The Song of Nehushtan

Amidst a struggle for political independence, King Hezekiah, the thirteenth ruler after David, sought not only to free Judah from the grip of the Assyrian Empire, but also to secure the religious sovereignty of Israel's God. To cleanse the people from foreign cultic practices, Hezekiah dismantled revered symbols of old, including the high places and the bronze serpent crafted by Moses in the wilderness.

In the Second Book of Kings, we glimpse Hezekiah's devotion to the God of Israel:

"Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. And he did that which was right in the eyes of the LORD. He removed the high places, and broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah; and he broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made; for unto those days the children of Israel did offer to it; and it was called Nehushtan." – 2 Kings 18

Hezekiah's loyalty to the God of Israel was rewarded with a miraculous plague that decimated the Assyrian army. Yet, I cannot help but wonder what songs the ancient Judeans had sung to Nehushtan, the Fiery Serpent, when seeking healing and protection. What offerings and gifts accompanied their supplications to the fiery serpent?

Although those songs have been lost to time, I have endeavored to compose a piece that may evoke the spirit of those ancient hymns and echo the praises our ancestors once sang. Adorned with archaic language from the 1611 King James Version of the Bible, this hypothetical hymn, inspired by Jason' Miller's presentation of an invocation from the Greek Magical Papyri and by two biblical stories, pays tribute to Nehushtan.

May these words recall our ancestors' devotion and offer a glimpse into a time when Nehushtan held a place of veneration in the hearts of our people. Join me in offering a tribute to this symbol that represents healing throughout the world and recalls the faith of our ancestors.

O Victorious and Majestic One,
Thou who hast been and shall forever be.
“The number of Thine years cannot be searched out,”
From “everlasting to everlasting” is thy majesty.

In the wilderness, Thy radiant presence shone.
When “the Lord was angered, He sent forth serpents” amongst our fathers.
But “Moses wrought a fiery serpent and raised” You upon The Pole.
Our fathers gazed into Thine eyes, “and they lived.”
May we, their children, witness Thy greatness once more, Nehushtan.

In the Land, Thou harkened to our vibrant cries,
We entreated Thee, “remember the battle,” that strife may cease.
—Should God's wrath stir once more,
“Shatter our foes” with Thy fearsome might!

When Thou dost rise, the mighty tremble,
“Thy teeth are terrible round about,”
Thy scales are Thy pride “and cannot be sundered.”
Thine heart, as steadfast as stone, is “firm as nether mil-stone.”
“Upon the earth, who is like unto Thee,” fearless art Thou made.

Thine eyes do flash forth light, like morning's eyelids bright,
“Out of Thy mouth go burning torches, and sparks of fire leap.”
“Out of Thy nostrils goeth smoke, as a seething pot and burning rushes.”
“Thou maketh a path to shine after Thyself.”

Praise and adoration to thee, Nehushtan, our Healer,
“In Thy neck, strength resides, turning sorrow to joy,”
Thou, O Serpent, art always our beacon of hope,
With reverence, we bring gifts unto Thee,
May Thy presence abide with us, now and forevermore.

Quotations are from Job 26:36, Psalm 90:2, Numbers 21:5-9, Job 41:8, Psalm 68:21, Job 41:14, Job 41:19, and Job 41:22 in the 1611 KJV and from the JPS Translation.