Page 135 - ירושלים: גיליון רפואי

The Serpent Kills and Brings to Life

Miracles and Plagues in the Chronicles of Jerusalem

Epidemics have always been traumatic events that underscore the helplessness of the
individual and society, and result in a harsh scrutiny of one’s values, often heralding a
change in one's world view and, ultimately, in the course of history. Plagues that killed
masses of people were perceived as punishments for breaking a religious or moral law for
which atonement and a return to rectitude could be achieved through prayer, hope for
recovery and miracles. Because of the sinful act of doubting their faith, of which Bnei
Israel (the tribes of Israel) were guilty while wandering in the desert, snakes were sent
to attack and to kill many of them. The brass serpent, miraculously created by Moses,
healed and saved those who gazed upon it. The snake was brought to Jerusalem, but
since it had been used for idol worship, King Hezekiah shattered it to pieces. The brass
serpent, Nechushtan, who killed and brought to life and who carried both the poison and
the antidote, became the symbol of health deities, medical institutions, and healers.

The basis for worship in Jerusalem is linked to the threshing-floor owned by Araunah,
the Jebusite, from whom David bought the site in an effort to halt the epidemic that was
killing the people of his nation. From that time plagues and miracles became touchstones
in the story of Jerusalem; their significance and influence spread beyond the boundaries
of time and place.

The gallery of 'Miracles and Plagues' contains illustrations of different cultures and their
expressions in art, through which a record of the tests of faith can be seen throughout
the history of Jerusalem.

133 ■ ‫נחש ממית ומחיה‬