Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 17:1
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Context — Aaron’s Staff Buds
Numbers 17:1 Summary
[In Numbers 17:1, God is speaking directly to Moses, giving him instructions on what to do next. This shows that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and wants to guide them. Just like Moses, we can trust that God will guide us and give us wisdom when we need it, as promised in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5. By listening to God's voice and following His instructions, we can experience His presence and guidance in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Numbers 17:1?
Numbers 17:1 is part of a story where God is instructing Moses on how to handle a rebellion against his leadership, as seen in Numbers 16. This instruction is a direct response to the events that transpired in the previous chapter, where Korah and his followers challenged Moses' authority (Numbers 16:1-3).
Why is God speaking directly to Moses in Numbers 17:1?
God speaks directly to Moses in Numbers 17:1 because Moses is the chosen leader of the Israelites, and God is guiding him in how to deal with the rebellion and restore order among the people, similar to how God guided Moses in Exodus 3:10 and Deuteronomy 34:10.
What can we learn from God's direct communication with Moses in Numbers 17:1?
We can learn that God desires a personal relationship with His leaders and people, and that He guides those who are faithful to Him, as seen in Jeremiah 33:3 and John 10:27.
How does Numbers 17:1 relate to other instances of God speaking to leaders in the Bible?
Numbers 17:1 is similar to other instances in the Bible where God speaks directly to leaders, such as Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:1-14, demonstrating God's desire to guide and direct His people through their leaders.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God speaks to us today, and how can we be more attentive to His voice?
- How can we, like Moses, be faithful and obedient to God's instructions, even when faced with challenges and opposition?
- What are some areas in our lives where we need God's guidance, and how can we seek His direction?
- How can we balance our desire for God's direct communication with the understanding that He often speaks through His Word and other believers?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:1
And the Lord spake unto Moses,.... After the plague ceased, for the further confirmation of the priesthood in Aaron's family, another method is directed to by the Lord: saying: as follows.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:1
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 17:1
CHAPTER XVII The twelve chiefs of the tribes are commanded to take their rods, and to write the name of each tribe upon the rod that belonged to its representative; but the name of Aaron is to be written on the rod of the tribe of Levi, 1-3. The rods are to be laid up before the Lord, who promises that the man's rod whom he shalt choose for priest shall blossom, 4, 5. The rods are produced and laid up before the tabernacle, 6, 7. Aaron's rod alone buds, blossoms, and bears fruit, 8, 9. It is laid up before the testimony as a token of the manner in which God had disposed of the priesthood, 10, 11. The people are greatly terrified, and are apprehensive of being destroyed, 12, 13. NOTES ON CHAP. XVII