Where Did Moses Get his Staff?

[Neto]

Some years ago I joined a forum run by Chabad-Lubavitch (a branch of Hasidism), and while the forum has shut down, I still get emails from them.

Anyway, this question was posed on their website recently, and I received an email linking to the article. They have various ideas as to its origin, and even more as to its current where-abouts.

How would you answer this question? Having lived with native people, my quick answer would be - He carved it himself, heated one end to bend it, and that's that. All of the miraculous things he did with it? That was all God's doing, and none of that power remained in that piece of wood.

[MaxPC]

In Exodus, God asks Moses what he has in his hand. Of course God knew that it was Moses' walking stick, he did not have to ask; rather God was making a point with Moses.

As I understand it, most of the nomadic tribes carried staffs to ward off predators from their sheep and goats and to navigate the rough terrain. I should think Moses was no exception in this. God did not give him the staff but rather, God demonstrated His power by transforming that staff into a snake. As you rightly noted, the staff itself had no power. It was merely a visible conduit.

[Neto]

In Exodus, God asks Moses what he has in his hand. Of course God knew that it was Moses' walking stick, he did not have to ask; rather God was making a point with Moses.

As I understand it, most of the nomadic tribes carried staffs to ward off predators from their sheep and goats and to navigate the rough terrain. I should think Moses was no exception in this. God did not give him the staff but rather, God demonstrated His power by transforming that staff into a snake. As you rightly noted, the staff itself had no power. It was merely a visible conduit.

Regarding at least this particular group of Jews: They mostly think Adam made it, having wacked off a piece of the tree of life before leaving the garden. (Then the tricky part is how Moses got ahold of it, before he left Egypt as a 40 year old man. I don't want to be making fun, but I admit to being rather amused. )

[MaxPC]

In Exodus, God asks Moses what he has in his hand. Of course God knew that it was Moses' walking stick, he did not have to ask; rather God was making a point with Moses.

As I understand it, most of the nomadic tribes carried staffs to ward off predators from their sheep and goats and to navigate the rough terrain. I should think Moses was no exception in this. God did not give him the staff but rather, God demonstrated His power by transforming that staff into a snake. As you rightly noted, the staff itself had no power. It was merely a visible conduit.

Regarding at least this particular group of Jews: They mostly think Adam made it, having wacked off a piece of the tree of life before leaving the garden. (Then the tricky part is how Moses got ahold of it, before he left Egypt as a 40 year old man. I don't want to be making fun, but I admit to being rather amused. )

Likewise. There are few "legends" in Catholic World that are equally entertaining so I can appreciate the lack of logic.

[barnhart]

If their belief is in the power of inanimate objects, a more pressing question might be where is it now? Surely this is the key to cleansing the promised land of non Jews and ushering in a messianic age of peace and prosperity.

[Neto]

If their belief is in the power of inanimate objects, a more pressing question might be where is it now? Surely this is the key to cleansing the promised land of non Jews and ushering in a messianic age of peace and prosperity.

The location theory I recall is that it, the Ark of the Covenant, and some other things are buried deep below the temple location.

[barnhart]

I guess that makes sense, either both Moses' and Aaron's rods are in it, or it's the same rod shared by the two of them.

[steve-in-kville]

Where did Moses get his staff?

Perhaps a temp agency....

(I'll be here all day)

[Soloist]

This comes from a misunderstanding of the Hebrew word צוות
If one is wise, they will realize it really was a green stick. He was planning to try to grow an almond tree from it but later discovered his relative was a better stick finder.

[MaxPC]

Where did Moses get his staff?

Perhaps a temp agency....

(I'll be here all day)

I had the exact same notion when I first saw the thread title.

If their belief is in the power of inanimate objects, a more pressing question might be where is it now? Surely this is the key to cleansing the promised land of non Jews and ushering in a messianic age of peace and prosperity.

The location theory I recall is that it, the Ark of the Covenant, and some other things are buried deep below the temple location.

Perhaps we can telephone Indiana Jones and get his thoughts? Ohio Jones may have his number?