Numbers 17:2
Numbers 17:2 in Multiple Translations
“Speak to the Israelites and take from them twelve staffs, one from the leader of each tribe. Write each man’s name on his staff,
Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man’s name upon his rod.
Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of them rods, one for each fathers’ house, of all their princes according to their fathers’ houses, twelve rods: write thou every man’s name upon his rod.
Say to the children of Israel that they are to give you rods, one for every family, for every chief, the head of his father's house, making twelve rods; let every man's name be placed on his rod.
“Tell the Israelites to bring twelve walking sticks, one from the leader of each tribe. Write the name of each man on the walking stick,
Speake vnto the children of Israel, and take of euery one of them a rod, after the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the familie of their fathers, euen twelue rods: and thou shalt write euery mans name vpon his rod.
'Speak unto the sons of Israel, and take from them each a rod, for a father's house, from all their princes, for the house of their fathers, twelve rods; the name of each thou dost write on his rod,
“Speak to the children of Israel, and take rods from them, one for each fathers’ house, of all their princes according to their fathers’ houses, twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod.
Speak to the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers, twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.
Speak to the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod by their kindreds, of all the princes of the tribes, twelve rods, and write the name of every man upon his rod.
“Tell the Israeli people to bring to you twelve walking sticks. They should bring one from each of the leaders of the twelve tribes. You should carve each leader’s name on his stick.
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 17:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Numbers 17:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱמֹ֨ר
אֶל
אֶלְעָזָ֜ר
בֶּן
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
וְ/יָרֵ֤ם
אֶת
הַ/מַּחְתֹּת֙
מִ/בֵּ֣ין
הַ/שְּׂרֵפָ֔ה
וְ/אֶת
הָ/אֵ֖שׁ
זְרֵה
הָ֑לְאָה
כִּ֖י
קָדֵֽשׁוּ
אֱמֹ֨ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֶלְעָזָ֜ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
Eleazar
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
וְ/יָרֵ֤ם
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מַּחְתֹּת֙
machtâh
H4289
censer
Art | N-fp
מִ/בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
between
Prep | Prep
הַ/שְּׂרֵפָ֔ה
sᵉrêphâh
H8316
fire
Art | N-fs
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Art | N-cs
זְרֵה
zârâh
H2219
to scatter
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
הָ֑לְאָה
hâlᵉʼâh
H1973
further
Adv
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
קָדֵֽשׁוּ
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 17:2
אֱמֹ֨ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
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.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
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.
אֶלְעָזָ֜ר
ʼElʻâzâr
H499
"Eleazar"
N-proper
Eleazar means God has helped, and was the name of several Israelites, including a high priest and one of David's warriors.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.42 § Eleazar = "God has helped" 1) the high priest son of Aaron 2) Abinadab's son who cared for the ark 3) the priest who rebuilt and dedicated the restored walls of Jerusalem in time of Ezra 4) one of David's mighty warriors 5) a Levite 6) one of the line of Parosh
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: Eleazar. See also: Exodus 6:23; Numbers 31:51; Nehemiah 12:42.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אַהֲרֹ֣ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֗ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/יָרֵ֤ם
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/מַּחְתֹּת֙
machtâh
H4289
"censer"
Art | N-fp
A machta was a metal pan used to hold live coals, often used for burning incense in worship. It is translated as 'censer' or 'firepan' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) fire-holder, censer, firepan, snuff dish, tray 1a) snuff-dish 1b) fire-pans 1c) censer
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: censer, firepan, snuffdish. See also: Exodus 25:38; Numbers 16:17; Jeremiah 52:19.
מִ/בֵּ֣ין
bêyn
H996
"between"
Prep | Prep
Between is the meaning of this preposition, used to show a location or a choice, like either or, as seen in Exodus where it describes the space between two objects.
Definition: : between between, among, in the midst of (with other preps), from between
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: among, asunder, at, between (-twixt...and), [phrase] from (the widest), [idiom] in, out of, whether (it be...or), within. See also: Genesis 1:4; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 68:14.
הַ/שְּׂרֵפָ֔ה
sᵉrêphâh
H8316
"fire"
Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to burning or cremation, and is used in the Bible to describe the act of burning something, like in Amos 6:10. It can also mean a burning or a fire, and is often associated with purification or destruction. The word is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: burning
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: burning. See also: Genesis 11:3; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Isaiah 9:4.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אֵ֖שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Art | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
זְרֵה
zârâh
H2219
"to scatter"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
הָ֑לְאָה
hâlᵉʼâh
H1973
"further"
Adv
This Hebrew word means going further or to a distance, like moving beyond a place or time. It appears in the Bible to show progression or movement. In Genesis, it's used to describe God's people moving forward.
Definition: 1) out there, onwards, further 1a) yonder, beyond (of place) 1b) onwards (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: back, beyond, (hence,-) forward, hitherto, thence, forth, yonder. See also: Genesis 19:9; 1 Samuel 20:22; Isaiah 18:2.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קָדֵֽשׁוּ
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
Study Notes — Numbers 17:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Numbers 17:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
- Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:2
- Barnes' Notes on Numbers 17:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
- Sermons on Numbers 17:2
Context — Aaron’s Staff Buds
1And the LORD said to Moses,
2“Speak to the Israelites and take from them twelve staffs, one from the leader of each tribe. Write each man’s name on his staff,
3and write Aaron’s name on the staff of Levi, because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe. 4Place the staffs in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 4:17 | But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.” |
| 2 | Ezekiel 19:14 | Fire has gone out from its main branch and devoured its fruit; on it no strong branch remains fit for a ruler’s scepter.’ This is a lament and shall be used as a lament.” |
| 3 | Genesis 49:10 | The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his. |
| 4 | Micah 7:14 | Shepherd with Your staff Your people, the flock of Your inheritance. They live alone in a woodland, surrounded by pastures. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. |
| 5 | Psalms 110:2 | The LORD extends Your mighty scepter from Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” |
| 6 | Numbers 1:5–16 | These are the names of the men who are to assist you: From the tribe of Reuben, Elizur son of Shedeur; from Simeon, Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai; from Judah, Nahshon son of Amminadab; from Issachar, Nethanel son of Zuar; from Zebulun, Eliab son of Helon; from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama son of Ammihud, and from Manasseh, Gamaliel son of Pedahzur; from Benjamin, Abidan son of Gideoni; from Dan, Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai; from Asher, Pagiel son of Ocran; from Gad, Eliasaph son of Deuel; and from Naphtali, Ahira son of Enan.” These men were appointed from the congregation; they were the leaders of the tribes of their fathers, the heads of the clans of Israel. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 21:10 | it is sharpened for the slaughter, polished to flash like lightning! Should we rejoice in the scepter of My son? The sword despises every such stick. |
| 8 | Exodus 4:2 | And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 21:13 | Surely testing will come! And what if even the scepter, which the sword despises, does not continue?’ declares the Lord GOD. |
| 10 | Numbers 10:14–27 | First, the divisions of the camp of Judah set out under their standard, with Nahshon son of Amminadab in command. Nethanel son of Zuar was over the division of the tribe of Issachar, and Eliab son of Helon was over the division of the tribe of Zebulun. Then the tabernacle was taken down, and the Gershonites and the Merarites set out, transporting it. Then the divisions of the camp of Reuben set out under their standard, with Elizur son of Shedeur in command. Shelumiel son of Zurishaddai was over the division of the tribe of Simeon, and Eliasaph son of Deuel was over the division of the tribe of Gad. Then the Kohathites set out, transporting the holy objects; the tabernacle was to be set up before their arrival. Next, the divisions of the camp of Ephraim set out under their standard, with Elishama son of Ammihud in command. Gamaliel son of Pedahzur was over the division of the tribe of Manasseh, and Abidan son of Gideoni was over the division of the tribe of Benjamin. Finally, the divisions of the camp of Dan set out under their standard, serving as the rear guard for all units, with Ahiezer son of Ammishaddai in command. Pagiel son of Ocran was over the division of the tribe of Asher, and Ahira son of Enan was over the division of the tribe of Naphtali. |
Numbers 17:2 Summary
In Numbers 17:2, God instructs Moses to take twelve staffs from the leaders of the tribes of Israel and write each man's name on his staff. This was a way of demonstrating God's choice of Aaron as the high priest and putting an end to the rebellion of the Israelites. Just like the staffs, we are all unique and have our own special gifts and talents that God wants us to use to serve Him and others, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and Romans 12:6-8. By obeying God's instructions and trusting in His plan, we can experience His blessings and provision in our lives, just as the Israelites did in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2-5, Exodus 16:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God instruct Moses to take twelve staffs from the leaders of the tribes of Israel?
God instructed Moses to take twelve staffs to demonstrate His choice of Aaron as the high priest, as seen in Numbers 17:2, and to put an end to the rebellion of the Israelites, as mentioned in Numbers 16:1-50, by showing that He had chosen Aaron and his descendants to serve as priests, as stated in Exodus 4:14 and Exodus 28:1.
What is the significance of writing each man's name on his staff?
Writing each man's name on his staff, as instructed in Numbers 17:2, was a way of identifying the staff with its owner and ensuring that the staff that blossomed would be clearly recognized as belonging to the chosen leader, a concept similar to the way God knows and calls each of us by name, as seen in Isaiah 43:1 and John 10:3.
How does this event relate to the broader story of the Israelites in the wilderness?
This event is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where God is teaching them to trust and obey Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-5, and to recognize His authority and provision, as demonstrated in Exodus 16:4 and Numbers 14:11.
What can we learn from God's instruction to Moses in this verse?
We can learn that God is a God of order and purpose, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:33 and Colossians 1:17, and that He desires our obedience and trust, as stated in John 14:15 and Hebrews 11:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's plan and provision in my life, just as the Israelites were called to trust God in the wilderness?
- How can I apply the principle of obedience to God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 17:2, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some areas where I struggle with rebellion or disobedience, and how can I surrender those areas to God, just as the Israelites were called to surrender to God's authority?
- In what ways can I use my own 'staff' or gifts and talents to serve God and others, just as the leaders of the tribes of Israel were called to serve God and the people?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 17:2
Speak unto the children of Israel,.... The principal men among them of the several tribes: and take of everyone of them; not of every individual of the people of Israel, but of their princes, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 17:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, that I may fully and finally satisfy all their scruples, and take away all pretence and cause of murmuring. Of every one of them; not of every person, but of every tribe, as it follows. A rod; either an ordinary walking staff; or rather, that staff or rod which the princes carried in their hand as tokens of their dignity and authority, as may be gathered from , compared with ,17. According to the house of their fathers, i.e. according to each family proceeding from the patriarch or father of that tribe. Every man’ s name, i.e. every prince’ s; for they being the first-born, and the chief of their tribes, might above all others pretend to the priesthood, if it was communicable to any of their tribes, and besides each prince represented and acted for all his tribe; so that this was a full decision of the whole question. And this plate seems to confirm what was before observed, that not only Korah and the Levites, but also those of other tribes, contested with Moses and Aaron about the priesthood, as that which belonged to all the congregation, they being all holy, as they said, .
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
Numbers 17:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of [their] fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man’ s name upon his rod.Ver. 2. Take of every one of them a rod.] Or, Staff; the ensign of their honour, and of their civil authority; a suificient witness against them, that the priesthood belonged not to them. Uzziah smarted for invading it. George, prince of Anhalt, was a singular example, qui primus et unus ex omni Principum Germanorum numero, subditos suos ipse et viva voce et scriptis editis de via salutis erudiret, who was the first, and the only German prince, that both by preaching and writing taught his subjects. Melch. Adam.
Ellicott's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
XVII.(2) And take of every one of them . . . —Better, And take of them a rod for each father’s house.Twelve rods.—Some suppose that Aaron’s rod was not included amongst the twelve. Others suppose that one rod only was taken for the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh. The latter supposition is more accordant with the terms here employed than the former, and is supported by Deuteronomy 27:12-13, where Joseph stands for the two tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, and Levi is included amongst the twelve tribes. Write thou every man’s name upon his rod.—This was in accordance with an Egyptian custom. (See Wilkinson’s Ancient Egyptians, III. 388.) The prophet Ezekiel received a similar injunction (Ezekiel 37:16).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
Verse 2. And take of every one of them a rod] מטה matteh, the staff or sceptre, which the prince or chief of each tribe bore, and which was the sign of office or royalty among almost all the people of the earth.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 17:2
2. rods] staves. They were the official staves of the princes, symbols of their tribal authority, not fresh rods cut from trees, which might conceivably have blossomed in the ordinary course of nature.
Barnes' Notes on Numbers 17:2
Compare Ezekiel 37:16 ff.
Whedon's Commentary on Numbers 17:2
2. A rod — Each chief prince of the twelve tribes bore a staff or sceptre as the sign of office. Such rods were often hereditary, and of great antiquity.
Sermons on Numbers 17:2
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Pilgrims Problems No. 5 Speaking in Tongues by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of love in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that even if someone has great abilities, knowledge, and generosity, without lov |
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The Issue Is Knowing God by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal struggle they faced regarding the idea of taking action versus waiting on God's guidance. They were torn between the urgency of t |
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God's Covenant With Man by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the sounding of the trumpets. He describes the darkening of the sun, |
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Genesis #25 Ch. 46-48 & 50 Jacob's & Joseph's Faith by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses Genesis chapters 46, 47, 48, and 50. He highlights the provision of God for His people, as seen in Pharaoh giving the land of Goshen to the |
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(Genesis) 65 - Jacob's Last Words - Ii by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last part of the 49th chapter of the Bible, where Jacob gives a prophecy about the future of his sons. He specifically highlights the bl |
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The Nazarite by Robert Arthur | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of leadership and kingship. He uses the story of the vine, the olive tree, and the bramble from the book of Judges to illustrate |
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From Genesis to Jesus by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the curse that Satan received from God after Adam and Eve's fall in the Garden of Eden. The curse includes enmity between Satan's seed and the |