Aaron’s rod, or staff, played an important part in God’s plan to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. In ancient Israelite culture, a rod was a symbol of authority. Shepherds used rods to guide and correct their flocks.
The background of this story is that the people of Israel have challenged the authority of Aaron. In Numbers 17 we read of how God had quelled the rebellion of Korah and his followers. Even after God destroyed the rebels against Moses and Aaron, there were still challenges against their authority. There were especially challenges to Aaron’s position as high priest.
More complaints from the people
It is in this context of so much rebellion and revolt that the Lord in Numbers 17 graciously and lovingly will yet give one more clear sign to the people whom He would have serve in the priestly office.
God commanded Moses to have the leader of each tribe of Israel bring his rod or staff to the tent of meeting, with Aaron’s rod representing the tribe of Levi. Each of the twelve leaders was to have his name inscribed on his rod. The Lord told Moses, “Buds will sprout on the staff belonging to the man I choose. Then I will finally put an end to the people’s murmuring and complaining against you”
So twelve rods or tree sticks, were gathered, each one with their tribe’s name on it and brought to Moses. And what was Moses to do with the twelve rods? Numbers 17:4-7 tells us that Moses was to lay them before the LORD before the ark of the covenant, and the promise and word of God was that He would cause one of them to blossom, making clear as to who was to be the priestly tribe of God’s choosing.
Numbers 17:5 And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout. Thus I will make to cease from me the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against you.”
They left their rods before the Lord, and in the morning “Aaron’s staff, representing the tribe of Levi, had sprouted, budded, blossomed, and produced ripe almonds” (verse 8). Aaron’s rod didn’t just sprout buds; it brought forth flowers and fruit, a clear demonstration of the power of the One who gives life. Verse 10 says, “And the Lord said to Moses: ‘Place Aaron’s staff permanently before the Ark of the Covenant to serve as a warning to rebels. This should put an end to their complaints against me and prevent any further deaths.’”
What happened to the rod
Numbers 17:8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
The rod had some parts were in bud, others in bloom, and others had fruited.
It is clear from the last verses of this chapter [Numbers 17:12-13] that the people received the message from God. Finally the people realized their sin in challenging Aaron’s role.
Isaiah 11:1 foretells in view of Christ Jesus, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him.”
Don’t you find it beautiful how this scripture of Numbers 17 points us to Jesus Christ the Saviour?
That rod, Aaron’s rod, was the only one that bloomed meaning that the owner of the rod that bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds was the one chosen by Him, the Lord, to be the leader of the Levites and the High Priest.
What is it we carry in the world we live in? Is it barren and ordinary much like the staffs of other people? Or is it the living and fruitful?
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Let us each examine our lives. Are we producing fruit that will bring honour and glory to Christ? Despite our various backgrounds or disadvantages, the budded rod is a symbol of God's power to enable us to bear fruit for Him that will last forever.
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