Keraia
Numbers 17

Numbers 17:4

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

Translations

Modern
Place the staffs in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you.
Traditional
And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.
Literal
And you shall place them in the Tent of Meeting before the face of the Testimony, where I meet with you.
Latin
…ponesque eas in tabernaculo fœderis coram testimonio, ubi loquar ad te.

Original

Hebrew
English
Place the staffs in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you.

Notes

Numbers 17:4

The staffs were in the Lord's presence, a safe place where no one could interfere with them (17:7).

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

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 Mercy-Seat: The Shekinah Upon Miracles: Catalogue of Aaron's Rod Buds Miracles: Design of Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To