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
Moses, as the leader appointed by God, often served as the intermediary between God and the Israelites. This phrase highlights his role in communicating God's instructions to the people. The context here is the aftermath of Korah's rebellion, where God sought to affirm the chosen leadership of Aaron and the priesthood. Moses' obedience in conveying God's message underscores his faithfulness and the importance of divine order.

and each of their leaders gave him a staff
The staff, or rod, was a symbol of authority and leadership in ancient cultures, including among the Israelites. It was often used by shepherds, which is fitting given the pastoral background of many biblical figures. In this context, the staff represents the authority of each tribal leader. The act of giving the staff to Moses signifies submission to God's will and the acknowledgment of His chosen leadership.

one for each of the leaders of their tribes
The twelve tribes of Israel, descended from the twelve sons of Jacob, each had a leader. This phrase emphasizes the unity and structure within the nation of Israel. Each tribe's participation in this event signifies their collective involvement in seeking God's direction and the resolution of disputes regarding leadership.

twelve staffs in all
The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness or divine order. The twelve staffs symbolize the entirety of the nation of Israel, with each tribe being equally represented. This completeness underscores the comprehensive nature of God's covenant with Israel and His concern for the whole community.

And Aaron’s staff was among them
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the appointed high priest. His staff being included among the others sets the stage for the miraculous event that would confirm his divine appointment. This inclusion highlights the theme of God's chosen leadership and foreshadows the budding of Aaron's staff, which would serve as a sign of God's approval. Aaron's role as high priest is a type of Christ, who is our ultimate High Priest, mediating between God and humanity.

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.