John Calvin Commentary Numbers 17:5

"And it shall come to pass, that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you." — Numbers 17:5 (ASV)

And it shall come to pass, that the man’s rod. Aaron, indeed, had been previously chosen, but the expression here refers to his manifestation.¹⁰⁵ For God is said to choose again those whom He has chosen by His secret counsel, when He brings them forth into the sight of men with their peculiar marks of distinction. This happens not once only, but as often as He confirms their election by new indications.

And this seems to be spoken of by way of concession, as if God would pass over all His former decrees and invite the people afresh to take cognizance of the matter.

With this view, He states that He will put an end to all the malevolent and noisy detractions of the people, so that Aaron may henceforth exercise his office without controversy; for, although not even by this means was their perverseness altogether cured, still their insolence was restrained.

¹⁰⁵ Fr., “A la seconde declaration.”“A la seconde declaration.”