The Manna, the Tablets, and the Rod

In that room were a gold incense altar and a wooden chest called the Ark of the Covenant, which was covered with gold on all sides. Inside the Ark were a gold jar containing manna, Aaron's staff that sprouted leaves, and the stone tablets of the covenant. (Hebrews 9:4 NLT)

According to the Apostle Paul, there were three significant items preserved within the sacred Ark of the Covenant. These items included a golden pot containing manna, the tablets of the Law, and Aaron's rod. These items were found in the third chamber of the holy of holies.

The manna, miraculous bread sent from heaven, was the sustenance that the Israelites relied upon during their arduous forty-year journey in the wilderness, as recounted in Numbers 11:6–9. This divine food nourished the Israelites and served as a constant reminder of God's providence and care for His chosen people.

The Ark is a perfect picture of Christ Himself. When we receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we can also receive the manna, the Law, and the rod. The manna was the bread from heaven (Exodus 16:4), and Jesus was the bread come down from heaven, or the heavenly manna (John 6:32–35).

Aaron's rod, initially a dead tree limb, was transformed into a blossoming staff that produced almonds and leaves, as described in Numbers 17:7–9. This miraculous sign demonstrated to the Israelites that Aaron was indeed God's appointed priest, solidifying his authority and leadership among the people during a time of uncertainty and dispute.

Aaron's rod also signifies the importance of staying connected to the presence of God if we are to bear fruit and more fruit. God's presence is all you need to bring the dead areas of your life back to life. God's presence is all you need to revive that dead business, a dead marriage, etc.

However, the most important evidence of the Holy Spirit in Christian life is when, just like Aaron's rod, the believer produces spiritual fruit in their life that demonstrates a genuine change and Christlike character! As Lord Jesus said:

¹⁶You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? ¹⁷Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. ¹⁹Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰Therefore, by their fruits, you will know them. (Matthew 7:16-20)

Lastly, the tablets of the Law were the tangible representation of God's commandments, as they were carved on stone and placed inside the golden Ark of the Covenant by Moses himself. According to Deuteronomy 10:5. These tablets of the law served as the foundational moral and ethical guidelines for the Israelites, underlining their covenant relationship with God and their responsibility to live in accordance with His will. In the same way, the Word of God separates us from the desires of the flesh and marks us as a holy people. It represents sanctification.

The Manna, the Tablets, and the Rod

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