Joe: Alright! So, we got Bible Expert here, and we're gonna talk about Numbers 21. What's the story?

Bible Expert: Well, Joe, Numbers 21 is all about the Israelites complaining to God and how He punishes them. It starts with the Israelites grumbling and complaining about the food and water that God has provided. God gets angry and sends venomous snakes to punish them.

Joe: Whoa! Venomous snakes? So what do the Israelites do?

Bible Expert: Well, they realize that they have sinned and ask God for forgiveness. So God tells Moses to make a bronze snake and put it on a pole. Anyone who looks at the bronze snake will be healed from the snakebites.

Joe: (Interrupting) Hang on a second. What does a bronze snake have to do with healing?

Bible Expert: It's a symbol of faith. Looking at the bronze snake in faith will bring healing from the snakebites.

Joe: Wow, that's amazing. So, what else happens in the chapter?

Bible Expert: The Israelites then go on to defeat the Canaanite cities of Arad, Heshbon and Bashan. They also make a detour around the Edomites.

Joe: Is there anything else we should know about Numbers 21?

Bible Expert: Yes, it ends with a poem about how the Lord gives strength to His people. The poem celebrates God's power and His faithfulness to the Israelites.