On the next day, Moses went into the Tent of the Testimony; and behold, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had sprouted, budded, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.
ExplanationCommentary
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.