17Numbers 17

Aaron's Walking Stick Blooms and Produces Almonds

1The Lord told Moses:Select Numbers 17:1

3Call together the twelve tribes of Israel and tell the leader of each tribe to write his name on the walking stick he carries as a symbol of his authority. Make sure Aaron's name is written on the one from the Levi tribe, then collect all the sticks.Select Numbers 17:3

4Place these sticks in the tent right in front of the sacred chest where I appear to you.Select Numbers 17:4

5I will then choose a man to be my priest, and his stick will sprout. After that happens, I won't have to listen to any more complaints about you.Select Numbers 17:5

6Moses told the people what the Lord had commanded, and they gave him the walking sticks from the twelve tribal leaders, including Aaron's from the Levi tribe.Select Numbers 17:6

7Moses took them and placed them in the Lord's sacred tent.Select Numbers 17:7

8The next day when Moses went into the tent, flowers and almonds were already growing on Aaron's stick.Select Numbers 17:8

9Moses brought the twelve sticks out of the tent and showed them to the people. Each of the leaders found his own and took it.Select Numbers 17:9

10But the Lord told Moses, “Put Aaron's stick back! Let it stay near the sacred chest as a warning to anyone who might think of rebelling. If these people don't stop their grumbling about me, I will wipe them out.”Select Numbers 17:10

11Moses did what he was told.Select Numbers 17:11

12The Israelites cried out to Moses, “We're done forSelect Numbers 17:12

13and doomed if we even go near the sacred tent!”Select Numbers 17:13