Aarons Rod
Aarons rod is mentioned only in Heb 9:4, which locates the rod in the ark. An earlier tradition (Num 17:10; cf. 1Ki 8:9) preserves it before the ark, on the spot on which it had budded (see Hasting’s Dictionary of the Bible (5 vols) i. 3b). In either case the object was to secure a standing witness to the validity of the claims of the Aaronic priesthood (so Clement, 1 Cor. 43). The rod has sometimes been identified as a branch of the almond tree; and both Jewish and Christian fancy has been busy with it. For early legends associating it symbolically with the cross, or literally with the transverse beam of the cross, see W. W. Seymour, The Cross in Tradition, History, Art, 1898, p. 83.
R. W. Moss.
Fuente: Dictionary of the Apostolic Church
Aaron’s Rod
AARONS ROD.In a very complicated section of the Hexateuch (Num 16:1-50; Num 17:1-13; Num 18:1-32), dealing with various revolts against the constituted authorities in the wilderness period, the exclusive right of the tribe of Levi to the duties and privileges of the priesthood is miraculously attested by the blossoming and fruit-bearing of Aarons rod. As representing his tribe, it had been deposited by Divine command before the ark along with 12 other rods representing the 12 secular tribes, in order that the will of J [Note: Jahweh.] in this matter might be visibly made known (see Num 16:1-11 with G. B. Grays Com.). The rod was thereafter ordered to be laid up in perpetuity before the (ark of the) testimony for a token against the rebels (Num 17:10). Later Jewish tradition, however, transferred it, along with the pot of manna, to a place within the ark (Heb 9:4).
A. R. S. Kennedy.
Fuente: Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible
Aaron’s Rod
(Num 17:1-13 and Heb 9:4): Immediately after the incidents connected with the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram against the leadership of Moses and the priestly primacy of Aaron (Nu 16), it became necessary to indicate and emphasize the Divine appointment of Aaron. Therefore, at the command of Yahweh, Moses directs that twelve almond rods, one for each tribe with the prince’s name engraved thereon, be placed within the Tent of the Testimony. When Moses entered the tent the following day, he found that Aaron’s rod had budded, blossomed and borne fruit, the three stages of vegetable life being thus simultaneously visible. When the miraculous sign was seen by the people, they accepted it as final; nor was there ever again any question of Aaron’s priestly right. The rod was kept before the testimony in the sanctuary ever after as a token of the Divine will (Num 17:10). The writer of Hebrews, probably following a later Jewish tradition, mentions the rod as kept in the Holy of Holies within the ark (Heb 9:4; compare 1Ki 8:9). See PRIEST, III.