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Water from the Rock

Illustration of Water from the Rock

During the Israelites' exodus journey through the wilderness, the people faced acute thirst at Rephidim and grumbled against Moses and God, questioning whether the Lord was truly with them. Following divine instruction, Moses struck the rock at Horeb with his staff, causing abundant water to flow forth and sustain the entire congregation along with their livestock. This event demonstrated God's ongoing provision and faithfulness amid trials, while also serving as a test of Israel's trust. In later Scripture, the apostle Paul identifies the rock as a spiritual symbol of Christ, underscoring themes of divine sustenance and redemption.

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Details

Category
Provision
Testament
Old Testament
Performed by
God through Moses

Key Passages

Water at Horeb

Exodus 17:5-6

A5nd the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Did You Know?

1

Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out for 2-3 million people and their livestock.

2

Paul identifies this rock as a type of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:4).

3

Moses was denied entry to the Promised Land for striking the rock a second time instead of speaking to it.