King James Version
What Does Numbers 17:9 Mean?
“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.”
Numbers 17:9 · KJV
Context
7
And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryMoses brought out all the rods from before the LORD (מַטּוֹת מִלִּפְנֵי יְהוָה)—after overnight divine vindication, Moses presents the evidence publicly. Aaron's rod alone had budded, blossomed, and borne almonds (v.8), supernatural proof of God's chosen priesthood. The phrase they looked, and took every man his rod (וַיִּרְאוּ וַיִּקְחוּ אִישׁ מַטֵּהוּ) shows transparency: each tribal leader verified his unchanged staff while witnessing Aaron's miraculous transformation.
This public vindication ended Korah's rebellion (chapter 16) with irrefutable divine testimony. Dead wood bore fruit—only God's life-giving power could accomplish this. The image prefigures Christ's resurrection: the 'dry tree' (Luke 23:31) bursting with resurrection life. Aaron's budded rod, kept in the ark (Hebrews 9:4), stood as permanent witness that God alone chooses His priests.
This public vindication ended Korah's rebellion (chapter 16) with irrefutable divine testimony. Dead wood bore fruit—only God's life-giving power could accomplish this. The image prefigures Christ's resurrection: the 'dry tree' (Luke 23:31) bursting with resurrection life. Aaron's budded rod, kept in the ark (Hebrews 9:4), stood as permanent witness that God alone chooses His priests.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Numbers 17 follows the devastating judgment on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (chapter 16), where 14,700 died in plague. The rod miracle (circa 1445 BC) provided positive proof of divine selection after the negative proof of judgment, establishing Aaronic priesthood beyond challenge.
Reflection Questions
- How does God's public vindication of His chosen leaders address ongoing challenges to spiritual authority?
- What does the transformation of dead wood into fruit-bearing life teach about God's power in seemingly hopeless situations?
- How does Aaron's budded rod as a 'witness' (v.10) function like resurrection evidence for Christ's claims?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 15 wordsוַיֹּצֵ֨א1 of 15
“brought out”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
אֶת3 of 15
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל4 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃5 of 15
“all the rods”
H4294a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
מִלִּפְנֵ֣י6 of 15
“from before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כָּל9 of 15
H3605properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
בְּנֵ֖י10 of 15
“unto all the children”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל11 of 15
“of Israel”
H3478he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיִּרְא֥וּ12 of 15
“and they looked”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אִ֥ישׁ14 of 15
“every man”
H376a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מַטֵּֽהוּ׃15 of 15
“all the rods”
H4294a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
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 17:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.