The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917], at sacred-texts.com
Numbers Chapter 21
Hormah
That is, utter destruction.
serpent
(See Scofield) - (Gen 3:14).
The serpent is a symbol of sin judged; brass speaks of the divine judgment, as in the brazen altar
(See Scofield) - (Exo 27:1)",
note (2) and self-judgment, as in the laver of brass. The brazen serpent is a type of Christ "made sin for us"; (Joh 3:14); (Joh 3:15); (Co2 5:21) in bearing our judgment. Historically, the moment is indicated in the cry: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?" (Mat 27:46).
Then Israel
The spiritual order here is beautiful:
(1) atonement (Num 21:8); (Num 21:9); (Joh 3:14); (Joh 3:15).
(2) water, symbol of the Spirit bestowed (Num 21:16); (Joh 7:37-39).
(3) joy (Num 21:17); (Num 21:18); (Rom 14:17).
(4) power (Num 21:21-24).