Numbers 17

17:1-13 The Lord prescribed another trial to reinforce the lessons taught by the incidents in ch 16 and to introduce the instructions of ch 18.17:1-5 The shepherd’s staff was a common possession (cp. Ps 23:4) and, like the scepter, was a symbol of authority (cp. Jer 48:17). This trial was especially appropriate because the Hebrew words translated staffs and tribes are homonyms; the Lord’s choice of staff would indicate his choice of tribe.

17:4 The staffs were in the Lord’s presence (17:7), a safe spot where no one would tamper with them.

17:8 Aaron’s staff . . . produced ripe almonds! This was more than enough proof that Aaron was God’s chosen leader and that the Levites held a special position. The cups on the Tabernacle’s lampstand were shaped like almond blossoms (Exod 25:33-36). Later, Jeremiah’s vision of an almond branch represented the Lord’s vigil and his intention to carry out his plans (see Jer 1:11-12). • There is no natural explanation for the budding of Aaron’s staff. Almond wood is soft while alive and only becomes hard enough for use as a staff long after it has been cut off and allowed to dry.

17:9-11 After each tribal leader claimed his own staff, it was clear that Aaron’s deserved special treatment. It was placed permanently before the Ark to warn potential rebels and to deter Israelites who complained about the Lord and his appointed leaders. The Ark eventually contained this staff, a jar of manna, and the stone tablets of the law (cp. Heb 9:4) to remind the Israelites of their wilderness wanderings.

17:12-13 The Lord and his Tabernacle were holy, and because of God’s holiness, his sanctuary could be a dangerous place for those who were not qualified to enter it. Moses’ efforts to make the people understand and respect the God of Israel were bearing fruit.