The Rod as a Prophetic Symbol

When we read our Bibles, there is plenty we can read and apply immediately. That’s the beauty of the Bible. If we can read, we can grow. But after knowing the Lord for some time and hearing and applying what we learn, it’s easy to get the feeling that we know pretty much all there is, and eventually whatever we hear in a sermon or read is nothing new.

Fortunately, there’s more depth to be had when we grasp the symbology and types used in the Bible. This idea is not widely taught in churches today, and it should be. Start noticing the words “like” and “as” for comparisons, then study them for doctrine. For example, here is one of the few that is widely taught: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up (John 3:14). We know that refers back to Numbers 21:7-9, and it makes that story so much richer knowing that the serpent on the pole represented Christ on the cross.

If you look at the previous two posts, you’ll see the symbology I’m going to further lay out here regarding that rod in Exodus that turned into a serpent in Exodus 4:1-5. This rod symbolizes Christ. How do we know there’s a connection between the rod and Christ? And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: (Isaiah 11:1). If this seems unbelievable, read the previous two posts. Considering that the rod in Exodus represents Christ, re-read the Exodus story and zero in on that rod and how it was used. Here are some things to notice.

• And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs. (Exodus 4:17) Moses was to do signs with the rod. Christ also did signs that the people would believe.
• And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. (Exodus 7:10-12) The rod as Christ became a serpent, and all they had to do was believe, but they wouldn’t, and they duplicated Christ—made an antichrist. He can do miracles too. Fortunately, the true Christ eats up the antichrist. This reminds us of a New Testament verse: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:3)
• Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. (Exodus 7:17) Remembering that the rod is Christ, notice that Christ would turn the water into blood. This reminds us of Christ’s first miracle. He turned the water into wine. Hmm. Christ has turned water into wine and blood. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. (1 Corinthians 11:25) wine represents his blood. The magicians were able to do the same thing also, though (Exodus 7:22) and Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. We get more rod action, which will be explained in my next blog post.

For now, just know that the Bible is three dimensional. It can be perfectly understood historically and applied devotionally, but there is an often unexplored prophetic sense to take us to the next level, and once we get it, we are in awe of the Master of the universe who always knew and knows what He is doing. He is in control and He is Lord.

Jody