BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

Yesterday, we read about the Israelites rebelling against God’s chosen representatives, accusing Moses and Aaron of seizing leadership positions for themselves. In today’s reading, Aaron’s staff miraculously sprouts new buds like a living tree, reaffirming God’s choice of Aaron’s family for the priesthood.

The dead wood bursting with flowers not only affirms God’s choice but also rebukes the people for grumbling against them. God wants to be with his people, but they must approach his sacred space on his terms. In this case, that includes respecting God’s choice of who will serve as priests.

Since the priests and Levites have a unique role as Israel’s representatives, God provides for them in a special way. Unlike Israel’s other tribes, they will not receive an inheritance in the promised land. Instead, they receive a tithe, one-tenth of the other tribes’ designated portions and holy offerings. The priests and Levites serve as living reminders that God is always providing for them, and they are to embrace his way by providing for one another.

Reflection Questions

• Compare the Israelites’ response to Aaron’s budding staff (Num. 17:12-13) with their response to God’s presence at Mount Sinai (Exod. 20:18-21). Who does God give them as a mediator in each case? What does this reveal about Yahweh’s glory?
• Consider the portion of their harvest that the Israelites were asked to give to God. What does this tell you about the kind of gratitude God seeks?