share torah logo

Numbers 17:21 - Aharon's rod among twelve tribes?

Numbers 17:21 - במדבר 17:21

Hebrew Text

וַיְדַבֵּר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וַיִּתְּנוּ אֵלָיו כָּל־נְשִׂיאֵיהֶם מַטֶּה לְנָשִׂיא אֶחָד מַטֶּה לְנָשִׂיא אֶחָד לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂר מַטּוֹת וּמַטֵּה אַהֲרֹן בְּתוֹךְ מַטּוֹתָם׃

English Translation

And Moshe spoke to the children of Yisra᾽el, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses: twelve rods: and the rod of Aharon was among their rods.

Transliteration

Vay'daber Moshe el-b'nei Yisra'el vayit'nu eilav kol-n'si'ehem mateh l'nasi echad mateh l'nasi echad l'veit avotam shneim asar matot u'mateh Aharon b'toch matotam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ אֵלָ֣יו <small>׀</small> כׇּֽל־נְשִׂיאֵיהֶ֡ם מַטֶּה֩ לְנָשִׂ֨יא אֶחָ֜ד מַטֶּ֨ה לְנָשִׂ֤יא אֶחָד֙ לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֔ם שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר מַטּ֑וֹת וּמַטֵּ֥ה אַהֲרֹ֖ן בְּת֥וֹךְ מַטּוֹתָֽם׃
וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ אֵלָ֣יו ׀ כׇּֽל־נְשִׂיאֵיהֶ֡ם מַטֶּה֩ לְנָשִׂ֨יא אֶחָ֜ד מַטֶּ֨ה לְנָשִׂ֤יא אֶחָד֙ לְבֵ֣ית אֲבֹתָ֔ם שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָׂ֖ר מַטּ֑וֹת וּמַטֵּ֥ה אַהֲרֹ֖ן בְּת֥וֹךְ מַטּוֹתָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bamidbar 17:17) describes the episode following Korach's rebellion, where Hashem commanded Moshe to gather rods from each of the twelve tribes, including Aharon's rod, to demonstrate Aharon's divinely chosen status as Kohen Gadol. The rods were placed in the Mishkan overnight, and Aharon's rod miraculously blossomed, producing almonds (Bamidbar 17:23).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bamidbar 17:17) emphasizes that each prince (nasi) of the tribes submitted a rod, symbolizing their equal standing in this test. The inclusion of Aharon's rod among them highlights that the selection was not arbitrary but a divine affirmation of the Kehunah (priesthood). Rashi also notes that the rods were dry wood, making Aharon's blossoming an undeniable miracle.

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam discusses this episode as a means to quell disputes by demonstrating divine intervention. The miracle was necessary to prevent further rebellion and reinforce the authority of Moshe and Aharon as Hashem's chosen leaders.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:8) elaborates that the rods were inscribed with the names of the tribes and their princes. Aharon's rod bore the inscription "Levi," signifying his tribal lineage. The almond blossom (shaked) is interpreted as a symbol of haste (mihirut), showing that Hashem swiftly confirmed Aharon's priesthood to end the conflict.

Symbolism of the Rods

  • Twelve Rods: Represented the unity of all tribes under Hashem's sovereignty, despite their individual identities.
  • Aharon's Rod: Placed "among their rods" (בְּתוֹךְ מַטּוֹתָם) to show that his leadership was integrated with, yet distinct from, the other tribes.
  • Almond Blossom: A sign of divine approval, as almonds mature quickly, reflecting Hashem's immediate resolution.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 19b) derives from this episode that disputes over leadership must be resolved through clear divine signs or halachic processes to prevent machloket (strife). The permanence of Aharon's priesthood was later codified in halacha (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:12).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the rods in Numbers 17:21?
A: The rods represent the leadership of each tribe of Israel. This event occurs after the rebellion of Korach, when Hashem wanted to confirm Aharon's chosen status as Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The miracle of Aharon's rod budding (later in the chapter) proved his divine selection (Rashi on Bamidbar 17:21).
Q: Why were there twelve rods if there were thirteen tribes?
A: Although there were thirteen tribes (counting Levi separately), the tribe of Levi was already set apart for service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Therefore, only twelve rods were needed—one for each of the other tribes, plus Aharon's rod representing Levi (Ramban on Bamidbar 17:21).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the rods of the princes?
A: This teaches that leadership in Judaism must be validated by divine approval, not personal ambition. Aharon did not seek honor—it was given by Hashem. As Pirkei Avot (4:1) states, true honor comes to those who flee from it.
Q: Why did each prince give a rod instead of another object?
A: A rod (mateh) symbolizes authority and identity—just as a staff supports its owner, leaders must support the people (Midrash Tanchuma Korach 12). Also, since this followed Korach's rebellion about leadership, rods—associated with shepherding—reminded them that leaders must care for the nation like shepherds.
Q: How does this verse connect to the miracle of Aharon's rod?
A: This verse sets the stage for the miracle where only Aharon's rod budded with almonds (17:23), proving his priesthood was divinely chosen. The Sages teach that almonds (shaked) symbolize haste—showing Hashem quickly confirms His will (Talmud Chullin 92a).