King James Version

What Does Numbers 17:10 Mean?

Numbers 17:10 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels ; ...” — study this verse from Numbers chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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. rebels: Heb. children of rebellion”

Numbers 17:10 · KJV

Context

8

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.

9

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.

10

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. rebels: Heb. children of rebellion

11

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

12

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

Read Numbers 17 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's command to keep Aaron's rod 'for a token against the rebels' established a permanent memorial preventing future challenges to priestly authority. The phrase 'that thou mayest quite take away their murmurings' shows God's determination to stop rebellion. Storing the rod in the ark (with the tablets and manna) placed it in Israel's most sacred repository, emphasizing the priesthood's importance. This demonstrates God's patience in providing evidence for faith, yet His firmness in establishing His ordained order.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The ark of the covenant contained three items: the stone tablets (God's law), the pot of manna (God's provision), and Aaron's rod (God's appointed priesthood). Together these symbolized Israel's covenant relationship with God. The rod remained there until Solomon's temple, serving as perpetual proof of Aaronic priesthood's legitimacy. This tangible evidence prevented future claims that the priesthood was merely Moses' invention rather than God's appointment.

Reflection Questions

  1. What permanent memorials has God established to authenticate His provisions and appointments?
  2. How does God's patience in providing evidence balance with His requirement for faith and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 19

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֜ה2 of 19

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶל3 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מֹשֶׁ֗ה4 of 19

“unto Moses”

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

הָשֵׁ֞ב5 of 19

“Bring”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֶת6 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַטֵּ֤ה7 of 19

“rod”

H4294

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

אַֽהֲרֹן֙8 of 19

“Aaron's”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

לִפְנֵ֣י9 of 19

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽעֵד֔וּת10 of 19

“the testimony”

H5715

testimony

לְמִשְׁמֶ֥רֶת11 of 19

“to be kept”

H4931

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

לְא֖וֹת12 of 19

“for a token”

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

לִבְנֵי13 of 19
H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מֶ֑רִי14 of 19

“against the rebels”

H4805

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious

וּתְכַ֧ל15 of 19

“and thou shalt quite take away”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

תְּלוּנֹּתָ֛ם16 of 19

“their murmurings”

H8519

a grumbling

מֵֽעָלַ֖י17 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וְלֹ֥א18 of 19
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָמֻֽתוּ׃19 of 19

“from me that they die”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Numbers. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Numbers 17:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Numbers 17:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 9:4Ephesians 5:6Isaiah 1:2Numbers 16:38Deuteronomy 31:19-261 Samuel 2:12

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