In Numbers 17, the Lord commands Moses to gather staffs from each of the twelve tribes of Israel, including Aaron’s staff for the tribe of Levi. These staffs are to be placed in the tabernacle as a test to determine which tribe God has chosen to be His priesthood.
The next day, when Moses enters the tabernacle, he finds that Aaron’s staff has miraculously budded, blossomed, and produced almonds. This signifies that God has chosen the tribe of Levi to be His priesthood and confirms Aaron’s position as the high priest. Moses brings out the staffs and shows them to the people as a sign of God’s choice.
Upon seeing this miraculous sign, the Israelites become afraid, fearing that they will die for approaching the tabernacle. Moses assures them that only the priests and Levites will be responsible for the tabernacle and its rituals, and the rest of the people need not fear.
This event demonstrates God’s authority and reaffirms Aaron’s role as the high priest. It also establishes the exclusive role of the Levites in the priesthood and the Israelites’ need to respect the sanctity of the tabernacle.
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