Numbers 17:1-7

1 The LORD spoke to Moshe, saying,

2 Speak to the children of Yisra'el, and take of them rods, one for each fathers' house, of all their princes according to their fathers' houses, twelve rods: write you every man's name on his rod.

3 You shall write Aharon's name on the rod of Levi; for there shall be one rod for each head of their fathers' houses.

4 You shall lay them up in the tent of meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you.

5 It shall happen, that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Yisra'el, which they murmur against you.

6 Moshe spoke to the children of Yisra'el; and all their princes gave him rods, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aharon was among their rods.

7 Moshe laid up the rods before the LORD in the tent of the testimony.

Numbers 17:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS 17

In this chapter the priesthood of Aaron is further confirmed and established by the budding and blossom of his rod, as it lay among the princes of the several tribes, when theirs did not, Nu 17:1-9; which rod of Aaron was ordered to be laid up before the ark, as a token against the rebels, and to put an end to all murmurings against Aaron for the future; which was accordingly done, Nu 17:10,11; upon which the people expressed their fear of perishing because of their sins, Nu 17:12,13.