Numbers 17:1-13
Q.1. Why was Moses commanded to place a rod for each tribe, and one for Levi, in God’s presence in the Tabernacle? – (Num.17:1-7
There already had been a significant attempt to overthrow the leadership of Moses, and also the primacy of the Aaronic priesthood. This had not only involved the Levites, but also members of the tribe of Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn (Num.16:1-3, 12-14). However, in spite of the dramatic punishment of the rebels, the people again assembled threateningly against Moses. God wanted a permanent record of His instructions, so ordered all the tribes to be represented in His presence. Each representative was to hold an almond rod (Num.17:1-6).
Q.2. What happened to the rods? Where was Aaron’s rod to be kept? Why? How did Israel respond? – (Num.17:8-13)
The results were beyond dispute – Now on the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds (Num.17:8 c.f.Num.17:5). The buds, blossoms, and ripe almonds on Aaron’s rod were totally supernatural. This publicly reinforced God’s choice of Aaron’s line. God further ordered Moses – … Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put an end to their grumblings against Me, so that they will not die (Num.17:10 c.f. Heb.9:4). As was King David after the death of Uzzah, the people were scared to go near the Tabernacle. With such a death toll, they ruefully acknowledged that they were perishing under punishment, as God had predicted (Num.17:12-13 c.f. Num.14:31-34; 2 Sam.6:7-9). One of the most important lessons for all of us to understand, is that God accomplishes His purposes through the authorities whom He has ordained (c.f. Heb.13:17; 1 Pet.2:13-17).