Significance of the budding of Aaron’s rod

Aaron’s rod had changed. It was no longer a dead wooden stick, but it had become so much alive that it was bearing buds for new flowers, and it was bearing blossoms, and it was bearing almonds, indicating that it was already bearing fruit.

1. Significance for the nation of Israel. The almond tree has a very tremendous significance for the children of Israel. It is used over and over in different prophecies. It was the first of the flowering plants after winter. And they even had a name for it: the watcher because it was the first of the plants to break into flowering after the cold days of winter. It was a beautiful flower, indicating God watching over them even during the cold winter.

So, the prophets would sometimes use it to talk about how God was watching over the children of Israel. Even in their bleak winter of disobedience, God was watching over Israel. And so this rod flowers, and it’s designed by God to show that Aaron is His chosen man and that the sons of Aaron are to be the priests of Israel.

2. Significance for the gospel. The word for “rod” used in this chapter is the Hebrew word “matteh”. Amazingly, God used the same word, “matter,” in Psalm 110, which refers to Christ. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou amid thine enemies.

This is unmistakably a Messianic Psalm because Jesus quoted these words to the Pharisees. The significance of the miracle of Aaron’s budding rod is that it signified the miracle of salvation. Something dead was made alive. We all were dead in trespasses and sins, and we all were under the wrath of God, even as others. 'But God, who is rich in mercy, has made us alive together with Christ; therefore, by grace are ye saved.'

3. Significance as a type for Christ. Numbers 17:10 tells us, "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."

In Hebrews 9:4, we read, "Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant.'

Why was Aaron’s rod so unique that it should be kept in the golden Ark of the Covenant? It was because Aaron’s rod and items in the Ark of the Covenant were types of Christ as Savior and Christ the giver of life.

How important to take notice here that the rod of Aaron wasn’t left in Aaron’s tent or paraded around the other tribes to boast about himself somehow. No, but it was kept in the Holy of Holies before the ark of the covenant, highlighting what God’s people in His church are to be busy with and labouring for always. That is, ever to magnify the Lord and His grace in Christ Jesus and Him crucified.

Application Question:

What are your gifts, and how could you better use them to serve your local church?

Quote:

A bitter spirit will keep you from being a better person. - Woodrow Kroll

Prayer:

Lord, I pray that I will not be envious of others but be faithful to the gifts that You have given me to build up Your body, the church. Amen.