Bible Commentaries
Numbers 17

Verses 1-13

That the murmuring of the people against the divine government was an evil thing is emphasized by the fact that a supernatural sign was given in final vindication of Aaron's position. The reason for giving the sign was declared in the words, "I will make to cease from Me the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you." The spirit of rebellion manifested itself afterward in different ways and for different reasons, but it seems probable that any complaint against the rights of the God-appointed leadership of Moses and the priesthood of Aaron ceased at this time.

The sign granted was simple, but it was luminously suggestive. Twelve princes representing the twelve tribes were commanded to bring rods having their names inscribed on them and to lay them before the Lord. Aaron's rod budded, blossomed, and bore fruit. These effects were patiently the result of divine action, and thus men were taught that the position of Aaron was not due to anything inherent in him but to the direct appointment and equipment of Jehovah.