The Bronze Serpent and the Blood That Turned Hearts to Heaven

Likewise: "And the LORD said to Moses, Make for yourself a fiery serpent" (Numbers 21:8). Now does the serpent kill or give life? Rather, Israel would gaze upon it and believe in the One who commanded Moses to do so, and the Omnipresent would send them healing. Likewise: "And the blood shall be a sign for you" (Exodus 12:13). Now what benefit is the blood to the angel, or what benefit is it to Israel? Rather, as long as Israel placed some of the blood upon their doorways, the Omnipresent would reveal Himself and have compassion upon them, as it is said, "and the LORD will pass over the door" (Exodus 12:23). Rabbi Eliezer says: What does Scripture teach by saying "and Israel prevailed," or what does it teach by saying "and Amalek prevailed"? Rather, as long as Moses raised his hands toward on high, the Holy One, blessed be He, would remember Israel, who are destined to prevail through the words of the Torah that are destined to be given by his hand; and when he lowered his hands, Israel were destined to be brought low in the words of the Torah.