Joe: Alright, so we're talking about Numbers 17. What's the scoop?

Bible Expert: Well, Numbers 17 is all about the staffs of the twelve tribes of Israel. God commanded Moses to have twelve staffs, each one with the name of a tribe on it and then to place them in the tabernacle. The next day, Aaron's staff miraculously bloomed with buds and blossoms, showing that God had chosen Aaron to be the high priest.

Joe: Whoa, that's wild! So what happened then?

Bible Expert: Well, the other staffs were put in the tabernacle as a sign of unity among the tribes. They continued to stay there for many years, and eventually, when the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, Moses was told to take out the staff of Levi and put it in front of the Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of the Levites' priesthood.

Joe: That's crazy! So what else was in Numbers 17?

Bible Expert: There was also a census of the tribe of Levi and instructions for the Levites to help with the Tabernacle and the other tasks that were part of the Israelites' worship. Lastly, there were instructions for the Israelites to bring a tribute offering to the Lord every year.

Joe: Wow, that's a lot of info. So what does all this mean for us today?

Bible Expert: It is a reminder to us that God is sovereign and that He is the one who chooses and appoints leaders. It also shows us the importance of unity among God's people, and of being obedient to the commands of the Lord.