Numbers Chapter 17
God wanted to make it clear to the people who it was that was in charge. The rebellion and the murmuring were directed towards Moses and Aaron, but in reality, they were rebelling against God and the instructions He had given. This will not end their complaining, but it would provide a clear visible sign of who was really in charge and who God wanted to lead the people. The rod or staff had always been a symbol of authority and now it would be clear to the people who had been given authority by God.
You will notice that God required one staff from each of the tribes to be brought to the tabernacle for a total of 12. However, we also know that the tribe of Levi was never counted in the twelve. Bible scholars believe that in this count only one staff was required to represent the tribes that were the descendants of Joseph (the tribes Manasseh and Ephraim).
Let's Reflect
1. The head of each tribe was instructed to do what with each staff?
2. God told them exactly what was going to happen with one of these staffs. What would happen?
3. This would be a miracle sign. There would be life from what was dead. This life would indicate the man whom God chose, and it would put an end to their grumbling in that they would know they could not rise up against the man chosen by God. Perhaps they thought that Aaron was made High Priest just because he was the brother of Moses. Where were the 12 staffs placed prior to the miracle?
4. The staff of Aaron the next day was found to have sprouted life. It not only had leaves sprouted on it but also some fruit. What fruit blossomed on Aaron’s staff?
5. Moses was instructed to keep this special staff that proved that Aaron was hand selected by God. Moses was to put the staff in with the Ark of the Testimony or the Ark of the Covenant. The people now knew that God had made clear His authority and His choice of leadership. How did the people respond?
