Numbers 17:7
And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּטֹּ֖ת
the rods
H4294
הַמַּטֹּ֖ת
the rods
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
4 of 8
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 #:
5 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
6 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Acts 7:44Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.Exodus 38:21This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.Numbers 18:2And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: but thou and thy sons with thee shall minister before the tabernacle of witness.
Historical Context
Almond trees were first to bloom in spring, their name in Hebrew (shaqed) meaning 'awakening' or 'watching.' The almond symbolized watchfulness and prompt fulfillment of God's word (Jeremiah 1:11-12). Aaron's rod bearing almonds signified that his priesthood would faithfully watch over and fulfill God's purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- What fruit in your life demonstrates God's calling and empowerment?
- How can you distinguish between forced human effort and organic spiritual fruitfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Aaron's rod alone had budded, brought forth blossoms, and yielded almonds—three stages of fruit from a dead stick overnight. This miraculous abundance demonstrated that God's chosen servant would be extraordinarily fruitful. The progression from bud to blossom to fruit symbolized complete, mature ministry flowing from divine election rather than human striving.