Numbers 17:8-13

8 The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

9 Then Moses brought out all the staffs from the LORD’s presence to all the Israelites. They looked at them, and each of the leaders took his own staff.

10 The LORD said to Moses, “Put back Aaron’s staff in front of the ark of the covenant law, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die.”

11 Moses did just as the LORD commanded him.

12 The Israelites said to Moses, “We will die! We are lost, we are all lost!

13 Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to die?”

Numbers 17:8-13 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.

Cross References

• 1. ver 7; Numbers 1:50
• 2. ver 2,10
• 3. Ezekiel 17:24; Hebrews 9:4
• 4. ver 2
• 5. S ver 8
• 6. S Exodus 23:21; Deuteronomy 9:24; Psalms 66:7; Psalms 68:18; Proverbs 24:21
• 7. Judges 13:22; Isaiah 6:5; Isaiah 15:1
• 8. Numbers 1:51