John Calvin Commentary Numbers 17:2

"Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of them rods, one for each fathers` house, of all their princes according to their fathers` houses, twelve rods: write thou every man`s name upon his rod." — Numbers 17:2 (ASV)

Speak to the children of Israel. Those who suppose that another rod was added for the tribe of Levi to the twelve rods are mistaken.¹⁰³ For, since the possession of the land was not in question here, there was no reason at all for dividing the tribe of Joseph into two parts.

We also know that Joseph’s tribe was endowed with a double portion because the Levites had no inheritance. However, in this case, the circumstances were different because all the other tribes were contending for the priesthood with the tribe of Levi alone. Therefore, rods were given to each of them, in accordance with the origin of their race.

But when Aaron’s rod is said to have been in the midst of them,¹⁰⁴ this refers to the usual Hebrew expression, meaning it was mixed with the other rods as one of their number. This is expressly stated to show us that all grounds for quibbling might be removed from the ungodly, since all the rods were cast indiscriminately into the same bundle. In this way, none would be distinguished above the others, and thus nothing could be attributed to human collusion.

If anyone objects that these means did not extinguish the rivalry other Levites had with the house of Aaron—since his name alone was inscribed on the rod, leaving no comparison between the families—I reply as follows. Since the power of God manifested itself distinctly in the name of Aaron, the rejection of the others was sufficiently demonstrated by his election. For if this honor had been common to the others, God would have defrauded them by giving distinction to him alone.

Besides, no other plan could have been adopted to end this quarrel. If there had been several rods for one tribe, the whole people would have complained of inequality. It was necessary, therefore, that all should be brought to the contest on equal terms, so that the difference between them might be seen to depend on God’s good pleasure.

But if the name of Levi had been inscribed, all its families would have claimed the right of succession, as if it were common to them all. Therefore, no other course was available but for God to prefer to the whole people one individual chosen from among the members of his own kindred and tribe.

¹⁰³ So, amongst others, Corn. a Lapide. C’s view is that of the Jewish Commentators. view is that of the Jewish Commentators.

¹⁰⁴ A. V., “Among them,” “Among them,” verse 6..