Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, staffs were more than mere walking sticks; they held significant symbolic and practical importance. A staff, often made of wood, served various purposes, from aiding in walking to symbolizing authority and divine power.
Symbol of Authority and LeadershipStaffs frequently appear in the Bible as symbols of authority and leadership. Moses' staff is perhaps the most notable example. God used Moses' staff to perform miracles and demonstrate His power to the Israelites and the Egyptians. In
Exodus 4:2-4 , God instructs Moses to throw his staff on the ground, where it becomes a serpent, and then to pick it up again, turning it back into a staff. This act was a sign of God's authority vested in Moses.
Similarly, Aaron's staff played a crucial role in affirming his God-given authority. In
Numbers 17:8 , Aaron's staff miraculously budded, blossomed, and produced almonds, signifying God's choice of Aaron and his descendants for the priesthood.
Instrument of Divine PowerStaffs were also instruments through which God demonstrated His power. In
Exodus 14:16 , God commands Moses, "As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground." Here, the staff is a conduit for divine intervention, parting the Red Sea and allowing the Israelites to escape from Egypt.
In another instance, Moses uses his staff to bring water from a rock at Horeb, as recorded in
Exodus 17:5-6 . God instructs Moses to strike the rock with his staff, providing water for the thirsty Israelites, further demonstrating the staff's role in manifesting God's provision and care.
Symbol of Judgment and CorrectionStaffs also symbolize judgment and correction. In
Psalm 23:4 , the psalmist writes, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Here, the staff represents God's guidance and protection, offering comfort and correction to the believer.
In the prophetic literature, staffs are sometimes associated with judgment. For example, in
Isaiah 10:5 , God refers to Assyria as "the rod of My anger," using the imagery of a staff to convey His instrument of judgment against Israel.
Practical UsesBeyond their symbolic meanings, staffs had practical uses in daily life. Shepherds used staffs to guide and protect their flocks, as seen in the imagery of
Psalm 23. The staff was an essential tool for shepherds, helping them to manage sheep and fend off predators.
Staffs also served as walking aids, providing support and stability on long journeys. In
Genesis 32:10 , Jacob reflects on his journey, saying, "For with only my staff I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps." This highlights the staff's role as a companion and support during travel.
ConclusionIn summary, staffs in the Bible are rich in symbolism and function. They represent authority, divine power, judgment, and correction, while also serving practical purposes in the lives of biblical figures. Through the use of staffs, God communicated His will, demonstrated His power, and provided for His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Plural of Staff.
2. (n.) Plural of Staff.
Strong's Hebrew
4294. matteh -- a staff, rod, shaft, branch, a tribe... shaft, branch, a tribe NASB Word Usage branch (3), branches (1), half-tribe* (13),
rod (18), rods (6), scepter (2), spears (1), staff (33),
staffs (1), supply
...4731. maqqel -- a rod, staff
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a rod, staff NASB Word Usage rod
(1), rods (6), staff (5),staffs (1), stick (2), sticks (1), wand (1), war...
4938b. misheneth -- a staff
... a staff. Transliteration: misheneth Short Definition: staff. Word Origin from shaan
Definition a staff NASB Word Usage staff (10),staffs (1). 4938a, 4938b....
Library
Mornings in the College Chapel
... There has become familiar among us, through the devotion of successivestaffs of
Preachers, a clearer sense of the simplicity and reality of religion, which...
The Scourging of Jesus.
... of the furious multitude to the forum, which they did with the utmost brutality,
at the same time loading him with abuse, and striking him with theirstaffs....
The Call by the Sea
... Aged men leaning upon theirstaffs, hardy peasants from the hills, fishermen from
their toil on the lake, merchants and rabbis, the rich and learned, old and...
If any one Supposes that this Want of Mutual Harmony Between his...
... wicked who advance. Hope and patience are to be thestaffs to lean upon,
whenever we are weary with the trials of the world. As for...
Jesus' Last Journey to Jerusalem.
... there go I also.". Jesus said, "Come then.". The disciples arose and clasping
theirstaffs were ready to depart. Then Jesus turned to...
The Life of Constantine.
... stands much on the same level as the biographies of generals in the late civil war,
or of presidents, written by admiring members of theirstaffs or cabinets...
The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... condition. [191] They had longstaffs with crooks and knobs of different
shapes in their hands which showed their rank. They wore...
The Economic Challenge to the Church
... the past five years, agricultural colleges have been prevented from adding advisers
on cooperative organization to their extensionstaffs, retail merchants...
At Capernaum
... The sick were brought upon couches, they came leaning uponstaffs, or, supported
by friends, they tottered feebly into the Saviour's presence....
To the Right Hon. Henry Pelham, First Lord Commissioner of the...
... That pride defames humanity, and calls. The being mean, whichstaffs or strings
can raise.323. That pride, like hooded hawks, in darkness soars,....
Thesaurus
Staffs (47 Occurrences)...Staffs (47 Occurrences).
... Matthew 26:55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes,
Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and
staffs to take me?
...Stag (5 Occurrences)
Staff (91 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Luke 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey-neitherstaffs,
nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece....
Wallet (7 Occurrences)
... Luke 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey-neitherstaffs, nor wallet,
nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece. (WEB ASV)....
Incense-altar (2 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:15 And the incense-altar, and itsstaffs, and the anointing oil, and the
sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle...
Trafficked (7 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Zechariah 11:7 So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the
oppressed of the flock. I took for myself twostaffs. The...
Tunic (24 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Luke 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey-neitherstaffs,
nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece....
Tunics (16 Occurrences)
... Luke 9:3 He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey-neitherstaffs, nor wallet,
nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece. (See NAS RSV)....
Tended (7 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Zechariah 11:7 So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the
oppressed of the flock. I took for myself twostaffs. The...
Particularly (4 Occurrences)
... NAS). Zechariah 11:7 So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed
of the flock. I took for myself twostaffs. The one...
Resources
How were Pharaoh's magicians able to perform miracles? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Aaron in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of Aaron's rod? | GotQuestions.orgStaffs: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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