Numbers 17 Commentary
In this very short chapter, the LORD is doing one thing: confirming His choice of Aaron as the High priest. A simple but miraculous test of approval is devised. Staffs from tribal leaders with identity markings are placed before the LORD. Aaron’s staff is selected.
The hope is that the matter of leadership is settled. But these lines show us more. The LORD is equally unhappy about the deaths. Again it is hoped that by settling the issue of leadership more deaths would be avoided. This is the merciful side of the LORD. It is the work of salvation. But salvation from what? In this case, it’s salvation from rebellion which is the real cause of deaths.
The approval process is very interesting. It is not an aptitude test nor a skills test. It is best described as an official communique – the LORD’S work of election. The staffs presented before the LORD are not CVs. The LORD qualifies the called. They go on to produce fruit. It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit, for the saint today.
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