Close up of the blossoming branches of an almond tree.
It should be remembered how, when Aaron’s priestly leadership was being challenged, twelve rods, with the names of the tribes inscribed on each, were placed in the Tabernacle in front of the [ark] of the covenant. It was Aaron’s staff, “… which represented the house of Levi, [that] had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds” (Numbers 17:8).