The Symbolism of Staffs in Biblical History
In ancient times, it was customary for every man to carry a staff—a large, straight stick used for traveling, walking, and recording information. Often, details were carved along the sides of the staff from top to bottom.
Abraham passed his staff to Isaac, who then gave it to Jacob. In Genesis 32:10, Jacob says, “With my staff I crossed over this Jordan…” This staff may have carried engravings of the family’s history and the covenant promises. Later, as Jacob was dying in Egypt, he leaned on the top of his staff and worshiped God.
- Hebrew 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
Traditionally, the family staff would go to the firstborn, Reuben, but because Reuben dishonored his father, it was given instead to the fourth son, Judah (Gen. 49:10).
When the Israelites were given the instructions for how to eat the first Passover, the instructions included a staff.
- Exodus 12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover.
God wanted the Israelites to bring the staffs with the old inscriptions on them. He also wanted them handy to carve the new inscriptions.
Later in Scripture, when the Shunammite woman’s son dies, Elisha tells his servant Gehazi, “Lay my staff on the child’s face” (2 Kings 4:29). Since significant personal events could be recorded on the staff, Elijah likely noted the miraculous birth of this child (see 2 Kings 4:12–17).
When David faces Goliath, he brings his sling, five stones, and his staff (1 Sam. 17:40). He’s ready to mark his victory over Goliath on that wooden staff. Later, as a shepherd writing the twenty-third Psalm, David says, “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4). This may refer to the Word of God given to him prophetically or to the idea that God’s promises are inscribed on his staff, reminding him that God is always with him.
When Jesus was preparing his disciples to send them out two by two, he gave them specific instructions.
- Mark 7:8 And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse:
Notice he said, “take nothing for their journey, save a staff only“. I believe that he was telling them take a staff so that you can record the major events.
Today, believers speak the written Word of God and call upon the blessings of the Almighty by reminding Him of His covenant promise.
- Isaiah 43:25-26
- I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
- Put me in remembrance: let us plead together: declare thou, that thou mayest be justified.
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