La serp d'aram: assaig d'interpretació metafòrica

Studies on the episode of the serpent of bronze have identified three principalapproaches to the story. The symbolic aspect comes out of the book ofWisdom (Wsd 13.11-19). The reading of 2Kgs 18.4 has led many authors toan aetiological analysis. The depths of the spiritual meaning are especiallyevident in the New Testament and the Mishna. Taking account of the wealthand depth of the aforementioned positions, we have put forward anotherapproach. The serpent of bronze, made by Moses following the orders of God,constitutes a figure with a catechetical function which the leader of Israeluses to ridicule the worship of images. If the Israelites, attracted by idolatry,are able to contemplate the uselessness of images, such as represented by theserpent, they can then discover the stupidity hidden behind idol worship. Oncethey are convicted of their foolishness, they will turn to following the Law, ametaphor for the presence of the Lord in the soul of Israel. While it may contain early elements, the final redaction of the episode appears in the time ofEsdras and Nehemiah, with the intention of making clear to the people, heldin the grip of idoloatry, the falsehood of the images and of facilitating a meansfor the sinful community to abandon the pagan temptations and retrieve theirlove for the Law, the prized metaphor for the beating of the Lord in the heartof his people.