The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8

Numbers 17

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And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

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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.

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And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers.

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And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.

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And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.

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And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.

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And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.

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And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.

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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.

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And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.

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And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he.

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And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.

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Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?

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Chapter Study & Analysis

Overview

To end the murmurings about the priesthood, God commands each tribe to bring a rod. Aaron’s rod, representing the house of Levi, buds, blossoms, and yields almonds overnight. The rod is kept in the Ark as a testimony against rebels.

Practical Lessons

1. God’s Definitive Sign: God uses life (the budding rod) to confirm His choice, just as Christ’s resurrection confirms His unique authority.
2. God Desires Peace: The miracle was performed to "quite take away their murmurings," showing God’s desire for order.
3. Evidence of Grace: A dry stick bringing forth fruit is a miracle of grace, much like our own spiritual life.

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