Números 17
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Números 17
NJB (MT versing) The Censers (follows MT versing) 17:1-3 17:4-5 Aaron Intercedes 17:6-8 17:9-15 Aaron's Rod Buds The budding of Aaron's Rod Aaron's Budding Rod Aaron's Walking Stick Aaron's Branch 17:1-7 17:1-5 17:1-7 17:1-5 17:16-20 17:6-7 17:6-7 17:21-24 17:8-11 17:8-9 17:8-11 17:8-11 17:25-26 17:10-11 Expiation: The Function of the Priesthood 17:12-13 17:12-13 17:12-13 17:12-13 17:27-18:7 Etc.
Números 17:1-7
17:2 "a rod" This NOUN (BDB 641) has a wide semantic field. a staff walking staff (symbol of wealth and status as family leader) ‒ Gen. 38:18 (1) Moses' staff ‒ Exod. 4:2,17,20; 7:2,20; 14:16 (2) Aaron's staff ‒ Exod. 7:9,10,12,19, etc. (3) court magician's staff ‒ Exod. 7:8-12 (4) God's staff ‒ Exod. 4:20; 17:9 shepherd's staff symbol of sustaining food ‒ Lev. 20:26 a rod a weapon ‒ 1 Sam. 14:27 pole of tribe ‒ here symbol of power/rule ‒ Isa. 9:4; 10:5; 30:32 symbol of wicked power ‒ Ezek. 7:11 symbol of God's discipline ‒ Job 9:34; 21:9; Ps. 89:32 a tribe (i.e., led by one with a leader's staff) ‒ Exod. 31:2; Lev. 24:11; Num. 1:4; Josh. 7:1; Mic. 6:9 branch ‒ Ezek. 19:11,12,14 (twice); see JB; NJB has "branch" in Num. 17:2 The familiar passage in Ps. 23:4 has different but overlapping meanings. rod ‒ BDB 986 staff ‒ BDB 1044 17:4 "where I meet with you" This phrase shows the uniqueness of Moses' relationship with YHWH (and, by implication, Aaron, cf. Exod. 4:10-16). The issue of YHWH's choice of Moses has already been made! This rod blooming, like so many visible symbols (cf. v. 10; Num. 16:37-40) of YHWH's presence, power, and purposes, will clearly reveal who is the leader of Israel (v. 5).
Números 17:8-11
17:8 This verse implies Aaron's rod showed a process of fruitfulness. sprouted ‒ BDB 827 I, KB 965, Qal PERFECT put forth buds ‒ BDB 422, KB 425, Hiphil IMPERFECT with waw blossomed ‒ BDB 847, KB 1013, Hiphil IMPERFECT with waw produced fruit ‒ BDB 168, KB 19, Qal IMPERFECT with waw 17:8-11 The tribes of Israel (i.e., their leaders) clearly saw and confirmed YHWH's choice. 17:10 YHWH wants Israel's past faithlessness to be a current warning. He does not want to judge His people. ▣ "rebels" This is literally the idiom "sons of rebellion" (BDB 598). 17:11 The theme of "obedience" is crucial in Numbers. See SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP.
Números 17:12-13
17:12-13 These verses seem out of place. They do not fit the flow of the context. There have been several theories. The Oxford Study Bible, p. 159, suggests they should go after Num. 14:34 (so too, JB) also possibly after Num. 14:41-45 They represent the repentance of Israel after questioning YHWH's chosen leaders 3 times. They finally see the need of an intermediating priesthood. It is an introduction to chapter 18. Plagues were often a divine judgment on Israel, Num. 14:37; 16:45-50; 25:8-9, 18; 31:16; 2 Sam. 24:21, 28; 1 Chr. 21:22; 2 Chr. 21:14-15; Ps. 106:28-31; Jer. 21:6. But, note the purpose was always a purification resulting in repentance and restoration of fellowship and covenant.