Números 17

Números 17

Click for Numbers Chapters 1-36 Numbers: Journey to God's Rest-Land by Irving Jensen- used by permission Source: Ryrie Study Bible THE BOOK OF NUMBERS "Wilderness Wandering" WALKING Numbers 1-12 WANDERING Numbers 13-25 WAITING Numbers 26-36 Counting & Camping Nu 1-4 Cleansing & Congregation Nu 5-8 Carping & Complaining Nu 9-12 12 Spies & Death in Desert Nu 13-16 Aaron & Levites in Wilderness Nu 17-18 Serpent of Brass & Story of Balaam Nu 21-25 Second Census 7 Laws of Israel Nu 26-30 Last Days of Moses as Leader Nu 31-33 Sections, Sanctuaries & Settlements Nu 34-36 Law & Order Rebellion & Disorder New Laws for the New Order Old Generation Tragic Transition New Generation Preparation for the Journey: Moving Out Participation in the Journey: Moving On Prize at end of the Journey: Moving In At Sinai Mt Sinai To Moab Mt Hor At Moab Mt Nebo En Route to Kadesh (Mt Sinai) En Route to Nowhere (Wilderness) En Route to Canaan (Plains of Moab) A Few Weeks to 2 Months 38 years, 3 months, 10 days A Few Months Christ in Numbers = Our "Lifted-up One" (Nu 21:9, cp Jn 3:14-15) Author: Moses Numbers 17:1 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Numbers 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Bush - At what particular time we are not informed, but probably within a short period after the plague above described had ceased. It is reasonable to infer that the miracle here recorded took place while the minds of the people were yet in an excited state, in consequence of the poisonous insinuations of Korah and his associates, who had so recently perished in their presumption. Every divine judgment executed upon transgressors has a merciful intention towards survivors. The design is to inspire a salutary fear, and thus to prevent the commission of similar iniquities. The present chapter affords an instance strikingly in point. The Lord is pleased, as here recorded, to put the appointment of his priests to another proof, and to work another miracle, that he might effectually silence all future murmurings on the score of the authority claimed by Moses and Aaron. The test was unequivocally decisive. Technical Note - Num 17:1 in the English Bible is 17:16 in the Hebrew text (BHS). Beginning with 16:36, the verse numbers through 17:13 in the English Bible differ from the verse numbers in the Hebrew text (BHS), with 16:36 ET = 17:1 HT, 16:37 ET = 17:2 HT, 17:1 ET = 17:16 HT, etc., through 17:13 ET = 17:28 HT. With 18:1 the verse numbers in the ET and HT are again the same. But in the English chap. 17 there are two parts: Aaron’s rod budding (1–9), and the rod preserved as a memorial (10–13). Both sections begin with the same formula. (NET NOTE) Brian Bell - In the 11th century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made application to Prior Richard(Prior=ecclesiastical title) at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery. “Your Majesty,” said Prior Richard, “do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king.” “I understand,” said Henry. “The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you.” “Then I will tell you what to do,” said Prior Richard. “Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you.” When King Henry died, a statement was written: “The King learned to rule by being obedient.” When we tire of our roles and responsibilities, it helps to remember God has planted us in a certain place and told us to be a good accountant, or teacher, or mother, or father. Christ expects us to be faithful where He puts us, and when He returns, we’ll rule together with him. Numbers 16 - Korah & others weren’t content with the ministry God had given them (sacred duties around tabernacle) & wanted the more important job of the priesthood. “Selfish ambition” is one of the works of the flesh (Gal.5:20) & it brings destruction. {works of flesh is opposite of fruit of spirit} Gilbrant - Aaron’s rod that budded. The two previous plagues had defended Aaron from attack and had clearly shown that the rebellion was wrong. But God now performed a gracious miracle by which he would once and for all publicly designate Aaron as high priest. It may have looked to some as if Moses was merely keeping the high priesthood in the family for personal reasons. This miracle would directly show God’s choice of Aaron. James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - THE ROD THAT BUDDED. Numbers 17. "O Lord, my God, Thou changest not, Nor deed of kindness e'er doth blot; I, too, through Thy so tender ruth, Have come to know this precious truth. Thy heaviest rod upon me laid, To bud and blossom Thou hast made; And still Thy rod, like growing thing, Fragrance and fruit from Thee doth bring." The rod that budded is a most delightful type of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1. IN HIS CALLING. Like this rod He was set apart, and the name of the High Priest put upon Him. 2. IN HIS LIFE. Like this rod He was common in appearance, no beauty to be desired, a root out of a dry ground. 3. IN HIS DEATH. Like Aaron's rod, He was laid up with others. "On either side one, and Jesus in the midst." Lifted up on the Cross, and also for the judgment of God. 4. IN HIS RESURRECTION. Like the rod He budded and blossomed and brought forth fruit. 5. IN HIS ASCENSION. Like the rod He is laid up again before the Lord for a testimony. He is in the presence of God for us. here are other lessons that might be learned from this most fruitful theme, truths applicable to the Christian life and testimony, for as He is, so are we. The story of the occasion of these rods may be read in the preceding chapter, in the rebellion of Korah and his company against Moses and Aaron. See here the— 1. Demand of God. "Take twelve rods, write thou every man's name upon his rod, and lay them up, where I will meet with you" (vs. 1-3). 1. This is A CALL FOR REPRESENTATIVES. Every rod represented a tribe. Is our Lord not pressing His demand to-day for representatives when the Korahs and the princes of the world are challenging the ministry and power of the Gospel? 2. Each representative had to be ENTIRELY YIELDED UP. Each rod was to be "laid up before the testimony" (v. 4). Put in the holy place, in front of the vail. Those who would have the Divine impersonation stamped upon them must be wholly yielded up to Him. Not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the fulness of blessing exhibited in Aaron's rod. 2. Evidence of being chosen of God. The chosen of God will always be self-evident. "Behold the rod of Aaron budded, blossomed, and yielded almonds" (v. 8). This thing was done in secret, but it could not remain a secret. Light and life manifest themselves. This evidence was twofold. 1. LIFE. This life was the gift of God. The gift of God is eternal life. If we have been made alive unto God, then we may be assured that we are the called of God, as was Aaron. Partakers of the Divine nature. 2. FRUITFULNESS. "It yielded almonds." Fruit is the evidence of abundance of life. If we have been born again like the rod of Aaron, whose natural life had died and given place to his new life, it is that we might bring forth fruit unto God. Did not our Lord say "I have chosen you and ordained you to bring forth fruit," and that like the fruit on this rod, "your fruit should remain?" (John 15:16). But you say only one out of the twelve yielded up rods were chosen. Yes. But which was chosen? The one with the High Priest's name on it (v. 3). It does not matter by what name you consecrate yourself, if it is not in the Name of Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, the evidences of God's choice will not be seen in your life. Put His Name upon your life, and lay it up before Him for His honour and glory, and as surely as Aaron's rod budded will your life bud and blossom and yield fruit. But note further— 3. Position of testimony for God. It was to be— 1. KEPT IN HIS PRESENCE. "The Lord said, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony to be kept" (v. 10). If its life and fruitfulness are to remain, it must be kept in nearness to Him who is the source of its life and fruitfulness. The application of this is simple, yet sublime. The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, no more can ye, except ye abide in Me (John 15:1-6). The secret of abiding fruitfulness is being kept in nearness to the life-giving One. In His presence is fulness of joy. 2. AS A WITNESS. "To be kept for a token against the rebels" (v. 10). It is so with the living Christ now before the throne of God (Acts 17:30, 31). It is so with every spiritually resurrected soul. They are witnesses against the rebels who believe not the word of the Gospel. The believer's life, like the works of Noah, are intended to condemn the world (Heb. 11:7). As this living and fruitful rod was an evidence that God had chosen Aaron, so the life of the Christian is a token to the ungodly world that the Father hath sent His Son to save it (John 17:21). Kept in His presence for the enjoyment of His love, kept there for a witness to the power of His grace. He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him. Numbers 17:2 "Speak to the sons of Israel, and get from them a rod for each father's household: twelve rods, from all their leaders according to their fathers' households. You shall write each name on his rod, NET Numbers 17:2 "Speak to the Israelites, and receive from them a staff from each tribe, one from every tribal leader, twelve staffs; you must write each man's name on his staff. NLT Numbers 17:2 "Tell the people of Israel to bring you twelve wooden staffs, one from each leader of Israel's ancestral tribes, and inscribe each leader's name on his staff. ESV Numbers 17:2 "Speak to the people of Israel, and get from them staffs, one for each fathers' house, from all their chiefs according to their fathers' houses, twelve staffs. Write each man's name on his staff, NIV Numbers 17:2 "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. KJV Numbers 17:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod. YLT Numbers 17:2 'Speak unto the sons of Israel, and take from them each a rod, for a father's house, from all their princes, for the house of their fathers, twelve rods; the name of each thou dost write on his rod, LXE Numbers 17:2 Speak to the children of Israel, and take rods of them, according to the houses of their families, a rod from all their princes, according to the houses of their families, twelve rods, and write the name of each on his rod. ASV Numbers 17:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of them rods, one for each fathers' house, of all their princes according to their fathers' houses, twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod. CSB Numbers 17:2 "Speak to the Israelites and take one staff from them for each ancestral house, 12 staffs from all the leaders of their ancestral houses. Write each man's name on his staff. NKJ Numbers 17:2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and get from them a rod from each father's house, all their leaders according to their fathers' houses-- twelve rods. Write each man's name on his rod. NRS Numbers 17:2 Speak to the Israelites, and get twelve staffs from them, one for each ancestral house, from all the leaders of their ancestral houses. Write each man's name on his staff, NAB Numbers 17:17 "Speak to the Israelites and get one staff from them for each ancestral house, twelve staffs in all, one from each of their tribal princes. Mark each man's name on his staff; NJB Numbers 17:17 'Tell the Israelites to give you a branch for each of their families, one for each leader of each family: twelve branches. Write the name of each on his branch; GWN Numbers 17:2 "Speak to the Israelites, and get 12 staffs from them, one from the leader of each of their tribes. Write each man's name on his staff. all their leaders: Nu 1:5-16 2:3-30 10:14-27 twelve rods: Ge 49:10 Ex 4:2,17 Ps 110:2 125:3 Eze 19:14 21:10,13 Eze 37:16-20 Mic 7:14 Numbers 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries TWELVE RODS OR STAFFS ONE FOR EACH TRIBAL LEADER Brian Bell entitles this chapter "AARON’S ALMONDS! STOPPING THE COMPLAIN CAMPAIGN! There besetting sin (one of them) was 1 Corinthians 10:10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Paul writes "Do (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey - see notes on Php 2:13NLT+) all things without grumbling or disputing;(Phil.2:14+) Complaining is thus a sin. Why is it such a big deal? Because... Complaining gives evidence of unbelief in our hearts. It also shows a lack of gratitude toward God. If we were truly “giving thanks always for all things” (Eph.5:20), we would not be complaining.The best way to overcome a complaining spirit is to accept God’s will by faith & thank Him for His goodness, even if we don’t see anything good happening. (Wiersbe) Speak to the sons of Israel, and get from them a rod for each father's household - Hebrew = “receive from them a rod, a rod from the house of a father.” The Hebrew word for rod is matteh and is used over 200x in the OT most often translated as "tribe." (15x in chapter 1 - Nu 1:4, 16 etc) is clearly the "key word" in Numbers 17 (15x in 8v). Matteh is the same word used for Moses' staff which he used to tend sheep in the wilderness (Ex 4:2+), which was later termed "the staff of God," (Ex 4:20+) Moses' symbol of authority. It was this staff which Moses stretched out and God brought about the miracle of the Red Sea (Ex 14:16+, cf other uses of Moses' staff in Ex 7:19+, Ex 10:13+, Ex 9:23+). Sadly matteh is also used of the rod with which Moses struck the rock twice which resulted in Yahweh disqualifying him from entering the promised land (Nu 20:8-12+). The rod or staff was often a symbol of authority ("scepter" in Ge 49:2, Ps 110:2 both Messianic prophecies - see note by Bush below) and presumably were signs of authority of each tribal leader. There is no evidence that these were branches from almond trees (they are in the wilderness!) but were dry, dead sticks (). So the rod or staff was a fitting instrument by which God could display His miraculous creative power and clearly demonstrate by the miracle in the rod which rod owner had been chosen to bear His authority and to minister before Him as high priest! Bush- Heb. “Take of them a rod, a rod, for (or according to) every father’s house.” The duplication is a Hebraism of common occurrence, carrying with it a distributive sense. Gr. “Take of them a rod (or staff), a rod according to the houses of their patriarchal families.” Chald. “Receive from them a rod each throughout the houses of (their) fathers.” It is evident from what follows that the requisition was, not a rod from each individual Israelite, but one from each tribe; and this was to be presented in the name of the leading man or “prince” of each tribe. The order here given seems to imply that it was not the subordinate Levites alone who aspired to the priesthood, for in that case we cannot well see why there should not have been two rods instead of twelve, one for Aaron and one for his opponents. But by all the tribes being required to contribute a rod, it would appear that all would put in a claim to the dignity, according to what is said, Nu16:3, “Ye take too much upon you, seeing that all the congregation are holy, every one of them.” The decision, therefore, was to be final for the whole congregation. The original word for “rod” (matteh) is for the most part used to denote a staff, stick, walking-stick, or wand, rather than a green rod, branch, or bough. It would seem, from Nu 21:18, that the princes of the tribes carried staves (matteh) in their hands, as a kind of baton, that should serve as a badge of authority. “The rods or staves were doubtless official ensigns of the authority with which the heads of tribes were invested. Hence the Scripture frequently uses the word ‘rod’ as equivalent to ‘sceptre;’ and indeed the more modern use of sceptres is derived from this ancient custom. These staves were of course dry, and had probably been for years in use; and that such should blossom and bear fruit again, is such a moral impossibility, that the ancient heathen used to swear by their rods or sceptres with a view to that circumstance. Thus Achilles, in Homer, when enraged against Agamemnon, says: ‘But hearken. I shall swear a solemn oath. By this sceptre, which shall never bud, Nor boughs bring forth, as once; which having left Its stock on the high mountains, at what time The woodman’s axe lopt off its foliage green, And stript its bark, shall never grow again;— By this I swear,’ etc. COWPER. The king Latinus, in Virgil, confirms, by a similar oath, his covenant with Æneas. To preclude mistake or imposition in the present transaction, the name of each tribe was inscribed on the rod of its chief; and the question being to try the right to the priesthood, this method of settling the point seems to indicate that other tribes (probably that of Reuben in particular) had thought their claims, as tribes, as good or better than those of Levi.”—Pict. Bible. Twelve rods, from all their leaders according to their fathers' households - Since the entire congregation were guilty of complaining about Moses and Aaron's authority (Nu 16:3+), one representative of each tribe would bring a rod to Moss. Hebrew = “from every leader of them according to their fathers’ house.” UBS - The rod of Levi is not one of the twelve rods, but it comes in addition to the twelve (so Noordtzij, page 157). (It is already clear from Nu 2:33, that there were twelve Israelite tribes, excluding the Levites, since Joseph’s descendants were divided into two, the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim. You shall write each name on his rod - This is an important detail because the owner of the rod was to be the one inscribing his name on the rod. This would be like their "signature" on a check. As he miracle unfolded, only one "check" was worthy to be cashed (so to speak)! It appears that Moses was to do the inscribing for each leader. Bush - "In what manner the writing was executed we have no means of determining with any certainty. It may have been by some kind of incision on the surface, or possibly by some sort of label attached to the several rods. By some means a signature was affixed that should serve to identify the rods to the owners." Numbers 17:3 and write Aaron's name on the rod of Levi; for there is one rod for the head of each of their fathers' households. NET Numbers 17:3 You must write Aaron's name on the staff of Levi; for one staff is for the head of every tribe. NLT Numbers 17:3 Inscribe Aaron's name on the staff of the tribe of Levi, for there must be one staff for the leader of each ancestral tribe. ESV Numbers 17:3 and write Aaron's name on the staff of Levi. For there shall be one staff for the head of each fathers' house. NIV Numbers 17:3 On the staff of Levi write Aaron's name, for there must be one staff for the head of each ancestral tribe. KJV Numbers 17:3 And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers. YLT Numbers 17:3 and Aaron's name thou dost write on the tribe of Levi; for one rod is for the head of their fathers' house: LXE Numbers 17:3 And write the name of Aaron on the rod of Levi; for it is one rod for each: they shall give them according to the tribe of the house of their families. ASV Numbers 17:3 And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi; for there shall be one rod for each head of their fathers' houses. CSB Numbers 17:3 Write Aaron's name on Levi's staff, because there must be one staff for the head of each ancestral house. NKJ Numbers 17:3 "And you shall write Aaron's name on the rod of Levi. For there shall be one rod for the head of each father's house. NRS Numbers 17:3 and write Aaron's name on the staff of Levi. For there shall be one staff for the head of each ancestral house. NAB Numbers 17:18 and mark Aaron's name on Levi's staff, for the head of Levi's ancestral house shall also have a staff. NJB Numbers 17:18 and on the branch of Levi write Aaron's name, since the head of the Levite families must have a branch too. GWN Numbers 17:3 Write Aaron's name on the staff for Levi because there must be one staff for the head of each tribe. Nu 3:2,3 18:1,7 Ex 6:16,20 Numbers 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries And write Aaron's name on the rod of Levi - As designated high priest Aaron was clearly the highest ranking Levite. "This preference was given to Aaron, because that, by being invested with the office of high-priest, he was made prince of that tribe, or “head of the house of their fathers.” Moreover, if Levi’s name had been on the rod, it would have left the controversy undecided as between Aaron and the Levites." (Bush) for there is one rod for the head of each of their fathers' households. Numbers 17:4 "You shall then deposit them in the tent of meeting in front of the testimony, where I meet with you. NET Numbers 17:4 You must place them in the tent of meeting before the ark of the covenant where I meet with you. NLT Numbers 17:4 Place these staffs in the Tabernacle in front of the Ark containing the tablets of the Covenant, where I meet with you. ESV Numbers 17:4 Then you shall deposit them in the tent of meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you. NIV Numbers 17:4 Place them in the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I meet with you. KJV Numbers 17:4 And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. YLT Numbers 17:4 and thou hast placed them in the tent of meeting, before the testimony, where I meet with you. LXE Numbers 17:4 And thou shalt put them in the tabernacle of witness, before the testimony, where I will be made known to thee. ASV Numbers 17:4 And thou shalt lay them up in the tent of meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you. CSB Numbers 17:4 Then place them in the tent of meeting in front of the testimony where I meet with you. NKJ Numbers 17:4 "Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting before the Testimony, where I meet with you. NRS Numbers 17:4 Place them in the tent of meeting before the covenant, where I meet with you. NAB Numbers 17:19 Then lay them down in the meeting tent, in front of the commandments, where I meet you. NJB Numbers 17:19 You will then put them inside the Tent of Meeting in front of the Testimony, where I make myself known to you. GWN Numbers 17:4 Put them in the tent of meeting where I meet with you, in front of the words of my promise. Ex 25:16-22 29:42,43 30:6,36 Numbers 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Exodus 25:16+ “You shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you. Bush comments - the two tables of stone on which the Law of the ten Commandments was written; called ‘the testimony,’ because God did in them testify his authority over the Israelites, his regard for them, his presence with them, and his displeasure against them in case they transgressed; while they on the other hand by accepting and depositing this Law in its appointed place, testified their professed subjection and obedience to its requirements. Exodus 29:42-43+ “It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the doorway of the tent of meeting before the LORD, where I will meet with you (PLURAL), to speak to you (SINGULAR) there. 43 “I will meet there with the sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated by My glory. Bush comments (note the pronouns above) - The point (PLURAL/SINGULAR) is that as if He spoke to all the congregation when He spoke to Moses, their representative. Yet as if this might appear to indicate something unduly exclusive—a privilege vouchsafed to Moses but denied to them—he gives the assurance in Ex 29:43 in the most universal terms. ‘There I will meet with the Children of Israel;’ with all of them; they shall all have the benefit of this high distinction. This promise is still farther amplified in what follows; ‘And the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.’ Heb. נקדש בכבדי nikdash bikbodi; where the verb has no specific nominative, leaving us to understand the expression in its largest sense, as implying that every thing, people, tabernacle, altar, and priesthood, should be illustriously hallowed by the glory of the divine presence, the visible symbol of which was to be seen in the Shekinah enthroned in the Most Holy Place. You shall then deposit them in the tent of meeting in front of the testimony - Clearly this means the 13 "walking sticks" were to be placed before the Ark of the Testimony which contained the tables of the Law (thus the name "Testimony" - see comment above on Ex 25:16). On the top of the Ark was the Mercy Seat on which the Shekinah glory resided. So in placing the rods before the Ark Moses was laying them in front of Yahweh, the Judge of all the earth, Who would now settle the controversy over who was His designated high priest! Ark of the testimony - Exod. 25:22; Exod. 26:33; Exod. 26:34; Exod. 30:6; Exod. 30:26; Exod. 39:35; Exod. 40:3; Exod. 40:5; Exod. 40:21; Lev. 16:13; Num. 4:5; Num. 7:89; Jos. 4:16 NET NOTE on deposit - The verb is the Hiphil perfect of נוּחַ (nuakh, “to rest”), and so “to set at rest, lay, place, put.” The form with the vav (ו) consecutive continues the instruction of the previous verse. Deposit (lay, leave, place/put)(05117)(nuach/nuah means to rest or pause and as noted from the many ways it is translated (see list of words below), nuach has many uses in the OT. Nuach essentially conveys a basic sense of absence of movement and of being settled in a particular place with overtones of finality. The first use in Ge 2:15 describes how God "put" Adam in the Garden. The next use describes a physical setting down of something (Ge 8:4, cp 2Sa 21:10, Ex 10:14, Josh 3:13). Where I meet with you - Yahweh meeting with Moses. The Hebrew word for meet (yaad) means “to appoint a time or place” and is the root of the word meeting (moed)(in tent of meeting).which is more literally “the tent of the appointed time and place.” THOUGHT - Do you have an appointed time and place to meet with Yahweh, the Almighty One, the Creator of heaven and earth? That is your privilege beloved if you are bought by the blood of Jesus. Are you availing yourself of your high and holy privilege? If your "quiet time" is too quiet see thoughts on Quiet Time. FSB has a most interesting comment - Throughout the books of Exodus and Numbers, it is unclear whether Moses can enter the holy of holies (Ex 25:22; Ex 30:6, 36; Nu 7:89; Nu 17:4). Even if not, his access to the holy place is still an anomaly, since Moses is not a priest himself. Bush on meeting - Hebrew moed, from yâad, to appoint a meeting, and in the Niphal or passive, to be gathered together. This is the form in which it occurs in the present connection, and, as such, is remarkable, as it represents the Lord as being acted upon and drawn into convention by the force of his own self-assumed obligations, or by his fidelity to his covenant engagements, which are thus represented as operating as if by an external influence. This is the reason why the Tabernacle was called the tent of meeting, or of congregation, a phrase which is usually understood simply of men’s meeting together, or congregating; whereas, in fact, the Lord gave the appellation to the Tabernacle on the express ground of His meeting there with His people in the person of their representative Moses. See Note on Ex. 29:42 (see above). It is to be observed, however, that the import here is that of the Lord’s habitual presence—“where I am accustomed to meet with you.”...But it is still to be borne in mind that the Lord neither met with the people, nor with Aaron, other than through Moses as a representative medium (ED: CAN WE NOT SEE IN MOSES THE SHADOW OF CHRIST OUR MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT? Heb 8:6+, Heb 9:15+, Heb 12:24+, 1 Ti 2:5). Numbers 17:5 "It will come about that the rod of the man whom I choose will sprout. Thus I will lessen from upon Myself the grumblings of the sons of Israel, who are grumbling against you." NET Numbers 17:5 And the staff of the man whom I choose will blossom; so I will rid myself of the complaints of the Israelites, which they murmur against you." NLT Numbers 17:5 Buds will sprout on the staff belonging to the man I choose. Then I will finally put an end to the people's murmuring and complaining against you." ESV Numbers 17:5 And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout. Thus I will make to cease from me the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against you." NIV Numbers 17:5 The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites." KJV Numbers 17:5 And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. YLT Numbers 17:5 'And it hath come to pass, the man's rod on whom I fix doth flourish, and I have caused to cease from off me the murmurings of the sons of Israel, which they are murmuring against you.' LXE Numbers 17:5 And it shall be, the man whom I shall choose, his rod shall blossom; and I will remove from me the murmuring of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you. ASV Numbers 17:5 And it shall come to pass, that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you. CSB Numbers 17:5 The staff of the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid Myself of the Israelites' complaints that they have been making about you." NKJ Numbers 17:5 "And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you." NRS Numbers 17:5 And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout; thus I will put a stop to the complaints of the Israelites that they continually make against you. NAB Numbers 17:20 There the staff of the man of my choice shall sprout. Thus will I suppress from my presence the Israelites' grumbling against you." NJB Numbers 17:20 The man whose branch sprouts will be the one I have chosen; this is how I shall put an end to the mutterings of the Israelites about you.' GWN Numbers 17:5 The staff from the man I choose will begin to grow. In this way I will silence the frequent complaints the Israelites make against you and Aaron." Whom I: Nu 16:5 sprout: Nu 17:8 Isa 5:24 11:1 27:6 35:1,2 Ho 14:5 I will: Nu 17:10 Isa 13:11 Eze 16:41 23:27 Numbers 17 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THE SIGN OF SUPERNATURAL SPROUTING It will come about that the rod of the man whom I choose will sprout - Choose is bahar/bachar and is translated with eklegomai which means to choose out from among a number. Remember that these rods were not green branches but dead wood. The Creator of the universe would create life from one of these dead sticks! THOUGHT - In Adam we were all "dead wood" (Ro 5:12+) destined for the fire of eternal punishment for our sins against a holy God. Through the Word of Life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Mk 1:1+), God's Spirit supernaturally "sprouted" new life (Ge 3:3-7+) in each of our dead hearts, thereby demonstrating that we were His chosen nation, His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9+) who like Aaron, now have the privilege in Christ (the Great High Priest - Heb 4:14+) of ministering before Him forever and ever (Ps 16:11+). Amen Bush on the man whom I choose - Heb. “The man (as to) whom I shall have complacency in him.” This is not essentially different from “choose,” but it preserves the prepositional usage “in him,” which is quite common with the original verb. I like the comment by Henry