Miracles in the Wilderness: The Copper Serpent, Arnon River Wonders, and the Defeat of Sichon and Og

The journey of the Children of Israel toward the Promised Land was filled with astonishing miracles that protected them from their enemies and gave them the strength to continue. The fascinating stories of the copper serpent, the small yet powerful wasp, and the dramatic events at the Arnon River reveal the hidden divine forces that accompanied Israel throughout the long and challenging desert journey.

1. The Copper Serpent

A surprising punishment and a miraculous cure

During one period in the wilderness, the Children of Israel complained about the manna. God became angry and rebuked them for their ingratitude. A heavenly voice proclaimed that ever since the sin of Adam, the serpent had been punished to taste only dust in everything it ate, yet it never complained. Israel, however, received daily miracles from Heaven, food that could taste like every delicacy, and still complained. Therefore, the decree came that serpents would strike them.

God commanded venomous snakes to enter the Israelite camp. Many people were bitten, and many died. Frightened and shaken, the people repented and begged Moshe to pray for mercy. Moshe pleaded on their behalf, and God instructed him to make a copper serpent and place it on a high pole. Whoever had been bitten would look upward, turn their heart to Heaven, pray for forgiveness, and be healed. From this, Israel learned that healing came when they directed their hearts to their Father in Heaven. At that time, even those bitten by dogs, scorpions, and other harmful creatures were healed.

2. The Wasp That Defeated Israel’s Enemies

How a tiny creature brought victory

Before Israel entered the Land, God promised Moshe that He would send a messenger to drive out the nations of Canaan. Moshe desired that God Himself lead them, and God demonstrated that even a small creature could accomplish great victories by divine command.

The wasp, a small and seemingly weak insect, gathered poison from snakes and scorpions that God had destroyed and hurled it into the eyes of Israel’s enemies. It remained on the eastern side of the Jordan yet blinded powerful nations such as the Hivites, Hittites, and Amorites. Even warriors hiding in caves could not escape. Stones blocking cave entrances were broken as easily as paper, and the enemies were defeated. Through this, the nations saw the greatness of God, who used even a tiny creature to overpower mighty warriors.

3. The Mountains at the Arnon River

The ingenious miracle that crushed the Amorites

The Amorites heard that Israel camped near the Arnon River and devised an ambush. The river flowed between two mountains, one filled with caves and the other with protruding rocks aligned with the cave openings. The Amorites hid in the caves and along the river, planning to crush Israel with falling stones.

But God fought for Israel. As they approached, the Ark that had guided them throughout the wilderness caused the two mountains to move together. The protruding rocks slid into the caves, crushing the hidden enemies. Israel crossed safely, unaware of the danger beneath them.

To reveal the miracle, God directed Miriam’s well to wash through the caves, and the people saw blood and remains flowing out, realizing the great salvation they had received. The Israelites then sang a song of praise similar to the Song at the Sea: “Then Israel sang this song… Rise up, O well.”

4. Sichon, King of the Amorites

How prayer, strategy, and unexpected miracles brought victory

Sichon, king of the Amorites, was renowned for his strength. God told Moshe that Sichon had already been delivered into Israel’s hands. When Israel requested passage through his land, Sichon refused and gathered his forces for battle.

God caused Sichon to assemble all his troops in one place, allowing Israel to defeat them in a single battle. The fortified city of Heshbon seemed impossible to conquer, but God sent worms into the bodies of the soldiers, weakening them with intense pain. In confusion, the Amorites even mistook one another for Israelites and fought among themselves.

After Heshbon fell, other cities surrendered quickly. Only the city of Yaazer resisted. Calev and Pinchas went ahead, fought bravely with faith in God, and captured the city. The Torah summarizes this victory: Israel struck Sichon with the sword and inherited his land.

5. Og, King of Bashan

The giant who fell despite his immense strength

Og, king of Bashan, lived for centuries because he once informed Avraham about Lot’s captivity, though his intentions were not pure. When Israel approached his land, he uprooted a massive mountain and held it over his head to throw at them.

The Israelites were terrified, and even Moshe feared Og’s merit. God reassured him that victory was certain. Sparks of fire emerged from the Ark toward Og and his army. God sent ants to bore holes into the mountain Og carried, causing it to fall onto his neck. His teeth grew and trapped the mountain in place. Moshe then struck him, and Og fell.

As the mountain threatened to collapse onto Israel, Moshe prayed, and a miracle occurred: the mountain remained suspended between heaven and earth. The Torah describes the victory: God told Moshe not to fear, for Og and his land were given into Israel’s hand.

After Og’s defeat, many nations gathered to fight Israel but were defeated in a single campaign. The king of Canaan fled without battle and was granted a new land, Africa, while the Land of Israel retained the name “Canaan.”

King David later praised these miracles in Tehillim, declaring that God struck mighty kings such as Sichon and Og, “for His kindness endures forever.”

Faith and Miracles in the Desert Journey

The extraordinary miracles of the wilderness testify to divine power and constant support for the Children of Israel. From the copper serpent to the victories over Sichon and Og, each event reflects faith, hope, and divine intervention that guided the nation toward the fulfillment of the Promised Land. These stories continue to inspire awe and strengthen belief in God’s power and humanity’s ability to overcome every challenge.