Aaron's Rod

Aaron's Rod was a rod used by Aaron during the period of the biblical exodus. Unknown. (1972). "Aaron's rod", in Leach, M. (ed) Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend. 3rd ed. p.1
It fits the mythical archetypes of the magic wand, a dry rod blossoming, and the sword in the stone. 
== Legends ==
One account claims that the rod was made of sapphire and inscribed with Hebrew letters, each one signifying one of the Plagues of Egypt.
Another account says that it was one of the twelve rods made by Moses from the Tree of Knowledge.
In the rabbinical tradition, the rod was given by God as a gift to Adam when he was exiled from Eden, and was then passed from father to son until the time of Joseph, upon whose death it was stolen by Jethro the Egyptian. Jethro planted it in his garden, and was then unable to pull it from the ground. Moses came, saw the name of God written on the rod, and read it aloud, allowing him to pull it from the ground. In return for this miracle, Moses was given Jethro's daughter in marriage, as was the custom reward for performing a miracle.
The rod is mentioned in the Books of Exodus and Numbers. When the Pharaoh demanded a sign from Moses and Aaron, Aaron cast the rod before the Pharaoh, whereupon it transformed into a serpent and consumed the serpents made from the staves of the Pharaoh's magicians. Aaron then used it to produce three of the Plagues of Egypt: turning the river to blood, and the plagues of frogs and lice. It later was planted in the tabernacle and was the only one of the twelve rods planted that produced almonds, thus cementing Aaron's role as high priest, and giving his descendants that same position.
Later traditions claim that the rod was used in the construction of the cross on which Jesus was crucified , thus indicating this object has been destroyed. 
== References ==
Category:Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend
Category:Magic Items