Definition: And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, [even] twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron [was] among their rods.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Numbers 17:6. It's a really important passage in the Bible that tells us about God's relationship with the Israelites. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is giving the Israelites a "rod" – a symbolic measure of importance and authority – as a reminder of his presence and his covenant (a promise) with them. Here's a breakdown of each part: “And Moses spake unto the children of Israel…” - This means Moses was speaking to the people. “…and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece…” – Each of the high leaders (princes) of the Israelite tribes – like Samuel, David, etc. – received a separate rod. Think of it as a personal sign of God’s favor and responsibility to them. “for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses…” - This is key! Each prince got one rod. It means they were given a rod that represented their family lineage – their ancestral connection to the nation. It was like a personal symbol of their place in history and their inherited rights. “[even] twelve rods” - This is the most important part. Each prince received 12 rods! That’s a lot of rods. It signifies that they were given a significant amount of authority and responsibility. “the rod of Aaron [was] among their rods.” – The rod of Aaron was specifically designated as one of the rods each prince received. It’s important to note this because Aaron was God's servant, and he had a special role in the Tabernacle (a portable temple). What does it all mean? This verse highlights several things: God’s Authority: It shows that God is in charge and has a strong connection with his people. Leadership & Responsibility: The rods symbolize the leaders' authority and the weight of their responsibilities to the nation. Divine Favor: Receiving a rod, especially one as significant as this, demonstrates God’s favor and blessing on these leaders. In short, it’s a symbolic representation of God’s relationship with his people, emphasizing his power, leadership, and covenant. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its significance in a broader context (like the story of the Israelites' rebellion)?