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Question
What is the meaning of NEHUSHTAN as recorded in the book of Kings 2
chapter 18 verse 4 regarding the breaking of images of stumbling block
by King Hizekiah in Israel?
Answer
Rashi in his commentary explains that it is a name given to the "Nechash ha'nechoshet", the copper snake which they used to worship. The name was given in order to discount and humiliate it.
The Targum Yonatan explained that "Nehushtan" was what they used to call it (it's real name).
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