And then the staff of Aharon, from the House of Levi, blossomed. (Bemidbar 17:23)
Why was the authenticity of Moshe Rabbeinu’s prophecy proven in this particular way, by a staff that brought forth flowers and almonds?
Korach denied the basic principle of the uniqueness of Moshe’s prophecy. He argued that Moshe is no different from other prophets [and therefore there is room to suspect that Aharon was not actually chosen by Hashem to serve as Kohen Gadol]. Moshe Rabbeinu wished to demonstrate that Hashem Himself speaks straight through him. What he says is purely and exactly what Hashem said, with nothing added or altered. He clarified this point by the earth opening its mouth upon his command. This amazing and unprecedented event showed that his words are Hashem’s words.
Still, this miracle was not enough to settle the matter entirely, because people still argued – “You caused the death of the people of Hashem.” They were saying that it doesn’t prove Moshe is different from other prophets, that what Moshe says is purely and exactly what Hashem said.
To resolve the matter once and for all, they needed to hear the point expressed directly by Hashem, not through Moshe, so it will be perfectly clear that Moshe’s prophecy is on a completely different level, that hearing from Moshe is the same as hearing from Hashem.
That is why Hashem commanded to put the staffs of every tribe into the Kodesh Kodoshim. Because the Kodesh Kodoshim was a place that even Moshe was not allowed to enter unless he was specifically called by Hashem to come in. It is a space that belongs entirely to Hashem. What happens there is not Moshe’s doing. If a proof of Aharon’s status as Kohen Gadol will come from there, then everyone will know for sure that what Moshe said is what Hashem said.
However, a Heavenly voice could have emanated from the Kodesh Kodoshim, or the message could have been written on the wall as it was with Balshatzar, or something similar to this. Why did the staff of Aharon need to blossom and produce almonds? Why did the miracle involve the natural world?
Because nature itself is intrinsically the word of Hashem. It is an act of Hashem Himself. Heavens and earth and everything in them were created on the very first day, even before the angels, and certainly before man. They are the work of Hashem and Hashem alone.
Hakadosh Baruch Hu demonstrated to the Jewish people that Moshe’s prophecy is unique by showing them something from the Kodesh Kodoshim, something that also involved the natural world. Blossoms and almonds. This is how Hashem made it clear that He and He alone was speaking.
