Numbers 17:3

Translations

Modern

…and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi, because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe.

Traditional

And thou shalt write Aaron’s name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.

Literal

And you shall write the name of Aaron on the rod of Levi, for there shall be one rod is for the head the house of of their fathers.

Latin

Nomen autem Aaron erit in tribu Levi, et una virga cunctas seorsum familias continebit:

Original

Hebrew

English

…and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi, because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe.

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

Related verses

Numbers 18:1
So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood.
Exodus 6:16
These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.
Numbers 18:7
But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”
Numbers 3:2–3
These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, then Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.
Exodus 6:20
And Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites

Glossary

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

Topics

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

Numbers 17:3

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