Scripture Insight: Alma 33: 19-22

Alma 33: 19-22
19 Behold, he was spoken of by Moses; yea, and behold a type was raised up in the wilderness, that whosoever would look upon it might live. And many did look and live.

20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. But there were many who were so hardened that they would not look, therefore they perished. Now the reason they would not look is because they did not believe that it would heal them.

Discussion
I've always been familiar with this scripture and the story behind it. I understand its significance and the application it has. But what I just picked up on was what is being mentioned at the beginning of 20, "but few understood the meaning of those things."

Now this refers back to the previous verse where Moses was using the brass serpent as a "type" or similitude of the atonement. So it wasn't just that they didn't believe because of the easiness of the way (which was the main part), but ALSO because they didn't understand the symbolism behind it either. The hardness of their hearts preventing them from seeing the WHY of the matter. What seemed too simple to them had a purpose with a deeper meaning that they completely missed because they were too prideful and stubborn.

Now I recognize I'm judging them using 20/20 hindsight provided by the restoration of the gospel with more knowledge given to us than any other prior dispensation. Its easier for me to see the connection from the brass serpent to the atonement because both events have happened. They had to look forward with more faith in their time and trust in the prophet (Moses). I have just have to trust and have faith that what was written is true (which it is).

But is does make me think about the prophet we have today and the things he warns us about and the counsel he provides. How many of us are hardening out hearts today because of the "easiness of the way" and not understanding any deeper meaning? We don't have hindsight for the future. That's where faith comes in. Unfortunately it doesn't look like everyone is exercising that faith...