Jesus sets up the victors of Philadelphia as pillars in the house, and then writes names on them. Numbers 17 is in the background, where the names of tribal leaders are written on rods and placed in the house of God. The rod that blossoms with almond (watcher) blossoms is the rod of the priest. Aaron’s rod buds and blossoms, proving that he is the chosen holy one who can flourish as a pillar and rod in the house of the Lord.

My colleague Toby Sumpter pointed out in a sermon on the Second Word last week that three things are said to be “carved”: Images, the second set of tablets of the law, and the temple. Pillars in Jesus’ people-temple are also inscribed, true images of God and living embodiments of Torah.