The Book of Numbers, in the Bamidbar Rabbah, grapples with this very question when describing the plague of fiery serpents. "The Lord sent the fiery serpents against the people, and they bit the people, and a large multitude of Israel died" (Numbers 21:6). But why serpents?

The text asks a piercing question: what did God see that led Him to punish the Israelites with these venomous creatures? The answer, according to Bamidbar Rabbah 19, lies in the sin of slander.

Think about it. The serpent in the Garden of Eden was the original slanderer, wasn't it? It twisted God's words, planting seeds of doubt and ultimately leading to humanity's expulsion. And what did God do? He cursed the serpent. Yet, the Israelites, despite witnessing this, didn't learn from it. They, too, engaged in gossip and negativity.

So, the Holy One, blessed be He, decided to apply a bit of poetic justice. “Let the serpent that began with slander first come and exact retribution against the slanderers,” says the text, echoing the idea that "one who breaches a fence, a serpent will bite him" (Ecclesiastes 10:8). It's a harsh lesson about the power of our words and the consequences of unchecked negativity.

But there's more to it than just slander. The Bamidbar Rabbah offers another perspective, this time focusing on the Israelites' ingratitude.

Consider the serpent's diet. "A serpent, dust will be its food" (Isaiah 65:25). Even if it eats the most delectable things, they all turn to dust in its mouth. Now contrast that with the manna, the miraculous food God provided in the desert. It tasted different to everyone! “They craved… He granted them their request” (Psalms 106:14–15), the text reminds us. It was a constant miracle, tailored to each individual's desires. As Deuteronomy 2:7 says, “These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have not lacked anything.”

So, here’s the comparison: The serpent eats a variety of things, but experiences only one bland, dusty taste. The Israelites ate one thing (manna), yet experienced a multitude of flavors. But instead of appreciating this incredible gift, they complained!

Again, the punishment fits the crime. Let the serpent, which knows only one taste, exact vengeance on those who experience many tastes but remain ungrateful. It’s a powerful reminder to appreciate the blessings we have, no matter how small they may seem.

And what about the "fiery" aspect of these serpents? The Bamidbar Rabbah doesn't shy away from the severity of their sting, noting that they "burn the soul." Rabbi Yudan offers a fascinating interpretation: the "fiery serpents" were actually connected to the very cloud that protected the Israelites. The cloud that burned and crafted a protective fence around the camp was now turned against them.

This is perhaps the most unsettling part of the story. It tells us that the miracles that God performed on their behalf were the very things He unleashed against them. The very protection they enjoyed became the instrument of their punishment.

It's a sobering thought, isn't it? The things we take for granted, the blessings we overlook, can become sources of pain if we are not mindful. The story of the fiery serpents in Bamidbar Rabbah is not just a tale of divine retribution; it's a call to examine our own hearts, to be grateful for what we have, and to be mindful of the power of our words. Because sometimes, the very things meant to protect us can turn against us if we're not careful.