High on Mount Nebo, a striking sculpture of the biblical Brazen Serpent draws the attention of pilgrims and travelers. Made by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni, this serpentine cross of sorts serves as a reminder of a significant biblical passage –and an invitation to ponder on the recurrent human concern for bodily and spiritual healing.
The origin of this bronze serpent can be traced back to the biblical Book of Numbers. In this book, Moses’ followers grow tired and frustrated on their journey through the desert and speak against God and Moses himself. In response, the narration goes, God sent poisonous snakes among them as punishment –and many were bitten. Soon afterwards, in a moment of divine mercy, God instructed Moses to make a bronze snake and raise it on a pole –the famous Nehushtan. Those who looked at it were miraculously healed and saved from certain death.
Now, the word Nehushtan deserves to be looked at carefully. It derives from Semitic root words for “snake” (nahas) and “brass” (nahoset). In more ways than one, the word is a pun that can be interpreted as “The Great Serpent” or “The Great Brass.” Now, the word is not used at all in the Book of Numbers. It is first used later, in the second Book of Kings, to describe the bronze serpent Moses erected –which was later destroyed by King Hezekiah during his religious reforms. By this time, Moses’ followers had begun to worship the serpent as an idol, and Hezekiah sought to break their attachment to this relic by derogatorily naming it Nehushtan –as if reducing it to a mere thing made of brass.
When you visit Mount Nebo, the mountain that has been traditionally regarded the place where Moses died, the Brazen Serpent sculpture becomes a focal point. Its twisting form recalls the ancient symbol of the bronze serpent, while its placement on a cross evokes the Christian belief in salvation through the crucifixion of Jesus. Indeed, in the Gospel of John, Jesus of Nazareth is said to draw a direct parallel to this story, saying, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14).
This rich interplay of these Scriptural narratives and symbols makes Mount Nebo an essential pilgrimage site for believers in all Abrahamic traditions. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and beyond. It is surely a powerful backdrop for prayer and reflection.
The Brazen Serpent sculpture invites each traveler to reflect on the mysteries of their own faiths. Whether visiting as a pilgrim or simply seeking spiritual renewal, the artwork serves as a visual reminder of God’s healing power, and the hope found in His promises.