Biblical Food and Herbs Series Part 5: Almonds

And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds. – Numbers 17:8

Almonds are powerfully nutritious and beneficial to good health on many levels. Although they can be considered as seeds, they are often considered the overall, number one nut.

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They have the highest amount of calcium and fiber among nuts as well as being great sources of protein, iron, magnesium and potassium. Almonds also help the body’s resistance to disease by being the most alkaline forming nut. Its vitamin B-17 content (laetrile) is still considered a key cancer fighter.

Many hold back on nuts in general because of their fat content. Yet, the fatty acids in nuts are extremely beneficial in that they form part of the molecules that move cholesterol through the bloodstream, which makes them heart healthy. Almonds are best eaten organic, raw, and fresh. This is important because the oils can go rancid over a period of time and cause harmful free radicals.

In biblical times they were used to add flavor and variety to meals. During the famine in Genesis 43:11, Jacob sent a present to the Egyptian ruler (not yet knowing it was his son, Joseph) and this gift included almonds. I guess it really is a meal fit for a king. Our opening verse above speaks of how Aaron’s rod supernaturally “budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds”, which was the sign that he and the tribe of Levi were the Lord’s choice as priests. Our last thoughts will be from Jeremiah 1: 12,13:

Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.  (12) Then said the LORD unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.

The Hebrew word translated almond gives a connotation of early and eager, stemming from the fact that it is the earliest tree to bloom. The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary translates the almond tree as “the wakeful tree," and notes that they flower in January, and bear fruit in March. So it seems to be a beautiful and encouraging play on words when Jeremiah says “I see the rod (or shoot) of the almond (early/eager) tree” and God responds with “I will hasten (early / eagerly) to perform my word.”


Illustrated Dictionary of Bible Life and Times, Readers Digest
Prescription for Dietary Wellness, Phyllis A. Balch
oasisadvancedwellness.com article “Benefits of Raw Almonds”