Verse 2. Speak. The cause of the different families of the Levites now being fully decided, that one of the other tribes might pretend to the honour of the priesthood, God orders Moses to propose another miracle to them, of a less terrible nature than the preceding one.—Man, or prince of the tribe. Bible.—The name of Aaron was written upon his staff, which was taken from an almond tree; those of the princes of the other tribes appeared upon their respective rods, and represented their different families, verse 3. Calmet.
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Verse 5. They murmur. Hence it seems this miracle was not unnecessary, as the people were still inclined to murmur at the pre-eminence given to Aaron. Bible.
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Verse 6. Besides, and so forth Hebrew and the other versions, “the rod of Aaron was in the midst of their rods.” Whence some infer, that there were only 12 rods. But Origen, (hom. 9,) and most others, allow 13, as the tribe of Joseph was divided into those of Ephraim and Manasses; ( Calmet.) each of whom had a proper representative or prince. See Calmet. 2:18. 20. 10:22. 13:9. 12. The tribe of Levi is generally placed by itself. If there were only 12 rods, whether would the name of Elisama, or that of Gamaliel, designate the tribe of Joseph? Who was properly the prince of that udivided tribe? Bible.
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Verse 8. The rod of Aaron for the house of Levi, was budded, and so forth This rod of Aaron, which thus miraculously brought forth fruit, was a figure of the blessed Virgin conceiving and bringing forth her Son, without any prejudice to her virginity. Challoner.—Almonds. Buds, blossoms, leaves, and fruit just formed, (Isaiah 18:5,) appeared upon the rod, which before was dry. Tostat believes, that it continued in the same state during the whole time that it was preserved in the ark. “The grace of the priesthood never fades.” Saint Ambrose ep. 63. or 58. The almond tree is the first which blossoms, and therefore it is styled a watching rod. Jeremiah 1:11. The Fathers observe in this of Aaron, a figure of Christ’s passion and glorious resurrection; and Origen (hom. 9,) remarks, that from his cross proceed the sweet odours of virtue, and the fruits of converted nations. Calmet.—For Christ made peace through the blood of his cross. Colos. 1:20. The blessed Virgin, whom the blooming rod also represents, might as easily become a mother without losing her virginal integrity, as this dry rod might produce fruit, without receiving any moisture from the earth. Saint Augustine Saint Gregory Nys. Saint Bernard and so forth Worthington.
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Verse 10. Testimony. Saint Paul (Hebrews 9:4,) says it was in the ark. See Deuteronomy 31:26. Calmet.—It was not the rod with which so many miracles had been wrought. Tirinus.
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Verse 12. All perish. Many had been already destroyed. Those who remained, and were conscious of their seditious practices, feared a similar treatment. Bible.
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Verse 13. Destroyed. They betray the sentiments of their hearts; though some believe that they were now entering into themselves, and desirous to know what they must do to escape the fate of their brethren. God gives them an answer in the following chapter, teaching them that they must refrain from approaching to the tabernacle, unless they be authorized; and provide such things as are requisite for the maintenance of those, whom he has chosen for his ministers. Calmet.—Afterwards, he passes over the transactions of about 35 years, in profound silence, that the memory of those who had so often murmured, might perish. Salien. A.Calmet. 1505.