Moses was shepherding his father in law, Jethro’s flock in the desert when he came to the mountain of Elohim at Horeb. The Angel of YAHWEH appeared to him in a flame of fire in the midst of a bush. When Moses saw the amazing phenonemon of a bush on fire yet not being consumed, he turned aside to see what was going on. When the Angel of YAHWEH saw that Moses had turned aside to see He called to Moses cautioning him to remove his shoes for he was standing on holy ground. The Angel of YAHWEH identified Himself as the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He informed Moses that He had seen the affliction of His people in Egypt and that He was going to deliver them into the land of Canaan. He informed Moses that He had chosen him to this task.

When Moses asked what he should say if the children of Israel asked what this Elohim's name was, he was told that the Memorial name was YAHWEH. YAHWEH further informed him that Pharoah would resist, but that He would stretch out his hand over the Egyptians and smite them with His wonders and then the Egyptians would let Israel go. (Ex. 3)

Moses asked, "But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, ‘YAHWEH hath not appeared unto thee.’" And YAHWEH said unto him, ‘What is that in thine hand?’ And he said, ‘A rod.’ And He said, ‘Cast it on the ground.’ And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail.’ And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand: ‘That they may believe that YAHWEH Elohim of their fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee,’" Ex. 4:1-5.

YAHWEH gave Moses two other signs to prove to and encourage the children of Israel that He had sent Moses to deliver them out of the bondage and affliction wherein they were entrapped. However, Moses continued to balk at the idea of being the one sent complaining that he was not eloquent being slow of speech and of tongue (Ex. 4:6-10). YAHWEH continued to insist that He was going to send Moses while Moses continued to resist until YAHWEH'S anger was kindled against him, but YAHWEH told Moses that his brother Aaron had good speaking ability so He would allow Moses to speak to Aaron and Aaron would speak to others (vv 11-15).

YAHWEH said, "And he shall be thy spokesman unto the People: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead (should be [for a]) mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead (should [for an]) Elohim. And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs." Ex. 4:16-17.

Have you ever noticed these Scriptures in this context before? Have you ever noticed that Moses was to be an Elohim for Aaron? Have you also noticed that the signs were to be done by the rod in his hand? But now let’s notice something else in Exodus 4.

"And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, ‘Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive.’ And Jethro said to Moses, ‘Go in peace.’ And YAHWEH said unto Moses in Midian, ‘Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.’ And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the Rod of Elohim in his hand," vv 18-20. Did you notice that? The rod now has an added name. It is called the ROD OF ELOHIM.

When Moses and Aaron went into Pharaoh to relay YAHWEH'S command to "Let My people go" (Ex. 5:1), Pharaoh asked, "Who is YAHWEH that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I know not YAHWEH, neither will I let Israel go," Ex. 5:2.

Such also is the state of our world today. YAHWEH'S name and the real truth of the Scriptures has been suppressed to the point that the world and its leaders do not know His name, His power, His righteousness, nor His plans and purposes.

Pharaoh withdrew the straw that the Egyptians were furnishing to Israel for the purpose of brick-making, thereby adding additional work and misery to the Israelites who then accused and denounced Moses and Aaron (Ex. 5:3-21).

When Moses complained to YAHWEH (Ex. 5:22-23), YAHWEH told him, "Now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh: for with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with a strong hand shall he drive them out of his land’...Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, ‘I am YAHWEH, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: and I will take you to Me for a People, and I will be to you for a Elohim: and ye shall know that I am YAHWEH your Elohim, Which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am YAHWEH,’" Ex. 6:1, 6-8.

Notice the play on words in these Scriptures. Moses took the Rod of Elohim in his hand wherewith the great signs were to be performed. YAHWEH proclaims that he will redeem Israel with a stretched out arm (which includes the hand). He further says that Pharaoh will let them go and literally drive them out with a strong hand.

Due to the hard bondage, the Israelites refused to listen to Moses (Ex. 6:9). When YAHWEH commanded Moses to go in to Pharaoh and tell him to let Israel go, Moses brought this up to YAHWEH, "Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips," Ex. 6:12. Moses was upset and discouraged because of the sequence of events that had already taken place, but YAHWEH gave Moses and Aaron a charge unto the children of Israel and unto Pharaoh to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt (v. 13).

When Moses complained about his "uncircumcised lips" YAHWEH said, "See, I have made the a elohim to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. So now Moses has been made an elohim to Aaron, his brother, and Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

YAHWEH told them, "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you that I may lay My hand upon Egypt, and bring forth Mine armies, and My People the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt with great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I am YAHWEH, when I stretch forth Mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them," Ex. 7:2-5.

Notice the terminology, once again, concerning the hand of YAHWEH. A rod is for the hand. The Rod of Moses, which also has become the Rod of Elohim is held by the hand. The rod in the hand of Moses is symbolic of the hand of YAHWEH.

But notice what happened next, "And YAHWEH spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, ‘When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, ‘Shew a miracle for you:’ then thou shalt say unto Aaron, ‘Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh,’ and it shall become a serpent.’’ And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as YAHWEH had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called wise men and sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And He hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as YAHWEH had said," Ex. 7:8-13.

The rod with which the miracles were to be worked has now acquired a third name, it has now also been named "the Rod of Aaron."

YAHWEH had told Moses, "And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs (miracles)," Ex. 4:17.

Aaron was the first one through whom the miracles were performed, "And YAHWEH said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand. And thou shalt say unto him, YAHWEH Elohim of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, ‘Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear. Thus saith YAHWEH, ‘In this thou shalt know that I am YAHWEH: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in Mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.’’ And YAHWEH spake unto Moses, ‘Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.’ And Moses and Aaron did so, as YAHWEH commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt," Ex. 7:14-21.

"And YAHWEH spake unto Moses, ‘Say unto Aaron, ‘Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt.’’ And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt," Ex. 8:5-6.

"And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Say unto Aaron, ‘Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt,’’ And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt," Ex. 8:16-17.

The first three signs have been performed by Aaron who stretched forth the rod in his hand. Nothing is said about the rod in the next three signs which were the swarms (Ex. 8:20-24), the murrain upon all the animals of the Egyptians (Ex. 9:1-7) and the boils (Ex. 9:8-11) but Moses was told that it was with the rod that he would do the signs, so we know that either Moses or Aaron had possession of the rod when they went into Pharaoh’s presence.

The next three signs were performed with the rod in the hand of Moses, "And YAHWEH said unto Moses, Stretch forth thine hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon man, and upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.’ And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and YAHWEH sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and YAHWEH rained hail upon the land of Egypt," Ex. 9:22-23.

"And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Stretch out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail hath left.’ And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and YAHWEH brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts," Ex. 10:12-13.

"And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.’ And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings," Ex. 10:21-23.

It is interesting to note that, during the tenth plague that YAHWEH brought upon Egypt, to wit; the slaying of the firstborn, every Israelite man was commanded, "And thus shall you eat it (the Passover); with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is YAHWEH'S Passover," Ex. 12:11.

In this instance each man’s rod is called a "staff" which employs a different Hebrew word than the word "rod" just as our English language also employs two different words which basically mean the same thing. The point is that, once again, a staff or rod is mentioned, but this time the whole house of Israel is included.

After the Passover miracle, Pharaoh and the Egyptians literally thrust Israel out of Egypt. YAHWEH had Moses lead Israel into the wilderness where it seemed to the Egyptians that they had become lost. The Egyptians repented of having let Israel go so Pharaoh set out after them with his army of horses and chariots. When the children of Israel caught sight of the Egyptian army in pursuit they became discouraged and dismayed. They began to complain against Moses, but Moses said, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the "salvation" of YAHWEH, which He will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. YAHWEH shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.’ And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: but lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea...And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and YAHWEH caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left...And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.’ And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and YAHWEH overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them," Ex. 14:13-16, 21-22, 26-28.

Once again the rod is employed to perform a wondrous and mighty miracle. It was not until Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, with the rod in it, that YAHWEH performed His mighty miracle. This was done for a purpose, as is everything that YAHWEH does.

Notice that Moses instructed Israel to "stand still and see the "salvation" of YAHWEH. An interesting thing about this word "salvation" is that, in the Hebrew, the word is "yeshua." This is the very name that the Messianic Jewish people employ for YAHshua today. YAHshua, the high priest recorded in Zechariah, is named Yeshua in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah (Ezra 2:2, 3:2, 8, 4:3, 5:2; Neh. 7:7, 12:1, etc.). So the usage of either Yeshua or YAHshua would be valid and correct.

When the children of Israel sang the song of Moses, they sang, "YAHWEH is my strength and song, and He is become my salvation (Yeshua): He is my El, and I will prepare Him an habitation; my father’s Elohim, and I will exalt Him," Ex. 15:2.

We also find that Israel proclaimed, "Thy right hand, O YAHWEH, is become glorious in power: Thy right hand, O YAHWEH hath dashed in pieces the enemy...Thou stretchedst out Thy right hand, the earth swallowed them," Ex. 15:6, 12.

It is important to understand, at this point, that Moses would have held the rod in his right hand, but Israel is here attributing the action of salvation (yeshua) to the right hand of YAHWEH.

"Yeshua" is defined by Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance as, fem. pass part. of 3467; something saved, i.e. (abstr.) deliverance; hence aid, victory, prosperity, health, help, salvation, save, welfare, etc.

This would be an apt description of YAHWEH'S salvation and also of YAHshua the Messiah, but the name YAHshua has to do with the salvation of YAHWEH or YAHWEH the Savior.

There will be more elaboration on these later.

The next time the rod is mentioned is in the incidence of the striking of the Rock. It is written, "And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of YAHWEH, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, ‘Give us water that we may drink.’ And Moses said unto them, ‘Why chide ye with me? Wherefore do ye tempt YAHWEH?’ And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, ‘Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?’ And Moses cried unto YAHWEH, saying, ‘What shall I do unto this people? They be almost ready to stone me.’ And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the Rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.’ And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted YAHWEH, saying, ‘Is YAHWEH among us, or not?’" Ex. 17:1-7.

This incidence is a very significant part of the Torah and is a parable in itself. Psa. 78 confirms this for it speaks of the incidence of the striking of the rock (vv. 15-16, 20), but notice what Psa. 78 starts out saying, "Give ear, O My People, to My law (Torah): incline your ears to the words of My mouth. I will open My mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old," vv. 1-2.

Psa. 78:15-16, 20 says, "He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers...Behold, He smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed."

To understand a little more about this parable we must look into some of the in-depth meanings of the Hebrew words used here and in Ex. 17. The Hebrew word used for "Rock" is "tsur." It is #6697 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and is defined as, prop. a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); gen. a rock or boulder; fig. a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous), edge, X (mighty) G-d (one), X strength, X strong.

YAHWEH is described as a "Rock" by Israel, "Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. My doctrine shall drop as the rain, My speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: because I will publish the name of YAHWEH: ascribe ye greatness unto our Elohim the Rock (tsur), His work is perfect," Dt. 32:1-4.

Psa. 114 says, "Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of YAHWEH, at the presence of the Eloah of Jacob; Which turned the rock into a standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters," vv. 7-8.

Jeremiah records, "Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith YAHWEH. For My People have committed two evils; they have forsaken Me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water...O YAHWEH, the Hope of Israel, all that forsake Thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken YAHWEH, the Fountain of living waters," 2:12-13; 17:13.

YAHWEH is the Rock. He is the fountain of living waters. The incident in Ex. 17 was a "parable." It was speaking of a future event when YAHWEH, the Rock would be struck in order that true living waters would be given. YAHWEH told Moses that He would stand on the rock (Heb. = tsur = Mighty El, Mighty One) that was to be smitten so that the waters could pour forth.

The Hebrew word for "rod" is "matteh." "Matteh" is defined as, a branch (as extending); fig. a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (fig. correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance), or walking (a staff; fig. a support of life, e.g. bread) [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance].

YAHshua proclaimed, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of His belly shall flow rivers of living water.’ (But this spake He of the Spirit, Which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that YAHshua was not yet glorified," Jn. 7:37-39.

Paul wrote, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was (the) Messiah," 1 Cor. 10:1-4.

YAHWEH was in YAHshua, "Phillip saith unto Him, "Master, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.’ YAHshua saith unto him, ‘Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, ‘Shew us the Father?’ Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father That dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works. Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works’ sake," Jn. 14:8-11.

When YAHshua hung on the tree, He was struck with a spear, "But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and forthwith came there out blood and water," Jn. 19:34. The Greek word for "spear" is logche (pro-nounced as "long-khay"). It is a primitive Greek word and means "lance" which is one of the meanings of the Hebrew word "matteh" (rod).

The true Rock is YAHWEH. YAHshua is the Rock. YAHWEH is the fountain of living waters. YAHshua is the fountain of living waters. The true living waters is the Holy Spirit. Thus the striking of the rock by the Rod of Moses was a parable of the eventual striking of the Rock (Messiah YAHshua) with the lance in order that water (the Holy Spirit) might be given for YAHWEH'S called out ones to drink (Ex. 17, Psa. 78 and Psa. 114).

Moses continued to write in Ex. 17, "Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the Rod of Elohim in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword," vv. 8-13.

When Moses held up the rod, Israel prevailed over Amalek. But when he had to let it down because his hand was tired, Amalek prevailed. It was by the power of the rod that Israel was going to get the victory over Amalek. It was by the power of the rod that the plagues came upon Egypt. It was by the power of the rod that Israel was delivered through the sea. It was by the combination of the power of the rod and rock that water was given to the people to drink. Now another combination was given in order to prevail. Moses, the rod, Aaron, Hur, the hill, the stone and Joshua (YAHshua). All of these items are parables which will be addressed later.

Amalek was also a parable and a forerunner of those who would resist and hate the truth of YAHWEH seeking to prevail over the assembly. If the smiting of the stone was a parable of the smiting of YAHshua, then who was it that came after He was smitten and the assembly raised up, having been given the living waters of the Holy Spirit? Who sought to pravail over the Assembly?

The answer is given in the prophecy of Daniel, "I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom," 7:21-22.

This is the little horn of the fourth beast that was dreadful and terrible and strong exceedingly (Dan. 7:7). This beast is also spoken of in Rev. 13, "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds and tongues, and nations, v. 7.

This fourth beast of Daniel 7 and Rev. 13 is Rome. According to the Encyclopedia Judaica Rome was known as Esau, Edom, Amalek, Seir and Tyre. It was the Roman Caesars who began to persecute the New Testament assembly demanding that they serve and worship the Ceasar as Elohim. When the people refused the Roman armies persecuted them and put many of the true believers to death. Even though they were persecuted they continued to increase and grow more and more until the Ceasars began to catch on and through subtilty deceived the assembly, entered into it and then took over becoming its master (order our free article, Who - What Is The Beast).

Rome, Amalek continues to prevail today, but YAHWEH will soon send YAHshua the true Messiah to make war with Amalek, overthrow his dominion and institute the kingdom rule under YAHshua.

When the Rod of Moses, the Rod of Elohim, the Rod of Aaron is held up, then YAHWEH'S people will always triumph over Amalek, but truthfully, another, an Amalekite has usurped power over that rod and YAHWEH'S people today.

Korah, Dathan and Abiram began to question Moses’ and Aaron’s authority. They stated that the whole congregation of Israel was holy, that YAHWEH was among them and they questioned why Moses and Aaron lifted themselves up above the congregation of YAHWEH (Num. 16:1-3).

YAHWEH caused the earth to open up and swallow Korah and his rebels (Num. 16:29-33), but the next day Israel once again murmured against Moses and Aaron accusing them of killing the people of YAHWEH (v. 41). YAHWEH began to smite them with a plague which was stayed by the actions of Aaron according to Moses’ word (vv. 42-50).

Then YAHWEH decided to put an end to the contention and skepticism all together. The head of each of the tribes was to bring his rod to Moses with their names written upon them. Aaron was also to take his rod and put his name upon it, but now it was given another name, a fourth name, for it was called "the Rod of Levi," Num. 17:3.

"And Moses laid up the rods before YAHWEH in the tabernacle of witness. And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the Rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. And Moses brought out all the rods from before YAHWEH unto all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every man his rod. And YAHWEH said unto Moses, ‘Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from Me, that they die not," Num. 16:7-10.

It is recorded in Hebrews 9, "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly. Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of Elohim. But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience," vv. 1-9.

Hebrews says that all these things were a "figure." The word "figure" is translated from the Greek word "parabole" and is elsewhere translated as "PARABLE!" The rod was a PARABLE! But what was it a parable of?

YAHshua said, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify (witness) of Me...Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" Jn. 5:39, 45-47.

The Rod of Moses, the Rod of Elohim, the Rod of Aaron, the rod of Levi was a parable of YAHshua the Messiah. Moses was inspired to write the Scriptures in parables. Those parables are chiefly about YAHshua.

We know that the purpose for parables was to keep things hidden from everyone except the Elect, the Chosen of YAHWEH for it is written, "And the disciples came, and said unto Him, ‘Why speakest thou unto them in parables?’ He answered and said unto them, ‘Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, ‘By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:’ For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear,’" Mt. 13:10-16.

The Rod of Moses was a parable of YAHshua. The parable kept the truth hidden from most of Israel down through the centuries. When the time came, the One Whom the rod represented suddenly appeared. Because of being blinded by the parable, the Pharisees, Saduccees, Scribes, etc. rejected YAHshua. The true Rod came walking among the remnant of Israel performing the miracles of YAHWEH, but many of the people did not recognize Who He was. This parable has continued to serve its purpose even in our world today. How many people truly realize that the rod was speaking of YAHshua?

The rod budded, blossomed and bore almonds. There is special significance concerning the fruit of the almond that the rod bore.

Jeremiah writes, "Moreover the word of YAHWEH came unto me, saying, ‘Jeremiah, what seest thou?’ And I said, ‘I see a rod of an almond tree.’ Then said YAHWEH unto me, ‘Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten My word to perform it," 1:11-12.

The Hebrew word for "almond" is "shâqêd" which is defined as, the almond (tree or nut; as being the earliest in bloom) [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #8247].

YAHWEH used the words "almond" and "hasten" here for a specific purpose for the word "hasten" is the Hebrew word "shâqad" which is #8245 in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and is defined as, a prim. root; to be alert, i.e. sleepless; hence to be on the lookout (whether for good or ill), hasten, remain, wake, watch (for).

The amazing thing is that the word "shâqêd" (#8247) comes from "shâqad" (#8245).

The almond tree is the first tree to bud, blossom and bear fruit in the Middle East. It buds so early that there is danger that a freeze or frost will damage the fruit, therefore the fruit appears immediately with the bud and blossom thus escaping the harm from the bitter cold of the night. Therefore the almonds typified YAHshua as the firstborn and the firstfruits from the dead, "And He (YAHshua) is the Head of the body, the Assembly: Who is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead: that in all things He might have the preeminence," Col. 1:18. "But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept, for since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Messiah shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah's at His coming," 1 Cor. 15:20-23.

After all, what is a rod but a straight branch or sapling that has been cut-off from its life source. In other words, once it has been cut off it is no longer alive, but dead. But Aaron’s Rod, the Rod of Levi, the Rod of Moses, the Rod of Elohim was resurrected to life so that it budded, blossomed and bore fruit.

The witness of the Rod was so important that it was placed in the ark of the covenant as a testimony or witness to YAHWEH'S people.

YAHWEH had proclaimed to Moses, Aaron, Israel and Pharaoh that He would deliver Israel with a stretched out arm and a strong hand. Moses and Aaron were both utilized in stretching out the hand and arm over Egypt and the sea to bring about Israel’s redemption and deliverance. Israel declared in the song of Moses that YAHWEH had delivered them by the power of His right hand. The significance of this must now be addressed.

Isaiah was inspired to prophesy and write, "Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for YAHWEH hath comforted His people, He hath redeemed Jerusalem. YAHWEH hath made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our Elohim. Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of YAHWEH. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for YAHWEH will go before you; and the Elohim of Israel will be your rereward. Behold, My servant shall deal prudently, He shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at Thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men: So shall He sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at Him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of YAHWEH revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him, 52:9-15, 53:1-2.

Notice the similarity of these Scriptures to the book of Exodus. Moses had admonished Israel to, "Stand still and see the salvation of YAHWEH," Ex. 14:13. In Isaiah the eyes of all nations and the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of YAHWEH.

The Angel of YAHWEH had gone before Israel leading them in the wilderness, but when Pharaoh and his army approached He went to the rear in order to guard Israel from Pharaoh’s power, therefore going before and also being their rear guard (Ex. 14:19-20). Here it says that YAHWEH shall go before you and the Elohim of Israel shall be your rereward. In what way shall this be done? Through YAHWEH making bare His holy arm and the revelation of His arm.

The apostle John witnesses, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me. This He said, signifying what death He should die. The people answered Him, ‘We have heard out of the law that (the) Messiah abideth for ever: and how sayest Thou, ‘The Son of man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of man?’ Then YAHshua said unto them, ‘Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.’ These things spake YAHshua, and departed, and did hide Himself from them. But though He had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on Him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, ‘YAHWEH, who hath believed our report? And to whom hath the arm of YAHWEH been revealed?’" Jn. 12:32-38. YAHshua is the arm of YAHWEH to which the Scriptures speak and witness.

Matthew writes, "While the Pharisees were gathered together, YAHshua asked them, Saying, ‘What think ye of Messiah? Whose Son is He?’ They say unto Him, ‘The Son of David.’ He said unto them, ‘How then doth David in spirit call Him Master, saying, ‘YAHWEH said unto My Master (Adonai), ‘Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?’’ If David then call Him Master, how is He his Son?’ And no man was able to answer Him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask Him any more questions," 22:41-46.

YAHshua quoted directly out of Psa. 110 which says, "YAHWEH said unto My Master (Adonai), ‘Sit thou at My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.’ YAHWEH shall send the rod of Thy strength out of Zion: rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: Thou hast the dew of Thy youth. YAHWEH hath sworn, and will not repent, ‘Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.’ YAHWEH at Thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of His wrath," vv. 1-5.

Notice it. YAHshua is the One Who sits at the right hand of YAHWEH. He is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. YAHWEH sends the ROD of His strength out of Zion. Who is at the right hand? David said that the Master (Adonai) was. Who is the One at the right hand called in verse 5? YAHWEH!!!

On the day of Pentecost, when the living waters of the Holy Spirit were given, Peter proclaimed, "Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that YAHWEH had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up (the) Messiah to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of (the) Messiah, that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This YAHshua hath YAHWEH raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of YAHWEH exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear," Acts 2:29-33.

Peter says it all doesn’t He? David was prophesying of YAHshua. YAHshua is the Right Arm of YAHWEH. He is the Rod of His strength. He is the Rod that was resurrected back to life, hastily before corruption could set in as spoken of by the almonds. He is the Rock that was smitten so that He might send the Holy Spirit (living waters). His resurrection identifies Him as the High Priest just as Aaron’s rod did.

Isaiah also proclaimed, "O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your Elohim! Behold, the Sovereign YAHWEH will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young," 40:9-11.

It is the Right Hand and Holy Arm of YAHWEH that will rule for Him. This Right Hand and Holy Arm has the power to bring together the offices of both King and Priest into one glorious office, "YAHWEH, Who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by Whom also He made the worlds; Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son? And again, when He bringeth in the first begotten into the world, He saith, And let all the angels of YAHWEH worship Him. And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O Elohim, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore Elohim, even Thy Elohim, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows. And, Thou, YAHWEH, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands: They shall perish; but Thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on My right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Heb. = yeshua)?" Heb. 1:1-14.

If you are an heir of salvation (yeshua/YAHshua), then you must come to understand these principles. You must understand and believe Who YAHshua was, Who He is and Who He will be. The Scriptures bear witness, but so many are not accepting nor believing what the Scriptures do say.

"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, (the) Messiah YAHshua; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He Who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but He that built all things is YAHWEH. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But (the) Messiah as a Son over His own house; Whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end," Heb. 3:1-6.

It has been the Heavenly Father YAHWEH'S good pleasure to anoint YAHshua as the Heavenly High Priest, "For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to Elohim, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of YAHWEH, as was Aaron. So also Messiah glorified not Himself to be made an high priest; but He that said unto Him, Thou art My Son, to day have I begotten Thee. As He saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto Him that was able to save Him from death, and was heard in that He feared; Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him; Called of YAHWEH an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Of Whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing," Heb. 5:1-11.

YAHshua is that glorious ROD of strength, the right hand and holy arm of YAHWEH. He sits at His right hand being His Son of the right hand (Benjamin); his right hand man.

Zechariah writes, "Hear now, O YAHshua the high priest, thou and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at (men of symbol): for, behold, I will bring forth My Servant the BRANCH," 3:8. YAHshua the high priest and the men who sat before him were symbolic of YAHshua Messiah and men who were with Him.

It is further written, "And the word of YAHWEH came unto me, saying, ‘Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah; Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Yashua the son of Josedech, the high priest; And speak unto him, saying, ‘Thus speaketh YAHWEH of hosts, saying, ‘Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of YAHWEH: Even He shall build the temple of YAHWEH; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both,’" Zech. 6:9-13.

The Man Who is the Branch is to build the house of YAHWEH. Isn’t that what we have just read of YAHshua Messiah in the book of Hebrews?

An interesting thing about this word "Branch" is that it is translated from the Hebrew word "tsemach" which is defined as, a sprout (usually concr.), lit. or fig., branch, bud, that which (where) grew (upon), (cause to) spring (forth, up) [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance # 6780].

"Tsemach" comes from the primitive root word "tsâmach" which is defined as, to sprout (trans. or intrans., lit. or fig.), bear, bring forth, (cause to, make to) bud (forth), (cause to, make to) grow (again, up), (cause to) spring (forth, up) [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #6779].

The sense of this word "tsemach," "tsâmach," or Branch is shown to have something to do with sprouting again, budding forth, springing up, growing again as in a resurrection. This word "Branch" then, has to do with the resurrected Messiah Who, like the rod, has budded, blossomed and borne fruit, the hasty firstfruits of resurrection.

Jeremiah prophesied, "Behold, the days come, saith YAHWEH that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is His name whereby He shall be called, YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS...Behold, the days come, saith YAHWEH, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name where she shall be called, YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS," Jer. 23:5-6, 33:14-16.

Isn’t it amazing that the King will be named YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, and Jerusalem, His bride, will also be called YAHWEH OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS! How can this be? The King is YAHshua Who is the Beloved and Obedient Son of YAHWEH. He comes in and has the Father's name as a possession. Jerusalem is His bride, "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from YAHWEH out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband," Rev. 21:2. A bride takes the name of her husband.

Isaiah also prophesies, "And there shall come forth a rod (Heb. = choter = a twig or rod) out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch (Heb. = netzer = a shoot or descendant) shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of YAHWEH shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of YAHWEH; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of YAHWEH: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod (Heb. = shebet = a branch, a scion, a stick, a clan, a sceptre) of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins...And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious," 11:1-5, 10.

"I YAHshua have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the assemblies. I am the Root and the Offspring (Branch) of David, and the bright and morning Star," Rev. 22:16.

The Rod of Moses was a parable of YAHshua the Messiah. None of the miracles in Egypt were done without the presence and power of that rod. Many of the miracles in the wilderness were also performed by the rod. That rod was an instrument which YAHWEH had recorded in the Scriptures for us to examine and allow it to bring us to the true Messiah, YAHshua which also witnesses of His glory.

The rod had four specific names whereby it was called, #1 the Rod of Moses, #2 the Rod of Elohim, #3 the Rod of Aaron and #4 the rod of Levi. Each of these names carries a different meaning and idea which we should now review.

#1 The Rod of Moses - Moses means "drawn from the water." Moses acquired this name because he was drawn from the waters of the river Nile. As Israel passed through the Red Sea, they were all baptized unto Moses. Today, we are to be baptized unto YAHshua (Acts 2:38).

It is interesting that Revelation 17 records a woman who is a harlot that sits upon many waters. She has committed fornication (spiritually) with the kings of the earth, in turn making the inhabiters of the earth drunk with her fornication. In Revelation 18 a voice from heaven says, "Come out of her, My People, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues," v. 4.

People are to be drawn from the waters of spiritual fornication that this woman sits upon. They can only be drawn out if they repent of their sins and are baptized in the name of YAHshua, thus carrying the idea of Moses (being drawn from the water).

Through Moses came the deliverance from Egypt. Through YAHshua comes deliverance from this present evil world. Through Moses came the law (Torah). Through YAHshua comes the power to observe and perform the law.

Moses had told Israel, "YAHWEH thy Elohim will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken; According to all that thou desiredst of YAHWEH thy Elohim in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of YAHWEH my Elohim, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.’ And YAHWEH said unto me, ‘They have well spoken that which they have spoken. I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require it of him," Dt. 18:15-19.

Peter confirmed that YAHshua was that Prophet, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of YAHWEH; And He shall send YAHshua Messiah, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which YAHWEH hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall YAHWEH your Elohim raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which YAHWEH made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, ‘And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.’ Unto you first YAHWEH, having raised up His Son YAHshua, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities," Acts 3:19-26.

#2 The Rod of Elohim - Moses was made an Elohim first to Aaron and then to Pharaoh. Pharaoh, himself, was an elohim to the people of Egypt. This name of the rod describes YAHshua in another of His capacities. He is Elohim as Heb. 1:8-9 describes. This is also described in the name "Emmanuel" which was given Him at birth (Mt. 1:23).

The Heavenly Father YAHWEH is the Elohim above all elohim. The Father is His Elohim, but He has made YAHshua an Elohim to us, just as He made Moses an Elohim to Aaron and Pharaoh.

#3 The Rod of Aaron - Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance says that the name of Aaron is of an uncertain derivative. But as high priest over the children of Israel, Aaron was a type of the great Heavenly High Priest, YAHshua, "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, under it the people received the law, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For He of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Sovereign sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For He testifieth, ‘Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.’ For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto YAHWEH. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by Him that said unto Him, ‘YAHWEH sware and will not repent, ‘Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:’’ By so much was YAHshua made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because He continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto YAHWEH by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, Who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people's: for this He did once, when He offered up Himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, Who is consecrated for evermore," Heb. 7:11-28.

YAHshua's priesthood is so much greater than the priesthood of Aaron because He is sinless and lives forever. Just as YAHshua's glory is also greater than the glory of Moses for the glory of Moses was the glory of carnal commandments with a tabernacle that was made by the hands of man, but YAHshua's is made by the hands of YAHWEH.

#4 The rod of Levi - The name "Levi" means "attached." It comes from the primitive root word "lavah" which means, to twine, to unite, to remain, cleave, join, etc.

YAHWEH chose Moses and Aaron (Levites) through whom He delivered Israel and established the priesthood. The rest of the families of Levi were taken to do the service of the tabernacle instead of the firstborn of the children of Israel.

While in the wilderness, the Levites were placed completely around the tabernacle so as to be between it and the rest of Israel. They were a type of "buffer" zone, so to speak, but more importantly, they were the mediators between YAHWEH and Israel. If any man was to approach the tabernacle, he had to do so through the Levitical priesthood. Furthermore, Moses was the mediator of the law.

YAHshua and His priesthood is now the Mediator of the New Covenant, "Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an High Priest, Who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A Minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which YAHWEH pitched, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if He were on earth, He should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of Elohim when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the Mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises," Heb. 8:1-6.

It is through the greater Rod, YAHshua, that YAHWEH is able to bring together the heaven and earth, "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times He might gather together in one all things in Messiah, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth: even in Him," Eph. 1:10.

The rod of Levi was another facet in the parable of YAHshua the Messiah.

The forces of Amalek continue to prevail against YAHWEH'S people and His assembly. But we can overcome Amalek if we will look to what happened in Ex. 17. You see, all of the things associated with the victory over Amalek were parables.

Moses was a type of, a parable of YAHshua as has already been covered. He went up on a hill. A hill is a type of a country, government, kingdom, etc. YAHWEH calls Zion His holy hill (Psa. 2:6).

Aaron was a type of YAHshua as has also already been addressed. The rod was a type of YAHshua. The stone was a type of YAHshua whereon Moses sat. Hur was a type of YAHshua for "Hur" means "white" and white stands for righteousness.

Finally YAHshua the son of Nun was a type of YAHshua the Messiah for He was the one instrumental in transporting Israel over the river Jordan into the promised land.

With this information on hand we should hold up the rod as Moses, Aaron and Hur did in the wilderness. Our Rod is YAHshua. We must hold Him up for all to see. If we do then we can vanquish the forces of those who, like Amalek, fear not Elohim.

By Jerry Healan