The answer is: Moses

Numbers 21:7-8 - In response to the Israelites' complaints and the resulting snake plague, Moses interceded with God who instructed him to create a bronze serpent. This act foreshadows Christ's crucifixion, as noted in John 3:14-15, where Jesus references the bronze serpent as a symbol of salvation for believers.

In the story of Moses and the fiery serpents from Numbers 21, we see a pivotal moment of intercession highlighting deeper themes of salvation and healing. The Israelites, facing the wrath of the fiery serpents as a result of their dissatisfaction and complaints, called out to Moses for help. His heartfelt prayer demonstrates the essence of leadership, where burden-bearing does not end, even amidst a faith crisis among the people.

When God instructs Moses to create a bronze serpent, it becomes a powerful symbol. This isn't just about physical healing from snakebites; it resonates more profoundly within the narrative of redemption and faith. In many ways, the serpent made of bronze can be likened to the Old Testament's foreshadowing of new life through sacrifices and divine mercy, pointing many centuries forward to the crucifixion of Jesus. This foreshadowing found its peak in John 3:14-15, where the transformation of the serpent illustrates the idea of looking upward—trusting in divine intervention for healing and salvation.

What’s interesting here is the symbolism behind snakes; in the ancient Near East, they often represented danger and poison but also held significance in myths of renewal. The concept of a “bronze serpent” is also somewhat paradoxical—an object made by man serving as a conduit for healing symbolizes how, even through human design, divine power manifests and leads to redemption. In these tales, woven across millennia, we uncover threads that stress the transformative nature of faith, even amidst disparity.