What does it say?
The Lord told Moses to get a rod from the leaders of every tribe. One rod representing the leader of each tribe, twelve rods in all. In addition, a rod representing Levi, is to be added with Aaron’s name on the rod. The twelve rods, with the names of the leaders of each tribe written on them and Aaron’s rod. Moses deposited the rods before the Lord in the tent of the testimony. The following day, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had sprouted buds and produced (fruit) almonds. Each man took back his rod but Moses put Aaron’s rod back before the testimony as a sign against those who had rebelled, so that they will not die.
What does it mean?
The Lord mediated an end to the rebellion. The Lord chose Aaron as priest and the tribe of Levi as his servants. The other tribes, with the leaders of those tribes had nothing else to say, because the Lord made known to all his elect. Aaron and his sons were the only ones allowed to come before the Lord and the Levites were given to serve. If anyone else came before the Lord, they would be dead, just like their leader’s rods were dead, but Aaron could come before the Lord and live.
What shall I do?
I shall remember that a change in covenant has occurred. All in Christ Jesus are priests to God. (Rev 5:10) Not all persons but all in Christ Jesus, “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (Jn 1:13) The Lord has chosen people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. Jesus purchased us with his righteous blood. (Rev 5:9) I shall remember that all whom the Father gives to Jesus will come to him, (Jn 6:37) but they must hear him; (Jn 10:27) therefore, someone must preach the testimony of the apostles to the nations. (Jn 15:27)
