NOTES for Num 17:1-13
God more than once showed by various miracles His favor toward those whom He had chosen. But what is special about this particular miracle? Why is Aaron's blossoming staff placed in the Ark together with the tablets of the Covenant and the manna? A dry staff that in one night in the wilderness put forth buds, produced flowers, and bore almonds - is this not an image of hard-hearted Israel humbling itself before God and blossoming with the unearthly beauty of the Messiah? If so, it is also an image of our life - blooming and reigning in Christ. Of course, the staff is dry, and the wilderness is all around, but all things are possible for God...