The Lord had the heads of house from each of the twelve tribes carve their names into their staffs and Moses placed them in the tabernacle. The next day, all the rods were brought out, “and behold,” only Aaron’s staff had bloomed and brought forth almonds. This was done to put to rest the complaints of those who rebelled against Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership, and therefore God’s leadership as well. Only God could cause a dead stick to bud, blossom and bring forth fruit.
The Hebrew word for an almond tree literally might be translated, “waking” or “watching tree,” for the almond tree was the first to bloom in late winter, in anticipation of spring. The Greeks used to put a cutting of almond blossoms in their homes in celebration of the coming spring season and the end of winter. With the appearance of almond blossoms, it was time to “watch” for spring.
Jeremiah saw a vision of an almond branch and the Lord told him it signified His intent to “watch” over His Word and to make it come to pass (Jer. 1:11-12). Isaiah saw a living rod sprout from the dead stump of Jesse, whose name was also called Israel. He wrote, “There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isa. 11:1).
The fruitful rod of Aaron points to its fulfillment in the Great High Priest, Jesus. For He is the Rod of Jesse, the Branch of Israel. He is the fulfillment of the Word. He is the almond blossom announcing the end of winter.