God commands each tribal leader to inscribe his name on a staff, with Aaron's name on Levi's, and place them in the tent of meeting. The next morning, Aaron's staff has budded, blossomed, and produced almonds, confirming his divine election to the priesthood. The staff is preserved before the ark as a perpetual witness against rebellion, and Israel fears approaching the tabernacle, prompting clarification of priestly and Levitical duties.
Read Numbers Chapter 17 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Moses
Leader of Israel through the wilderness, mediator between God and the people
Aaron
High priest of Israel, brother of Moses
Miriam
Prophetess, sister of Moses and Aaron
Joshua
One of the faithful spies, future leader of Israel
Caleb
One of the faithful spies who believed God's promise
Balaam
Pagan prophet hired to curse Israel but compelled to bless them
Places in This Chapter
Plains of Moab
View on MapFinal encampment before entering Canaan, where Moses gave his final addresses
The Tabernacle
View on MapThe Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary that Israel built according to God's instructions at Mount Sinai. It served as God's dwelling place among His people during the wilderness wanderings and early settlement in Canaan. It contained the Ark of the Covenant, the altar, and the holy place.
Position in Book
Preparation at SinaiChapters 1-10
Journey to KadeshChapters 11-12
Failure at Kadesh BarneaChapters 13-14
Wilderness WanderingsChapters 15-19
Various laws, Korah's rebellion, Aaron's budding rod, and the red heifer purification ritual.
Journey to MoabChapters 20-21
Events in MoabChapters 22-25
Preparation for CanaanChapters 26-36
Bible Bites
Why 'Numbers' Got Its Name
The book of Numbers is named for the two censuses of Israel—one at Mount Sinai counting 603,550 fighting men and another in Moab nearly 40 years later. The Hebrew title 'Bemidbar' means 'in the wilderness.'
Numbers