Numbers 17 - The Budding of Aaron’s Staff

Chapter 17 is a short chapter where God explains a method for determining which one of the leaders from all the tribes has God chosen as holy and belongs to Him. He tells Moses to collect twelve wooden staffs, one from each of the twelve tribes and inscribe the leader’s name on it. Aaron’s name was also inscribed on a wooden staff to represent the tribe of Levi. God continues by saying, “Put these staffs in the Tabernacle in front of the Ark of the Covenant, where I meet with you. Buds will sprout on the staff belonging to the man I choose. Then I will finally put an end to this murmuring and complaining against you.” (Numbers 17:4-5)

Moses told the people of Israel, as God instructed, and each of the twelve leaders, including Aaron, brought their staff. “Moses put the staffs in the Lord’s presence in the Tabernacle of the Covenant. When he went into the Tabernacle of the Covenant the next day, he found that Aaron’s staff, representing the tribe of Levi, had sprouted, blossomed, and produced almonds!” (Numbers 17:8) Moses brought out the staffs and showed them to the people. “And the Lord said to Moses: “Place Aaron’s staff permanently before the Ark of the Covenant as a warning to rebels. This should put an end to their complaints against me and prevent any further deaths.” (verse 10)

Moses told the people, as God instructed, and the people of Israel replied, “We are as good as dead! We are ruined! Everyone who even comes close to the Tabernacle of the Lord dies. We are doomed!” (Numbers 17: 12) It doesn’t sound like the Israelites have learned their lesson.

Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to be open to your voice, so we are not missing your lessons and blessings. We love you!

“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.