On the staff of Levi write Aaron’s name, for there must be one staff for the head of each ancestral tribe.
4Place them in the tent of meeting in front of the ark of the covenant law, where I meet with you.
5The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites."
- P22
8The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. - P23
10The Lord said to Moses, "Put back Aaron’s staff in front of the ark of the covenant law, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die."
11Moses did just as the Lord commanded him.
12The Israelites said to Moses, "We will die! We are lost, we are all lost!
13Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to die?"
- P23
Because some of the Levites and community leaders have been rebelling against God and grumbling against the leadership of Moses and Aaron, God sets up a test to show whom He has chosen to carry His authority. - P24
The leader of each of the twelve ancestral tribes is to write his name on his staff, which will then be placed in front of the ark of the covenant. The staff that sprouts will be a sign that God has clearly chosen its owner to be a leader of Israel. - P24
Sometimes people rebel against God by grumbling against their spiritual leaders. When we are tempted to grumble, let us instead respond with prayer, remembering that we are ultimately all under God’s authority. - P24
God performs a miracle to demonstrate His choice, showing the people the right leader to follow so that they will no longer walk in sin and rebellion. Aaron’s staff not only sprouts but also blossoms and produces almonds overnight! Such miraculous signs might not be necessary when God places leaders in our lives today, but we can still recognize those who represent His character through their words and actions. - P24
Godly leaders do not demand so much authority that our focus is drawn toward them rather than toward God. Instead, they reflect the character of Christ, acting as humble servants who lead us into closer communion with Him. - P24
Godly leaders submit themselves under the authority of God and point others toward Him. - P24
Dear God, thank you for the faithful leaders who are examples for me to follow. I want to be a godly leader who submits to Your authority. Help me and the leaders around me to reflect more of Your humble character and loving actions. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P25
God designates Aaron and his sons as responsible for the sanctuary andpriesthood, bearing its burdens and iniquities. The Levites assist them butcannot approach the sanctuary‘s holiest objects. - P27
Priests receive offerings,
tithes, and sacred gifts as their provision, while they forfeit land inheritance.
Their priesthood is a lasting covenant and God is their ultimate inheritance. - P27
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