Numbers 17

Numbers 17:3

A Arons name] Why not Levies name, as well as Reubens, Simeons, &c. Because the question was not so much whether the Tribe of Levi should minister unto the Lord, as whether the Priest-hood should be settled on Aaron, and his sonnes.

rod of Levi] Though Aarons name were written on a rod, it was not that rod which he used in working miracles, but an ordinary rod, like the rest of the Tribes; for so the buds, and blossomes, and Almonds that came out of it, might appeare more miraculous: yet some thinke it was the same miraculous rod used in miraculous operations before Pharaoh, because that was laid up before the Lord, Numbers 20:9. and that rod which was laid up before the Lord, was Aarons rod that budded. Hebrews 9:4. unlesse there were two rods laid up, and but one expresly mentioned.

Numbers 17:4

before the Testimony] That is, before the Arke, wherein were the tables of the Law, Exodus 25:16. whereby was testified Gods covenant with his people.

Numbers 17:6

twelve rods] There is usually twelve Tribes without that of Levi, and with him there was thirteen, chap. 1. but then Joseph is divided into two, which here, though two was to be reckoned but for one, yet some conceive there were twelve rods besides the rod of Aaron, though it cannot be gathered from the Hebrew Text.

Numbers 17:7

of witnesse] Or, testimony. See Annot. on vers. 4.

Numbers 17:8

almonds] a miraculous spring, for a dry Rod to bring forth buds, and blossoms, and fruit, and all at once, or all within a very little space.

Numbers 17:10

against the rebells] That others presume not to usurp the office of the Priesthood, as Korah and his company had done; for (when the judgement by fire, and swallowing up of the earth, being out of sight would be out of minde) that Rod would be of ready use to correct the presumption of those that would adventure upon the like in after times; and it might prove a barre to keep them back from such over-bold undertakings.

Numbers 17:12

all perish] So many sorts of death, by the sword, by fire, by the opening of the earth, by the pestilence, making quick riddance of so many, will (if it hold) in a while leave very few of us alive.

Numbers 17:13

any thing neere] Extream feare makes them aggravate the danger above measure; or else they meane it onely of such as being no Levites, make too neer approches to the Tabernacle, or meddle with holy things, without sufficient warrant for that purpose.

with dying] The words are a passionate expostulation with 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉God, in sense thus, Wilt thou not, O God, withdraw thine indignation from us, untill by killing, thou hast consumed us? and such an Interrogation is virtually an ardent deprecation of danger, as Psal. 85. 5, 6. Esay 64. 12.