While traveling around the land of Edom, the Israelites became irritable and complained against God and Moses regarding their food and water. In response to their sin, the Lord sent poisonous snakes among them, but after the people repented, He told Moses to place a bronze snake on a pole so that anyone bitten who looked at it would live. This story serves as a reminder of Jesus, who was lifted on the cross to bring forgiveness and eternal life to all who look to Him.