Numbers 17:9
And Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּצֵ֨א
brought out
H3318
וַיֹּצֵ֨א
brought out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
1 of 15
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
all the rods
H4294
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃
all the rods
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
5 of 15
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
from before
H6440
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י
from before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 15
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 15
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֖י
unto all the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֖י
unto all the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
10 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 15
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּרְא֥וּ
and they looked
H7200
וַיִּרְא֥וּ
and they looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
12 of 15
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַיִּקְח֖וּ
and took
H3947
וַיִּקְח֖וּ
and took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
13 of 15
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
Historical Context
Numbers 17 follows the devastating judgment on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (chapter 16), where 14,700 died in plague. The rod miracle (circa 1445 BC) provided positive proof of divine selection after the negative proof of judgment, establishing Aaronic priesthood beyond challenge.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's public vindication of His chosen leaders address ongoing challenges to spiritual authority?
- What does the transformation of dead wood into fruit-bearing life teach about God's power in seemingly hopeless situations?
- How does Aaron's budded rod as a 'witness' (v.10) function like resurrection evidence for Christ's claims?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Moses brought out all the rods from before the LORD (מַטּוֹת מִלִּפְנֵי יְהוָה)—after overnight divine vindication, Moses presents the evidence publicly. Aaron's rod alone had budded, blossomed, and borne almonds (v.8), supernatural proof of God's chosen priesthood. The phrase they looked, and took every man his rod (וַיִּרְאוּ וַיִּקְחוּ אִישׁ מַטֵּהוּ) shows transparency: each tribal leader verified his unchanged staff while witnessing Aaron's miraculous transformation.
This public vindication ended Korah's rebellion (chapter 16) with irrefutable divine testimony. Dead wood bore fruit—only God's life-giving power could accomplish this. The image prefigures Christ's resurrection: the 'dry tree' (Luke 23:31) bursting with resurrection life. Aaron's budded rod, kept in the ark (Hebrews 9:4), stood as permanent witness that God alone chooses His priests.