Numbers 17:5
And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָ֗ה
H1961
וְהָיָ֗ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 17
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
הָאִ֛ישׁ
And it shall come to pass that the man's
H376
הָאִ֛ישׁ
And it shall come to pass that the man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 17
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
3 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶבְחַר
whom I shall choose
H977
אֶבְחַר
whom I shall choose
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
4 of 17
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
מַטֵּ֣הוּ
rod
H4294
מַטֵּ֣הוּ
rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
6 of 17
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
יִפְרָ֑ח
shall blossom
H6524
יִפְרָ֑ח
shall blossom
Strong's:
H6524
Word #:
7 of 17
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
וַֽהֲשִׁכֹּתִ֣י
and I will make to cease
H7918
וַֽהֲשִׁכֹּתִ֣י
and I will make to cease
Strong's:
H7918
Word #:
8 of 17
to weave (i.e., lay) a trap; figuratively, (through the idea of secreting) to allay (passions; physically, abate a flood)
מֵֽעָלַ֗י
H5921
מֵֽעָלַ֗י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֣י
of the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 17
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 17
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
14 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
Numbers 16:5And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.Ezekiel 16:41And they shall burn thine houses with fire, and execute judgments upon thee in the sight of many women: and I will cause thee to cease from playing the harlot, and thou also shalt give no hire any more.Hosea 14:5I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.Numbers 17:8And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.Numbers 16:11For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him?
Historical Context
Each tribal leader brought a rod inscribed with his name, with Aaron's rod representing Levi. The choice of almond wood was significant—almond trees bloom earliest in spring, symbolizing awakening and new life. The budding rod miraculously produced blossoms, fruit, and ripe almonds overnight (verse 8), a comprehensive display of God's life-giving power. This rod was preserved in the ark as a permanent memorial (verse 10, Hebrews 9:4).
Questions for Reflection
- How does God provide clear evidence of His calling on leaders' lives to silence wrongful opposition?
- What does the preservation of Aaron's rod in the ark teach about the permanent nature of God's appointments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
God's promise that the rod belonging to His chosen priest would bud demonstrates divine vindication silencing opposition. The budding rod would be supernatural evidence, impossible to attribute to human manipulation. The phrase 'I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel' shows that God takes seriously complaints against His appointed leaders, which are ultimately complaints against Him. This miracle would provide permanent, objective proof of Aaron's divine appointment.