Related monologues (or maybe relative monologues separated in time) inspired by Numbers 21:4-9
(Who is speaking? A father during the Exodus)
What nonsense has Moses gotten us into now?
Venomous snakes in the camp?
People are dying ... AGAIN!
Why did he ever come to us in Egypt?
Why were we so desperate we believed him?
Why did we follow him into the desert?
Though we were oppressed in Egypt, it was safer than this!
We were safe; we had food and water.
No enemies. No plagues, ...
I've lost count of how many of my family and friends have died, and almost exclusively the older generation, but prematurely. Moses said all those 40 or older when we left Egypt would die before we reach this fabled "promised land" flowing with milk and honey - though actually the spies we sent say it's filled with giants and strong armies.
What were we thinking?
And now, these snakes.
In his insanity, Moses has made a bronze serpent and put it up on a pole in the middle of camp, saying if anyone is bitten, they may look to the snake on the pole, and they will not die.
How ridiculous it that? A snake on a pole has no power!
(Later. The father's son)
Well, we buried Dad today in a mass grave with so many others, who like him, refused to believe, and look, and live.
I heard his rants and musings, and understand why he ignored our pleas.
We begged him to look to the bronze serpent after he was bitten.
He refused, saying a bronze snake had no power.
We tried to convince him that it was the Lord who brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand, bringing all those plagues on them - He is the One with the power.
He is the One who heals.
Looking to the bronze serpent is only a symbol of trust,
recognizing that the Lord has the power to save,
and in that faith, looking to the serpent,
believing the Lord who made the promise that all who looked would live,
could and would fulfill that promise.
But Dad had no faith, and now, he is dead.
