Numbers 17:2
staff .... tribe ........ staffs .......... staff <04294> [a rod.]
The word {matteh} signifies a staff, or sceptre, which the prince or chief of each tribe bore, and which was the sign of office or royalty among almost all the people of the earth.
leader <05387> [all their princes.]
staff .... tribe ....... twelve staffs .......... staff <08147 04294> [twelve rods.]
Numbers 18:2
join ..... minister <03867 08334> [joined unto thee.]
There is a fine paronomasia in the original. Levi is desired from {lawah,} to join, couple, associate; hence Moses says, the Levites {yillawoo,} "shall be joined," or associated, with the priests: they shall conjointly perform the sacred office, but the priests shall be principal, the Levites their associates or assistants.
minister ............ before <08334 06440> [minister.]
sons <01121> [but thou.]
