Numbers 17:11

¹⁰The LORD said to Moses, “Put Aaron’s staff back in front of the Testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebellious, so that you may put an end to their grumbling against Me, lest they die.”¹¹So Moses did as the LORD had commanded him.

Summary

In Numbers 17:11, Aaron's staff not only budded but also produced blossoms and ripe almonds, demonstrating God's miraculous confirmation of Aaron's role as the chosen high priest. This supernatural sign validated Aaron's authority and leadership among the Israelites, silencing any opposition or doubt regarding his divine appointment. The flourishing of the staff symbolized God's power to bring life and fruitfulness even in seemingly impossible situations, emphasizing His sovereignty and ability to work wonders. This event served as a visible reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of honoring His appointed servants, reinforcing the principle of divine selection and validation in the community of believers.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Whosoever cometh anything near unto the tabernacle of the Lord shall die,.... They who before were so bold and daring as to think the priesthood was common to them with Aaron, or they had as good a right to it, and might go into the sanctuary of the Lord where he did, are now so frightened at the rod being laid up as a token against them, that they thought they must not come near the tabernacle at all, and, if they did, would be in the utmost danger of death: shall we be consumed with dying? such violent deaths, until there are none left of us? but the Syriac and Arabic versions render the words affirmatively; we are near or about to be consumed; and so the Targum of Onkelos, lo, we are to be consumed; which agrees best with the preceding clause, for they would scarcely make a question of what they had affirmed. Next: Numbers Chapter 18