First Epistle to the Corinthians

And what wonder is it if those in Christ who were entrusted with such a duty by God, appointed those ministers previously mentioned, when the blessed Moses also, “a faithful servant in all his house,” recorded in the sacred books all the commands given to him, and when the other prophets also followed him, unanimously bearing witness to the ordinances he had appointed? For when rivalry arose concerning the priesthood, and the tribes were contending among themselves over which of them should be honored with that glorious title, he commanded the twelve leaders of the tribes to bring him their rods, each one inscribed with the name of the tribe.

He took them, bound them together, sealed them with the rings of the leaders of the tribes, and placed them in the tabernacle of witness on the table of God. After closing the doors of the tabernacle, he sealed the keys, just as he had done with the rods, and told them, Men and brethren, the tribe whose rod blossoms is the one God has chosen to fulfill the office of the priesthood and to minister to Him. When morning came, he assembled all Israel, six hundred thousand men, showed the seals to the leaders of the tribes, opened the tabernacle of witness, and brought out the rods.

The rod of Aaron was found not only to have blossomed but also to bear fruit. What do you think, beloved? Did Moses not know beforehand that this would happen? Undoubtedly he knew; but he acted this way so that there might be no sedition in Israel, and that the name of the true and only God might be glorified; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.