Chapter 16 (Continued)

Mutiny in the Ranks (Continued)

7. THE CONGREGATION FOLLOWS THE REBELS (Numbers 16:41-50 [41] But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. [42] And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. [43] And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. [44] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [45] Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. [48] And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. [49] Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. [50] And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.
   See All...)
1. The Murmuring of the Congregation (Numbers 16:41-43 [41] But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. [42] And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. [43] And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.
   See All...)
1. The object of their murmuring (Numbers 16:41But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
   See All...)
2. The appearance of the Lord (Numbers 16:42And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.
   See All...)
2. The Plague from the Lord (Numbers 16:44-50 [44] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [45] Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. [48] And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. [49] Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. [50] And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.
   See All...)
1. The historical event
1. The judgment of the Lord (Numbers 16:44-45 [44] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [45] Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
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2. The intercession of Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:45Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.
   See All...)
3. The working of Aaron (Numbers 16:46-47 [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
   See All...)
1. Take a censer.
2. Put fire therein from off the altar.
3. Put on incense.
4. Go quickly into the congregation.
5. Make atonement for them.
4. The staying of the plague (Numbers 16:48And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.
   See All...)
5. The effects of the plague (Numbers 16:49-50 [49] Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. [50] And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.
   See All...)
1. 14,700 died.
2. Beside those that died about the matter of Korah
2. The typology
1. The setting
1. In this passage it is a dark time for the children of Israel.   They have sinned against God in murmuring and wrath comes out from the Lord.  One by one they get the plague.  Children are left alone to fend for themselves as mothers get struck with the plague and die.  Somewhere else a dad watches as his little boy breathes his last breath and slips off into eternity.  A wife clings to her husband as he closes his eyes to see her no more.  Screams are heard all around, people looking for their loved ones to see if they too have been bitten by the plague.  The only hope seems to be a quick death.
2. The intercession of Aaron
1. The existing plague– the plague is begun (Numbers 16:46-47 [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
   See All...).
2. The atonement for the plague
1. Go into the congregation (Numbers 16:46-47 [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
   See All...).
2. Put on incense (Numbers 16:46-47 [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
   See All...).
3. Make an atonement for the people (Numbers 16:46-47 [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people.
   See All...).
3. The damage of the plague– fourteen thousand and seven hundred (Numbers 16:49Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah.
   See All...)
3. The intercession of Christ
1. The existing plague
1. In Adam all die (1 Corinthians 15:22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
   See All...).
2. Death passed upon all men (Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
   See All...).
3. Our nature (Psalm 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
   See All...; Psalm 58:3The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
   See All...)
2. The atonement for the plague
1. Go into the congregation.
1. Job’s need (Job 9:30-33 [30] If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; [31] Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me. [32] For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. [33] Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
   See All...)
2. A Son named Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
   See All...; Matthew 1:23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
   See All...)
3. The Word became flesh (John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
   See All...).
4. The Word was God (John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 3:16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
   See All...).
2. Put on incense– made intercession for the transgressors (Isaiah 53:12Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
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3. Make an atonement for the people.
1. His soul was made an offering for sin (Isaiah 53:10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
   See All...).
2. Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
   See All...).
3. We have received the atonement (Romans 5:11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
   See All...).
4. Redeemed us to God (Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
   See All...)
4. The intercession of believers
1. The urgency of the plague– go quickly (Numbers 16: 46; 1 Corinthians 15:34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.
   See All...).
2. The answer for the plague
1. The cure is available (Psalm 107:20He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
   See All...).
2. The physician is Christ.
3. The damage of the plague – those that die without accepting Christ
4. The responsibility of the believer
1. To plead with man (1 Corinthians 9:20-23 [20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; [21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. [22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. [23] And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
   See All...; Acts 20:31Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
   See All...)
2. To plead with God (Romans 10:1Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
   See All...; Romans 9:1-3 [1] I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, [2] That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. [3] For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
   See All...)

Chapter 17

The Confirmation of the High Priest

1. INTRODUCTION OF THE CHAPTER
1. The Timing of the Chapter
1. Everything seemed to go well (Numbers 1-10).
2. The complaining and lusting of the people (Numbers 11)
3. The murmuring of Miriam and Aaron (Numbers 12)
4. The evil report concerning the land of Canaan (Numbers 13)
5. The failure to enter the land (Numbers 14)
6. God’s instructions for future possession of the land (Numbers 15)
7. Sin of Korah and congregation as well (Numbers 16:1-43 [1] Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: [2] And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: [3] And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD? [4] And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face: [5] And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him. [6] This do; Take you censers, Korah, and all his company; [7] And put fire therein, and put incense in them before the LORD to morrow: and it shall be that the man whom the LORD doth choose, he shall be holy: ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi. [8] And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray you, ye sons of Levi: [9] Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them? [10] And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also? [11] For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the LORD: and what is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? [12] And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab: which said, We will not come up: [13] Is it a small thing that thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, except thou make thyself altogether a prince over us? [14] Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up. [15] And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them. [16] And Moses said unto Korah, Be thou and all thy company before the LORD, thou, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: [17] And take every man his censer, and put incense in them, and bring ye before the LORD every man his censer, two hundred and fifty censers; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer. [18] And they took every man his censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron. [19] And Korah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the congregation. [20] And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, [21] Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. [22] And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation? [23] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [24] Speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. [25] And Moses rose up and went unto Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. [26] And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of their's, lest ye be consumed in all their sins. [27] So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children. [28] And Moses said, Hereby ye shall know that the LORD hath sent me to do all these works; for I have not done them of mine own mind. [29] If these men die the common death of all men, or if they be visited after the visitation of all men; then the LORD hath not sent me. [30] But if the LORD make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD. [31] And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: [32] And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. [33] They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation. [34] And all Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them: for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up also. [35] And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense. [36] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [37] Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for they are hallowed. [38] The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them make them broad plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before the LORD, therefore they are hallowed: and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. [39] And Eleazar the priest took the brasen censers, wherewith they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: [40] To be a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses. [41] But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD. [42] And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared. [43] And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.
   See All...)
8. The work of Aaron - a picture of Jesus Christ (Numbers 16:44-50 [44] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [45] Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces. [46] And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. [47] And Aaron took as Moses commanded, and ran into the midst of the congregation; and, behold, the plague was begun among the people: and he put on incense, and made an atonement for the people. [48] And he stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. [49] Now they that died in the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them that died about the matter of Korah. [50] And Aaron returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and the plague was stayed.
   See All...)
9. The budding of Aaron’s rod – a picture of Jesus Christ (Numbers 17)
10. The red heifer – a picture of Jesus Christ (Numbers 19)
11. The rock – a picture of Jesus Christ (Numbers 20)
12. The serpent upon the pole – a picture of Jesus Christ (Numbers 21)
13. A sceptre rising out of Israel – the Lord Jesus Christ (Numbers 24)
14. The work of Phinehas – a picture of Jesus Christ (Numbers 25)
2. Division of the Chapter
1. God’s instructions concerning the rods (Numbers 17:1-5 [1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [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. [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. [4] And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. [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.
   See All...)
2. God’s confirmation of His priest (Numbers 17:6-9 [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. [7] And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. [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. [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.
   See All...)
3. God’s purpose for the rod (Numbers 17:10-11 [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. [11] And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he.
   See All...)
4. The fear of the people (Numbers 17:12-13 [12] And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish. [13] Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
   See All...)
5. The typology of the rod
2. GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE RODS (Numbers 17:1-5 [1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [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. [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. [4] And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. [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.
   See All...)
1. Rods Taken According to Tribe (Numbers 17:1-2 [1] And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, [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.
   See All...)
1. Rods in scripture
1. Explanation
1. The rod was probably much like a walking stick.
2. It would have also been used as a shepherd’s staff or a weapon.
2. Symbolism
1. A symbol of authority and power (Exodus 4:20And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
   See All...; Exodus 7:9-12 [9] When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. [10] And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. [11] Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. [12] For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
   See All...)
2. A symbol of judgment (Psalm 2:9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
   See All...; Proverbs 10:13In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding.
   See All...)
3. Related to a scepter (Ezekiel 19:14And fire is gone out of a rod of her branches, which hath devoured her fruit, so that she hath no strong rod to be a sceptre to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.
   See All...)
2. Each head has a rod.
2. Rods Bore the Name of the Men (Numbers 17:2-3 [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. [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.
   See All...).
1. Write the name of each man upon his rod.
2. Write Aaron’s name upon the rod of Levi.
3. A Rod to be Chosen by God (Numbers 17:4-5 [4] And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. [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.
   See All...)
1. Lay the rods in the presence of God.
2. The man’s rod I choose shall blossom.
3. GOD’S CONFIRMATION OF HIS PRIEST (Numbers 17:6-9 [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. [7] And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness. [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. [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.
   See All...)
1. Rods Laid Up before the Lord (Numbers 17:6-7 [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. [7] And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
   See All...)
1. Twelve rods presented to Moses
2. Moses lays the rods before the Lord.
2. Aaron’s Rod Chosen (Numbers 17:8And 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.
   See All...)
1. It came to pass on the morrow.
2. Aaron’s rod chosen
3. Three stages of fruit produced
1. Buds
2. Blossoms
3. Almonds
4. Some thoughts on the almond tree
1. Physical description
1. First tree to bloom in the spring
2. Has beautiful blossoms
3. Yields fruit about ten weeks after it blossoms
2. Biblical usage
1. Occurs ten times in the Bible
2. First time in scripture is Genesis 43:11And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds:
   See All... where it is among the best of fruits
3. Last time in scripture is Jeremiah 1:11-12 [11] Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. [12] Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.
   See All... where it indicates the speedy fulfillment of God’s word
3. The Presentation of the Rods (Numbers 17:9And 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.
   See All...)
4. GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THE ROD (Numbers 17:10-11 [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. [11] And Moses did so: as the LORD commanded him, so did he.
   See All...)
1. Aaron’s Rod Kept as a Testimony (Numbers 17:10And 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.
   See All...)
1. Aaron’s rod kept in the ark
2. The contents of the ark
1. Items (Hebrews 9:4Which 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;
   See All...)
1. Manna
2. Tables of stone
3. Aaron’s rod
2. Typology
1. Manna – Jesus Christ as the Bread of Life (John 6:48I am that bread of life.
   See All..., 51)
2. Tables of stone – Jesus Christ as the Word of God (John 1:1-3 [1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
   See All..., 14)
3. Aaron’s rod – Jesus Christ as the Rod of God (Psalm 110:1-2 [1] The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. [2] The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
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3. Contents removed? (1 Kings 8:8-9 [8] And they drew out the staves, that the ends of the staves were seen out in the holy place before the oracle, and they were not seen without: and there they are unto this day. [9] There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the LORD made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
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2. Protection of the People (Numbers 17:10And 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.
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5. THE FEAR OF THE PEOPLE (Numbers 17:12-13 [12] And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish. [13] Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
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1. The Fear of Death (Numbers 17:12And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, saying, Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish.
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2. The Fear of Holy Things (Numbers 17:13Whosoever cometh any thing near unto the tabernacle of the LORD shall die: shall we be consumed with dying?
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6. THE TYPOLOGY OF THE ROD
1. The Makeup of the Rod
1. Aaron’s rod
1. Aaron’s rod was wooden.
2. Aaron’s rod had been crafted to be such.
2. Jesus Christ
1. The wood symbolizes humanity.  Jesus Christ was a man.
2. God the Father prepared a body in which His Son would live (Hebrews 10:5Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
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2. The Rod Had Life.
1. Aaron’s rod
1. This rod had at one time been a part of a living tree.
2. This rod had been cut down.
2. Jesus Christ
1. Jesus Christ was a living branch (Isaiah 11:1And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
   See All...; Isaiah 53:2For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
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2. The Lord Jesus was crucified (Isaiah 53:8He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
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3. The Rod Was Dead.
1. Aaron’s rod
1. Aaron’s rod was nothing more than a dead piece of wood.
2. Aaron’s rod was laid in the presence of the Lord with other dead rods.
3. Aaron’s rod was out of the site of the people.
2. Jesus Christ
1. Jesus Christ was dead.
2. Jesus Christ was buried with the wicked (Isaiah 53:9And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
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3. Jesus Christ was out of the sight of the people for three days and three nights but was very much alive and working.
4. The Rod Became Alive Again.
1. Aaron’s rod
1. Aaron’s rod though dead received life again in the presence of God.
2. Aaron’s rod in this time of darkness was bringing forth buds, blossoms, and almonds.
2. Jesus Christ
1. Jesus Christ was raised to life again.  The Father, Son and Holy Spirit each had a part in this.
2. In the apparent absence of Christ, He was bringing forth fruit.  He did so with those in Abraham’s bosom, but He is also doing it with all of those who should trust in Him for everlasting life as well.
5. The Rod Declared the Identity of the Priest.
1. Aaron’s rod
1. Though the Lord had already chosen Aaron as His high priest, the budding of the rod settled the dispute openly.
2. Aaron’s rod was presented before the people as were the other rods.
3. Only Aaron’s rod had received life from the dead.
2. Jesus Christ
1. Though God the Father had already declared the Son as His Beloved, the resurrection settled the dispute openly (Colossians 2:15And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
   See All...; Acts 10:40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
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2. The resurrection of Christ
1. Loosed the pains of death (Acts 2:23-24 [23] Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: [24] Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
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2. Brought us justification (Romans 4:25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
   See All...; Romans 5:9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
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3. Gave us access to the Father (Ephesians 1:20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
   See All...; 1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
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4. Enabled us to receive an inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-4 [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
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5. Qualified Him to be Judge (Romans 14:9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
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3. The Lord Jesus was presented on earth to the people (Acts 1:3-4 [3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: [4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
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4. Consider all of the dead rods who receive the worship of men, yet only Christ has risen from the dead.
6. The Rod was Placed Again in the Presence of the Lord.
1. Aaron’s rod
1. Aaron’s rod after being presented to the people was then returned to the presence of God.
2. This was a testimony to the people that Aaron was the priest.
2. Jesus Christ
1. After Christ presented Himself to the people, He then returned to the presence of the Father.
2. This places Him as the mediator between God and man.  He is the one seated on the right hand of the Father and has all authority (1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
   See All...; Hebrews 10:12But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
   See All...; 1 Peter 3:22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
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