This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Numbers 17, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
God wanted to show to the Israelites that He had chosen Aaron as the leader of the priestly tribe of Levi and that Aaron had His favor and blessing because they are still complaining and doubting God’s plan. They even expressed a desire to go back to Egypt despite the harsh slavery they had endured there.
So one day, God spoke to Moses and said, “Go get one stick from the leader of each family in Israel. Make sure there are twelve sticks in total, and write each leader’s name on their stick. Write Aaron’s name on the stick for the family of Levi.” Then, Moses collected all the sticks and put them in the special meeting tent where he talked to God. God said that the stick of the person He chooses will sprout and grow leaves and flowers and fruit, and this will stop the Israelites from complaining.
The next day, Moses went back to the tent and saw that Aaron’s stick, the one from the family of Levi, had indeed grown leaves, flowers, and ripe almonds! Moses showed all the sticks to the people of Israel, and each leader took their own stick. God then told Moses to put Aaron’s stick back in the tent as a reminder for the people who like to complain, so they will stop complaining or else they might die. Moses followed God’s instructions, and Aaron’s stick stayed in the tent.
The people of Israel saw the amazing thing that happened and said, “We’re doomed! Anyone who goes near God’s tent will die!” But Moses reminded them that if they listened to God and stopped complaining, they would be okay.
Biblical Lessons
- God can perform miracles to show His power and might.
- Complaining and grumbling can be a sign of lack of faith and trust in God.
- God’s chosen leaders will be confirmed and supported by His power and authority.
Related Stories
The Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee
Must-Read Christian Books
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
Practical, biblical guidance on disciplines like prayer, Bible intake, worship, and fasting to grow in godliness.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
Basic Christianity
A timeless introduction to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him according to Scripture.
View on Amazon
Knowing Scripture
Teaches how to interpret the Bible rightly, emphasizing its clarity and our responsibility to study it.
View on Amazon
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands
Biblical counseling and discipleship that helps believers speak God's truth into one another's lives.
View on Amazon
Respectable Sins
Exposes the "ordinary" sins Christians often tolerate and calls us to gospel-driven holiness.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Spurgeon on the Christian Life
A portrait of Charles Spurgeon's Christ-centered theology and joyful piety.
View on Amazon
Expository Listening
Teaches Christians how to listen to expository preaching in a way that bears fruit.
View on Amazon
Preaching and Preachers
Classic lectures on the nature and power of biblical preaching.
View on Amazon
The Christian Life
A clear, doctrinally rich overview of salvation and Christian living.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon