1)

Why did Hashem instruct Moshe to make a snake?

1.

Seforno: To remind them of their sin - the slander that they spoke with the breath of their mouths, just as the snake injects its venom with the breath of its mouth.

2.

Ramban, Da'as Zekenim and Hadar Zekenim: It is Hashem's way to perform a miracle within a miracle, by removing the punishment using the very same object with which He dealt the stroke. 1


1

Ramban: See for example, Beshalach Sh'mos, 15:25, Melachim 2, 2:21 and Yoma, 84a. See also Ramban, who elaborates.

2)

What is the meaning of "ve'Sim oso al Neis"?

1.

Rashi: It means 'Place it on a pole' 1 (called a Neis, because, like a miracle, it is there as a sign - Rashi in Yeshayah, 5:26).


1

Rashi: As we find in Yeshayah, 30:17, 49:22 & 13:2.

3)

Why does the Torah insert the word "Kol ha'Nashuch"?

1.

Rashi: Because even dogs and donkeys bit the people, 1 wounding them and causing them to become weak.


1

See also Ba'al ha'Turim on Pasuk 6.

4)

Since when does looking at a snake kill or cure?

1.

Rashi (citing Rosh Hashanah 29a), Ramban, Rashbam and Targum Yonasan: It wasn't the snakes that killed or cured. Rather, when Yisrael looked upwards and subjugated their hearts to their Father in Heaven 1 , they were cured. If not, they deteriorated. 2


1

Ramban: And realize that Hashem kills and Hashem brings to life.

2

See Torah Temimah, note 10.

5)

Why did their declartion "Chatanu" combined with Moshe's Tefilah not suffice? Why did they also need to look upwards?

1.

Because "Chatanu" is th first stage of Teshuvah, which is performed with the mouth. But one still needs to do Teshuvah with the heart - parficularly when the sin entails a lack of Emunah - which means reconnecting with Hashem by acknowledging His Sovereignty and rendering oneself totally subservient to Him.

6)

Hashem sent "ha'Nechashim ha'Serafim." Why did the people ask Moshe to remove only the Nachash? Why did Hashem say to make a Saraf, and why did Moshe make a Nachash?

1.

Moshav Zekenim, Riva and Rosh: Hashem sent two afflictions - Nechashim for speaking against Him, and Serafim for speaking against Moshe. 1 They people prayed about the Nachash, for speaking against Him; there was no need to pray immediately about the Saraf. Hashem was zealous for Moshe's honor, and commanded to make a Saraf 2 , so they would be careful not to speak against him again (Rosh). Moshe pardoned his honor, and made a Nachash, to remind the people that they sinned against Hashem.

2.

Moshav Zekenim, citing R. Eliezer of Garmaiza: Moshe knew that it says about [the angels called] Serafim "v'Notzezim k'Ein Nechoshes Kalal" (Yechezkel 1:7). Hashem did not say Nachash, which hints to Moshe's sin, lest He frighten him. Moshe saw a Nachash at the Sneh after saying that Yisrael will not believe him (Shemos 4:3), and a snake swallowed him when he delayed circumcising his son (Rashi, Shemos 4:24). Also refer to 21:9:1:1*.


1

K'sav Sofer: The Nachash was for [speaking against] Hashem; it was the first to do so (in Gan Eden), and the Saraf for Moshe. It says about Chachamim (Avos 2:10) 'Lechishasan Lechishas Saraf.' Derech Chayim (2:10)

7)

"L'cha" always means 'for your benefit' (See Rashi in Lech-L'cha Bereishis, 12:1). What benefit would Moshe gain from the snake?

1.

Moshav Zekenim, citing R. Eliezer of Garmaiza: Also Moshe was afraid of the snakes, since once the destroyer has permission to destroy, he does not distinguish between Tzadik and Rasha. 1 Therefore Hashem said "Asei l'cha".

2.

Rosh: The Saraf would make Yisrael careful not to speak against Moshe again.:

3.

Avodah Zarah, 44a: "Asei l'cha" here means that Moshe should make the snake at his own expense.


1

The Midrash says so only regarding Zenus! Refer to Bereishis 6:13:2:1. (PF)

8)

When Moshe Davened for the frogs to be removed, Hashem removed them. Why did Hashem not remove the snakes?

1.

Chafetz Chaim: This shows that there is a cure for everything, except for Lashon ha'Ra (for which the snakes came).

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