Tyndale Open Study NotesNumbers 17

Another rebellion demanded a clear separation of duties between priests and Levites. This power struggle was more serious than previous rebellions against God's authority (chapter 11; 12:1–15; 14:1–45).

In these historical events, the rebels protested minor issues and questioned their leaders' actions. Yet, Moses reminded them that they were actually rebelling against God. As a result, the Israelites suffered deadly consequences for their rebellion.

The Lord gave another test to make the lesson clear. This test repeated the teaching from the events in chapter 16. It also prepared the people for the instructions that follow in chapter 18.

The shepherd's staff was a common item (see Psalm 23:4). Like the scepter, it symbolized authority (see Jeremiah 48:17). This trial was fitting because the Hebrew words for "staffs" and "tribes" sound the same. The Lord's chosen staff would show his chosen tribe.

The staffs were in the Lord's presence, a safe place where no one could interfere with them (17:7).

• Aaron’s staff … produced almonds: This proved he was God's chosen leader and that the Levites had a special role. The cups on the lampstand of the Tent of the Testimony (the tabernacle) had the shape of almond blossoms (Exodus 25:33–36). Later, the prophet Jeremiah’s vision of an almond branch symbolized the Lord's watchfulness and his plans to act (Jeremiah 1:11–12).

• There is no natural reason for Aaron’s staff to bud. Almond wood is soft when alive and only hardens enough for use as a staff after it has dried.

After each tribal leader claimed his staff, it was clear that Aaron’s deserved special treatment. They placed it permanently in front of the ark of the covenant to warn potential rebels. It would also warn Israelites who complained about the Lord and his appointed leaders. The ark of the covenant eventually contained this staff, a jar of manna, and the stone tablets of the law (compare Hebrews 9:4). This was to remind the Israelites of their time wandering in the wilderness.

The Lord and his tabernacle were holy. Because of God's holiness, his holy place could be dangerous for unqualified people. Moses worked hard to help the people understand and respect the God of Israel. His efforts were becoming successful.