Heshbon. Numbers 21:34

Jehovah speaks to Moses and tells him not to fear the giant king Og, because the victory is already given. This is the premortal Christ's voice comforting His prophet.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · a traditional type, cited