Numbers 17:6 - Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and all their princes gave him rods, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, a total of twelve rods. Aaron’s rod was among their rods.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Numbers 17:6" mean?
This verse sets the stage for a test designed to determine who God had chosen to lead the Israelites. Here's a breakdown:
"Moses spoke to the children of Israel": Moses, as the leader appointed by God, is communicating instructions to the people.
"and all their princes gave him rods": The "princes" or tribal leaders, heads of their families or clans, each provided a "rod." In this context, a rod was likely a walking stick or staff, a symbol of authority and leadership.
"for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, a total of twelve rods": Each of the twelve tribes of Israel (descended from the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel) was represented by its prince, who contributed one rod.
"Aaron’s rod was among their rods": Aaron, Moses' brother and the High Priest, also provided his rod.
In summary, the verse describes a scene where the leaders of each tribe, including Aaron, give their rods to Moses. This collection of rods is then used in the next part of the story as a way to discern God's chosen leader (and by extension, the priestly line).
Numbers 17:6 - Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and all their princes gave him rods, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, a total of twelve rods. Aaron’s rod was among their rods.
What does "Numbers 17:6" mean?
This verse sets the stage for a test designed to determine who God had chosen to lead the Israelites. Here's a breakdown:
"Moses spoke to the children of Israel": Moses, as the leader appointed by God, is communicating instructions to the people.
"and all their princes gave him rods": The "princes" or tribal leaders, heads of their families or clans, each provided a "rod." In this context, a rod was likely a walking stick or staff, a symbol of authority and leadership.
"for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, a total of twelve rods": Each of the twelve tribes of Israel (descended from the twelve sons of Jacob/Israel) was represented by its prince, who contributed one rod.
"Aaron’s rod was among their rods": Aaron, Moses' brother and the High Priest, also provided his rod.
In summary, the verse describes a scene where the leaders of each tribe, including Aaron, give their rods to Moses. This collection of rods is then used in the next part of the story as a way to discern God's chosen leader (and by extension, the priestly line).