Numbers 17:4
And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִנַּחְתָּ֖ם
And thou shalt lay them up
H3240
וְהִנַּחְתָּ֖ם
And thou shalt lay them up
Strong's:
H3240
Word #:
1 of 9
to deposit; by implication, to allow to stay
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
H168
בְּאֹ֣הֶל
in the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
2 of 9
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
לִפְנֵי֙
before
H6440
לִפְנֵי֙
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Historical Context
A dead piece of wood blossoming contradicts nature, requiring supernatural intervention. This paralleled other biblical signs of God's choice: Gideon's fleece (Judges 6:36-40), Moses' rod turning to serpent (Exodus 4:2-5). God authenticates His appointments through unmistakable miracles that silence human argument.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'dead wood' in your life has God brought to life through His power?
- How do you recognize God-given fruitfulness versus mere human achievement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God declared, 'the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom'—life from dead wood would mark divine election. This test measured not human qualifications but God's sovereign choice. The budding rod would demonstrate that fruitfulness in God's service comes not from natural ability but from His life-giving power working through His chosen vessels.