The people of Israel were in trouble. Deep trouble. They were dying. So God had mercy on them and sent fiery serpents among them. Wait! What? The people were dying not because of the serpents, they were dying because of their unbelief. They were dead and dying in their trespasses and sins. Their unbelief was the problem. The serpents were the solution. And they did the trick! The people returned to the Lord. They repented. And once again, God was merciful and gracious.