Aaron's Rod
Num 17:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 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.
Num 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.
Num 17:4 And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you.
A rod for each of the twelve tribes of Israel and Aaron's rod.
Num 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.
The LORD would choose one rod, a dead stick and give it life, to blossom as a sign of favor on that tribe and ruler.
Num 17:6 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.
Num 17:7 And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
The rods were laid before the ark of the covenant, where the presence of God was, within the sacred tabernacle.
Num 17:8 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.
This was more than tying a yellow ribbon on the old oak tree. The presence and favor of the LORD caused Aaron's rod to blossom and even to bring forth the fruit of almonds. Listen to the normal life cycle required to produce an almond.
In the fall, the almond’s tiny green buds begin to develop flower parts around their outer edges. A cold December followed by a mild January and February results in an explosion of spectacular, pinkish-white almond blossoms. During this phase, bees are brought in to pollinate alternating rows of almond varieties. Because almond trees require cross-pollination, at least two different almond species are necessary for a productive orchard.After the last of the blossoms’ petals drop and the tree’s branches are thick with leaves, fuzzy green fruit begins to appear. This fruit, known as the “hull,” continues to harden and mature until it splits open around July. Between late summer and early fall, this split widens, eventually revealing the “kernel” or nut inside.(Paramount farms)
A cycle of growth requiring nine months occurred overnight, in the presence of the LORD. This should satisfy us when we think the LORD is too slow. He can create and heal in an instant, but our growth cycle takes time. We require careful pruning and our growth depends on how yielded we are to his will. The same applied to the complaining children of Israel, they were not yet mature. They would have to go round and round the mountain, until faith arose in their hearts and they learned to obey the LORD.
Num 17:9 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.
Any questions?
A token to remember
Num 17:10 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.
Num 17:11 And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he.
The LORD GOD commanded that Aaron's rod be placed next to the ark of the covenant, to speak loudly as a reminder to the rebels and complainers, who God had favored and chosen to hear and to speak to. Let them respect the chosen of God and not fall under God's wrath. God was not interested in taking a poll or moving with the opinion of a crowd.
Num 17:12 And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
Num 17:13 Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
They had a negative spirit. No sin was allowed in the tabernacle, in God's presence. These complainers had not yet faith.
Jesus has opened the way to God through his atonement for sins. Yet, we must believe in him to be saved.
2 Cor 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The Red Heifer
Num 19:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,
Num 19:2 This is the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke:
This ordinance or ceremonial law, was a decree from God. They were to bring a young cow, red or reddish in color, without spot. Jewish law interpreted that as without any other color, not so much as two hairs of a differing color, it was to be completely red. As an animal for sacrifice it had to be without blemish, no open wound, scar, or any sign of disease. It also was to be free of any yoke of man. It must have been pure and a unique creation. The only completely pure and unique creation of God, was Christ Jesus, the firstborn of all creation who said to us:
Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Satan imposes a heavy yoke on people, being yoked with Christ Jesus means, he carries our burdens for us. Jesus is the defeater of those who bring bondage to people.
Num 19:3 And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face:
We shall see the symbolism of the Red heifer, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Both were to be taken outside the camp and slain. This sacrifice was not done by the Chief priest or any other priest, but another "one," who slays the heifer before the priest. The priests were aware, but did not take part in the slaying. Jesus was slain by a Roman soldier, but the priests watched, in agreement.
Num 19:4 And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the tabernacle of the congregation seven times:
The blood was the means of purifying the temple. The blood of Jesus is the means of purifying our bodies, the temple of the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
Blood was sprinkled directly before the tabernacle, seven times. This was the way of all offerings to the LORD. Yet, this offering was unique. Only once did they kill a red heifer for cleansing. Christ Jesus was offered one time for the sins of his church, one time for all times. His blood still removes sin, his blood is still the cleansing and removal of our guilt, shame, sins and curses. The church is female and he is the head of the church. He took our place, our substitute. He identifies with his people and bore our sins on the cross. He loves you and considers you worthy of his death, to make you his disciple. Our life belongs to Jesus, he is master, he is the life giver.
Why a female animal? Perhaps because the female gives life. Jesus is the giver of life and through his death and resurrection, we receive a new life.
Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Num 19:5 And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn:
Num 19:6 And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.
Cedar wood has a sweet smell, hissop is a plant with a blue flower, used in ceremonial cleansing, and scarlet symbolizes our sins that (Jesus') blood cleansed.
Isa 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
A one time sacrifice for cleansing. The red heifer gives us an unusual picture of Jesus. The Bible is all about reconciling people to God. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. His blood was spilled to atone for our sins. Blood being sprinkled on our hearts so that we may be set apart for his service.
Manna
Exo 16:14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.
Exo 16:15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the LORD hath given you to eat.
Manna means, what is it? It was the Lord's provision, bread from heaven that fell each morning. It did not fall into their hands, but on the ground to be gathered.
Exo 16:16 This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
An omer is one-tenth of an ephah, about two liters. Only enough for each person in the tent.
Exo 16:17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
Exo 16:18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.
Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Exo 16:19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.
Exo 16:20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
The manna was not to be hoarded, if so it rotted and had worms. Each had to learn to depend on God's provision each day; He is faithful. Have we learned to trust the Lord each day? They were to learn to obey God. They were once slaves, now they must obey God. That is how freedom works. We are not free to "do our own thing." We are free to follow our Lord, it is an eternal connection.
Exo 16:21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.
Exo 16:22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
Exo 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Exo 16:24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
God gave them a double portion so that they would have a holy day to rest and to worship the LORD.
Exo 16:25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
Exo 16:26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
Exo 16:27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
Still some disobeyed. Often we want to experience rather than to obey.
Exo 16:28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
Exo 16:29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.
Exo 16:30 So the people rested on the seventh day.
Exo 16:31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.
Exo 16:32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
Exo 16:33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the LORD, to be kept for your generations.
This omer of manna would be placed within the Ark of the testimony, as was the rod of Aaron that budded.
Exo 16:34 As the LORD commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.
Exo 16:35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan.
Exo 16:36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.
Because the older generation had refused to enter their promise land and had continued to murmur against the LORD, an entire generation wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Yet, God was faithful each morning supplying them with an omer of manna for each person. Manna is a type of the daily reading of God's word. We need a fresh eating of his word early each day, for it would spoil if we hoarded one day and gathered not in days following. We cannot survive on the manna of a Sunday service, we must feed each day.
I have a manna bread recipe, based on the Bibles description of manna, Write me for the recipe.
Miriam's sin
Num 20:1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.
Miriam Moses sister, died in the desert. She may be remembered for her rebellion with Aaron against Moses.
Num 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
An African woman who was probably black. This upset Miriam and Aaron, perhaps because she was not under the covenant.
Num 12:2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
They questioned his judgment, thinking perhaps they could do better, but the LORD heard them.
Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Moses humbled himself before the LORD, always his first act. He sought the LORD for all things.
Num 12:4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
Num 12:5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
Num 12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
Num 12:7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
Num 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Wow, they were in trouble. You wanted to replace Moses? The LORD exalted his humble servant. He spoke face to face to Moses.
Num 12:9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
Num 12:10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.
God's wrath fell on Miriam and she was stricken with leprosy. Why not Aaron? Perhaps because he was under Moses authority, a priest, set aside to the LORD's service. Aaron was also the mediator between the twelve tribes and the LORD. Apparently Miriam was the instigator of the rebellion, for she bore the responsibility, being stricken as a judgment against her.
Num 12:11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned.
Num 12:12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.
Num 12:13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.
Aaron appealed to Moses who was the intercessor to God, to heal Miriam.
Num 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
Her offense was great. She must go through ceremonial cleansing.
Num 12:15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again.
She was brought in, healed. We learn from this to not speak against the Lords anointed leaders. He will avenge, for it is as unto the LORD when we rebel and complain against the LORD's servant. Miriam was forgiven of her offense because both Aaron and Moses stood for her. Jesus is our mediator who keeps us from God's wrath. If we sin,he reminds the Father that we are forgiven by his blood applied. Miriam died in Kadesh; she was one of the older generation under the curse because of unbelief.
Speak to the Rock
Num 20:2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.
Num 20:3 And the people chided with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
They were upset and spoke words in haste. Why didn't the LORD just destroy us when he destroyed Korah? A death wish because of discomfort? The soul requires water from above, the Holy Spirit, to be refreshed. They needed to receive a new heart, they needed to humble themselves before the LORD.
Num 20:4 And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?
Num 20:5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.
They continued to provoke the LORD with angry words of unbelief.
Psa 95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,
Psa 95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Psa 95:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Psa 95:10 Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:
Num 20:6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them.
Num 20:7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Num 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink.
Another time, the LORD spoke to Moses to strike the rock and water came forth. This time he spoke to Moses to speak to the rock and water would come forth. The rock was symbolic of the Lord Jesus Christ. The water was symbolic of his word and his Holy Spirit. He was stricken once, for all time for our sins. He was not stricken again, now we come to him and ask him for our needs.
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Cor 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1 Cor 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1 Cor 10:3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
1 Cor 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
1 Cor 10:5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
1 Cor 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
1 Cor 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
1 Cor 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
1 Cor 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
1 Cor 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
1 Cor 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
1 Cor 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Speak to the Rock
Earlier he had smote the rock as the LORD commanded.
Exo 17:5 And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.
Exo 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
Exo 17:7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?
Num 20:9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.
Moses is obeying at this point.
Num 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
Moses acts with anger towards the complainers. Must we? it was the LORD's work, was Moses acting in pride of the flesh?
Num 20:11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
Num 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
Moses struck the rock twice in anger. The LORD brought water from the rock, but Moses had disobeyed. He did not believe God and obey him so that God would be glorified. Jesus the Rock was not to be stricken twice and this point was important to the LORD. It would keep Moses from entering the promise land.
Num 20:13 This is the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.
Meribah, means strife. Moses failed, the people failed, but God was faithful to bring forth water. He was sanctified, God is holy and without sin.
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