Numbers 17:6

So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and each of their leaders gave him a staff--one for each of the leaders of their tribes, twelve staffs in all. And Aaron's staff was among them.

Study Bible

So Moses spoke to the Israelites
This phrase highlights the role of Moses as the intermediary between God and the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "spoke" is דָּבַר (dabar), which implies not just speaking but conveying a message with authority. Moses, as God's chosen leader, communicates divine instructions, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the transmission of God's will to His people. Historically, Moses' leadership is pivotal, as he guides the Israelites through the wilderness, serving as a model of faithfulness and dedication.

and each of their leaders gave him a staff
The "staff" (Hebrew: מַטֶּה, matteh) is a symbol of authority and leadership. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a staff was often associated with power and governance. By each leader giving Moses a staff, it signifies their submission to God's authority and the acknowledgment of their roles within the community. This act of giving the staff is a physical representation of their leadership and responsibility over their respective tribes.

one for each leader of their tribes
This phrase underscores the organized structure of the Israelite community, with each tribe having a designated leader. The twelve tribes of Israel, descending from the twelve sons of Jacob, form the foundational structure of the nation. The leaders' participation in this event signifies unity and collective responsibility among the tribes, highlighting the importance of order and leadership in fulfilling God's covenantal promises.

twelve staffs in all
The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness and divine order. The twelve staffs symbolize the entirety of the Israelite nation, each tribe being an integral part of God's chosen people. This completeness reflects God's covenant with Israel, promising to make them a great nation. The staffs collectively represent the unity and diversity within the community, each contributing to the whole.

And Aaron’s staff was among them
Aaron's inclusion is crucial, as it foreshadows the divine selection of the priestly line. Aaron, as the high priest, represents the spiritual leadership of Israel. His staff being among the others signifies his equal standing with the tribal leaders, yet it also sets the stage for God's miraculous confirmation of his unique role. This highlights the theme of divine election and the establishment of the priesthood, which is central to Israel's worship and relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and guide them through the wilderness.

2. Israelites
The descendants of Jacob, God's chosen people, who were journeying through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

3. Tribal Leaders
The heads of the twelve tribes of Israel, each representing their respective tribe.

4. Aaron
Moses' brother and the high priest, whose staff was among the twelve.

5. The Staffs
Symbolic rods representing the authority and leadership of each tribe, used in this event to demonstrate God's chosen leader.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
God chooses leaders according to His divine will, as seen in the selection of Aaron's staff. This reminds us to trust in God's choices and His timing.

Symbolism of the Staff
The staff represents authority and leadership. In our lives, we should recognize the authority God places over us and respect it as part of His divine order.

Unity Among God's People
The twelve staffs symbolize the unity of the tribes under God's leadership. We are called to unity in the body of Christ, despite our diverse backgrounds and roles.

Faith in God's Signs
Just as the Israelites were to trust the sign of Aaron's budding staff, we are called to trust in the signs and wonders God performs in our lives as affirmations of His presence and guidance.

The Role of Intercession
Moses acts as an intercessor between God and the people. This foreshadows Christ's role as our ultimate intercessor, reminding us of the importance of prayer and mediation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event of the staffs in Numbers 17:6 demonstrate God's authority and choice in leadership?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of unity among the tribes to our modern church communities?

3. How does Aaron's staff foreshadow the priesthood of Christ, and what implications does this have for our understanding of Jesus' role?

4. What are some modern "staffs" or symbols of authority in our lives, and how should we respond to them in light of this passage?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of intercession like Moses, and what role does prayer play in our leadership and community life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:10-12
The staff of Aaron becomes a serpent, demonstrating God's power and authority over Pharaoh's magicians.

Hebrews 9:4
Aaron's staff is mentioned as part of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's chosen priesthood.

Psalm 110:4
Speaks of the eternal priesthood, which is a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate priesthood, connecting to Aaron's role.