Saturday 9th September
Read Numbers 17:1-11
“The Lord said to Moses, 2 ‘Speak to the Israelites and get twelve staffs from them, one from the leader of each of their ancestral tribes. Write the name of each man on his staff. 3 On the staff of Levi write Aaron’s name, for there must be one staff for the head of each ancestral tribe. 4 Place them in the tent of meeting in front of the ark of the covenant law, where I meet with you. 5 The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.’ 6 So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and their leaders gave him twelve staffs, one for the leader of each of their ancestral tribes, and Aaron’s staff was among them. 7 Moses placed the staffs before the Lord in the tent of the covenant law.
8 The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. 9 Then Moses brought out all the staffs from the Lord’s presence to all the Israelites. They looked at them, and each of the leaders took his own staff. 10 The Lord said to Moses, ‘Put back Aaron’s staff in front of the ark of the covenant law, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die.’ 11 Moses did just as the Lord commanded him.” (NIVUK)
To forestall any further rebellion against Aaron’s priestly that the grim bronze lining of the altar might miss all the leaders are requested to bring a rod with their name on it. The rod that blossoms marks the one God has chosen. Though many allegorical interpretations have been put forward the simplest one is likely correct. The rods came from the leaders and were a symbol of authority. The blossoms are a mark of new life. The role of the priest is to rule (authority) but in such a way as to bring life (blossoms). Just as Aaron stood between death and life (Numbers 16:48), so this permanent sign enshrines that role in perpetuity.
The rod is wielded by the good shepherd who guides God’s people in the right ways. It is the role fulfilled most perfectly by Jesus (cf John 10). It is worth reflecting on that role when reading Psalm 23 and praying for wisdom and Christlikeness in our leaders.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4) (NIVUK)
