This painting is the part of the serie of four paintings entitled Axis Mundi. Full title: Axis Mundi S3 – East – Nehustan, the copper snake
During the wilderness migration, Israel was attacked by poisonous snakes on its way to the Red Sea. It was God’s judgment because of the perpetual murmuring. The people repented under the weight of the plague, and Moses prayed to the Lord for them. In answer, God commanded Moses to make a copper snake and to nail it to a pole.
Whoever looked up at the copper snake made by Moses did not die from the snakebite. Jesus, referring to the original role of the copper serpent, said that the Son of Man will be lifted up in his likeness, so that whoever looks upon him in faith may have eternal life.
Music:
Louis Armstrong: Go down Moses
