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Numbers 17:20 - Divine sign ends rebellion?

Numbers 17:20 - במדבר 17:20

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר אֶבְחַר־בּוֹ מַטֵּהוּ יִפְרָח וַהֲשִׁכֹּתִי מֵעָלַי אֶת־תְּלֻנּוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר הֵם מַלִּינִם עֲלֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

And it shall come to pass, that the man’s rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Yisra᾽el, whereby they murmur against you.

Transliteration

Vehaya ha'ish asher evchar-bo matehu yifrach vahashikhoti me'alai et-telunot bnei yisrael asher hem malinim aleichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה הָאִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶבְחַר־בּ֖וֹ מַטֵּ֣הוּ יִפְרָ֑ח וַהֲשִׁכֹּתִ֣י מֵֽעָלַ֗י אֶת־תְּלֻנּוֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥ם מַלִּינִ֖ם עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃
וְהָיָ֗ה הָאִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֶבְחַר־בּ֖וֹ מַטֵּ֣הוּ יִפְרָ֑ח וַהֲשִׁכֹּתִ֣י מֵֽעָלַ֗י אֶת־תְּלֻנּוֹת֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֛ר הֵ֥ם מַלִּינִ֖ם עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse (Bamidbar 17:20)

This verse appears in the aftermath of Korach's rebellion (Bamidbar 16-17), where Korach and his followers challenged the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. Hashem instructs Moshe to gather the staffs of the leaders of each tribe, including Aharon's staff for the tribe of Levi, to demonstrate whom He has chosen as the rightful Kohen Gadol.

Meaning of the Blossoming Rod

Rashi (Bamidbar 17:20) explains that the miraculous blossoming of Aharon's staff—producing almonds—was a divine sign to silence the complaints of Bnei Yisrael. The almond (שָׁקֵד) symbolizes haste (שָׁקַד), as it blossoms quickly, indicating that Hashem acts swiftly to affirm His chosen leaders and reject rebellion.

Purpose of the Miracle

  • Ending Complaints: The Ramban (Bamidbar 17:20) teaches that the miracle was not merely to prove Aharon’s legitimacy but to permanently quell the murmuring against Moshe and Aharon. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) states that those who perpetuate disputes, like Korach, forfeit their share in the World to Come.
  • Divine Selection: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8) emphasizes that leadership is determined by Hashem’s will, not human contention. The staff’s blossoming affirmed that the Kehunah was divinely ordained.

Symbolism of the Almond

The Sforno notes that almonds mature faster than other fruits, symbolizing that Hashem’s justice is swift when His authority is challenged. Additionally, the almond tree’s white flowers (Yerushalmi Maaser Sheni 5:3) represent purity, aligning with the sanctity of the Kehunah.

Halachic and Moral Lessons

  • Accepting Leadership: The Mishneh Torah (Hilchos Melachim 1:7) derives from this episode that one must not contest divinely appointed leadership.
  • Danger of Dispute: The Talmud (Eruvin 13b) warns that baseless disputes lead to destruction, as seen in Korach’s fate.

Conclusion: A Sign for Future Generations

Aharon’s staff was later placed near the Aron HaKodesh (Bamidbar 17:25) as a lasting reminder that rebellion against Torah authority is futile. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) explains that such miracles serve to strengthen emunah (faith) in Hashem’s chosen path.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 17b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the selection of leaders and the divine approval through signs, similar to the blossoming of Aaron's rod.
📖 Horayot 12a
The verse is mentioned in relation to the authority of the High Priest and the cessation of complaints against the leadership, symbolized by the blossoming rod.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the blossoming rod in Numbers 17:20?
A: The blossoming rod was a miraculous sign from Hashem to confirm Aharon's selection as Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi, this miracle demonstrated that leadership is divinely chosen, not based on human disputes. The almond tree's quick blossoming symbolized that Hashem swiftly resolves conflicts among Bnei Yisrael.
Q: Why did Hashem make Aharon's staff blossom?
A: As explained in the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8), the blossoming staff was a response to Korach's rebellion, proving that the Kehunah (priesthood) was divinely granted to Aharon's family. The Rambam teaches that this miracle established the permanent sanctity of the Kohanim for all generations.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the miracle of the rods?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 17b) derives that leadership disputes should be resolved through peaceful divine signs rather than conflict. The sudden blossoming teaches that true leadership comes from Hashem's will, not human ambition. This reminds us to respect properly appointed Jewish leaders.
Q: How does this verse relate to the complaints of Bnei Yisrael?
A: Rashi explains that the verse connects the blossoming rod with ending complaints - showing that when we accept Hashem's chosen leadership (symbolized by the rod), it removes the root causes of discontent. The miracle thus brought temporary peace to the community's murmuring.
Q: Why was an almond branch specifically chosen for this miracle?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma notes that the almond tree (shaked in Hebrew) symbolizes haste (from the root meaning 'to be diligent'). This represented that Hashem would quickly fulfill His word regarding the priesthood. Additionally, almonds were the first trees to blossom in spring, showing the priority of resolving this leadership question.