The Bronze Snake: Healing by Faith, Not Magic. A bronze serpent lifted high in the wilderness might sound like myth, but it is a vivid moment in Israel’s history and a powerful prophecy of Christ. In Numbers 21 God used a bronze snake to save a rebellious nation. Later Jesus used the same image to explain His cross. Understanding this story—and how it differs from surrounding pagan myths—guards us from superstition and magnifies the gospel.