Numbers 17:10
And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָשֵׁ֞ב
Bring
H7725
הָשֵׁ֞ב
Bring
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
5 of 19
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַטֵּ֤ה
rod
H4294
מַטֵּ֤ה
rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
7 of 19
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 19
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
לְמִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
to be kept
H4931
לְמִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת
to be kept
Strong's:
H4931
Word #:
11 of 19
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
לְא֖וֹת
for a token
H226
לְא֖וֹת
for a token
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
12 of 19
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
לִבְנֵי
H1121
לִבְנֵי
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
13 of 19
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מֶ֑רִי
against the rebels
H4805
מֶ֑רִי
against the rebels
Strong's:
H4805
Word #:
14 of 19
bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious
וּתְכַ֧ל
and thou shalt quite take away
H3615
וּתְכַ֧ל
and thou shalt quite take away
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
15 of 19
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
מֵֽעָלַ֖י
H5921
מֵֽעָלַ֖י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
17 of 19
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Hebrews 9:4Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.Isaiah 1:2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Exodus 16:32And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.Deuteronomy 9:24Ye have been rebellious against the LORD from the day that I knew you.Numbers 16:40To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.Numbers 16:38The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel.1 Samuel 30:22Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.1 Samuel 2:12Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Historical Context
The ark of the covenant contained three items: the stone tablets (God's law), the pot of manna (God's provision), and Aaron's rod (God's appointed priesthood). Together these symbolized Israel's covenant relationship with God. The rod remained there until Solomon's temple, serving as perpetual proof of Aaronic priesthood's legitimacy. This tangible evidence prevented future claims that the priesthood was merely Moses' invention rather than God's appointment.
Questions for Reflection
- What permanent memorials has God established to authenticate His provisions and appointments?
- How does God's patience in providing evidence balance with His requirement for faith and obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's command to keep Aaron's rod 'for a token against the rebels' established a permanent memorial preventing future challenges to priestly authority. The phrase 'that thou mayest quite take away their murmurings' shows God's determination to stop rebellion. Storing the rod in the ark (with the tablets and manna) placed it in Israel's most sacred repository, emphasizing the priesthood's importance. This demonstrates God's patience in providing evidence for faith, yet His firmness in establishing His ordained order.