Keraia
Numbers 17

Numbers 17:1

Aaron’s Staff Buds · Numbers 17:1–13
Read Numbers 17

Translations

Modern
And the LORD said to Moses,
Traditional
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
Literal
And YHWH spoke to Moses, saying,
Latin
Et locutus est Dominus ad Moysen, dicens:

Original

Hebrew
English
And the LORD said to Moses,

Notes

Numbers 17:1–5

The shepherd's staff was a common item (see Psalm 23:4). Like the scepter, it symbolized authority (see Jeremiah 48:17). This trial was fitting because the Hebrew words for "staffs" and "tribes" sound the same. The Lord's chosen staff would show his chosen tribe.

Numbers 17:1–13

The Lord gave another test to make the lesson clear. This test repeated the teaching from the events in chapter 16. It also prepared the people for the instructions that follow in chapter 18.

Numbers 16:1–17:13

Another rebellion demanded a clear separation of duties between priests and Levites. This power struggle was more serious than previous rebellions against God's authority (chapter 11; 12:1–15; 14:1–45).

In these historical events, the rebels protested minor issues and questioned their leaders' actions. Yet, Moses reminded them that they were actually rebelling against God. As a result, the Israelites suffered deadly consequences for their rebellion.

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Moses

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Aaron’s Rod Courts and Trials Deuteronomy, Book of Kadesh, Kadesh-Barnea Numbers, Book of Wilderness Wanderings

Topics

Aaron: Preserved Aaron: Priesthood of Blindness: Israelites Journey of Israel Through The Desert: Returned by the Way to the Red Sea: God's Choice of Aaron Confirmed Levites of the Amramites, Aaron and his Family Were Set Apart As Priests Miracles: Catalogue of Aaron's Rod Buds Miracles: Design of Rod of Aaron Buds