But the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put an end to their grumblings against Me, so that they will not die.”
Numbers 17:10 NASB
In similar fashion to how the stone tablets and the pot of manna were placed in the ark as symbols of God’s mercy and faithfulness, Aaron’s budding rod would be put there as well. This reminder had another significant purpose. God sent a warning to any other rebel who would question His sovereignty and control over the leaders of Israel. Interestingly, He did it so that they would not die!
Sometimes, it takes awhile for us to learn just how serious God is about specific decisions. There are a lot of examples in life where He has to remind us over and over and over again. At the end of Numbers 17, the people are finally sobered to the reality of God’s expectations.
God had chosen Aaron and separated him as a leader. He was the man used as an intermediary between God and the people. For those who listened and depended on Aaron and Moses as leaders, they would experience God’s blessings. Today, we have the permanent sacrifice who is chosen and set apart. Jesus became our intermediary when He conquered death on the cross. Anyone who trusts in Him as the leader of their life will experience God’s blessings.