The lyrics of "Jubilee" talk about the Israelites growing tired of God and Moses, longing for slavery once again. They complain and sin, leading to the fiery serpents appearing as a punishment. Moses creates a metal snake on a pole as a symbol of suffering and healing so the people can look up and be made whole. However, in time, the metal serpent becomes an idol and people forget true faith, similar to idolizing a brazen cross today.

Meaning of "Jubilee" by Michael Card

"Jubilee" by Michael Card uses the biblical story of the Israelites in the wilderness to explore the themes of faith, idolatry, and the human tendency to forget suffering and lose sight of true faith. The song presents the Israelites' journey as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of forgetting the lessons learned in times of suffering and turning towards idols. By focusing on the symbolism of the brazen serpent on a pole as a representation of suffering and healing, the song emphasizes the importance of looking up to higher truths and maintaining faith even in the face of adversity. The mention of idolizing a brazen cross today highlights the modern relevance of the story, suggesting that humanity continues to struggle with placing faith in material symbols rather than in the true spiritual essence they represent. Overall, "Jubilee" serves as a powerful reminder to stay faithful, humble, and grateful, learning from the mistakes of the past to avoid falling into the trap of idolatry and shallow faith.