◄ Psalm 114:8 ►
who turned the rock into a pool, the flint into a fountain of water!
Study Bible
who turned
This phrase highlights the divine action and power of God. The Hebrew root word here is "הָפַךְ" (haphak), which means to turn, overturn, or transform. This transformation is not merely a physical change but a miraculous act that signifies God's sovereignty over nature. Historically, this refers to the events during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, where God provided water from a rock, demonstrating His ability to provide and sustain His people in the most barren circumstances.

the rock
The term "rock" in Hebrew is "צוּר" (tsur), often symbolizing strength, stability, and permanence. In the context of the Exodus, the rock represents an obstacle or a challenge that seems insurmountable. Yet, it is precisely this unyielding surface that God chooses to transform, illustrating that no barrier is too great for His power. Theologically, the rock can also be seen as a metaphor for Christ, who is referred to as the spiritual rock in 1 Corinthians 10:4, providing living water to believers.

into a pool
The Hebrew word for "pool" is "אֲגַם" (agam), which signifies a body of water, often calm and life-sustaining. This transformation from rock to pool is a vivid image of God's provision and care. In a desert environment, a pool represents life, refreshment, and hope. This miraculous provision underscores God's ability to bring life and abundance out of desolation and hardship, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

the flint
"Flint" in Hebrew is "חַלָּמִישׁ" (challamish), a type of hard, sedimentary rock. Flint is known for its hardness and ability to produce sparks when struck, symbolizing resilience and potential. In the biblical narrative, the flint represents the seemingly impossible situations that God can transform. The use of flint emphasizes the miraculous nature of the event, as it is even less likely to yield water than ordinary rock.

into a fountain of water
The phrase "fountain of water" in Hebrew is "מַעְיָן מָיִם" (ma'yan mayim), suggesting a continuous and abundant source of water. A fountain is not just a static pool but a dynamic, flowing source, symbolizing the living and active provision of God. This transformation signifies not only God's provision but also His generosity and the overflowing nature of His blessings. In a spiritual sense, it points to the living water that Christ offers, which quenches spiritual thirst and brings eternal life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, demonstrating His power and provision for His people.

2. Rock and Flint
Symbolic elements representing the hard, unyielding circumstances that God transforms.

3. Pool and Fountain of Water
Representations of God's miraculous provision and life-giving sustenance.

4. Israelites
The recipients of God's miraculous provision during their wilderness journey.

5. Wilderness Journey
The historical context of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their reliance on God's provision.
Teaching Points
God's Power Over Nature
God has the authority to transform the natural world to meet the needs of His people, demonstrating His sovereignty.

Provision in Hardship
Just as God provided water from the rock, He can provide for us in seemingly impossible situations. Trust in His provision is essential.

Symbolism of Water
Water symbolizes life and sustenance. In the New Testament, Jesus offers living water, pointing to spiritual sustenance and eternal life.

Faith in God's Timing
The Israelites had to trust God's timing for provision. Similarly, we must have faith that God will provide in His perfect timing.

Christ as the Spiritual Rock
The New Testament reveals Christ as the spiritual rock, emphasizing the continuity of God's provision from the Old to the New Covenant.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the transformation of the rock into water in Psalm 114:8 demonstrate God's power and authority over creation?

2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own lives, especially in difficult or "rocky" situations?

3. How does the symbolism of water in the Bible enhance our understanding of God's provision and sustenance?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' experience in the wilderness about trusting in God's timing and provision?

5. How does the New Testament connection of Christ as the spiritual rock deepen our understanding of God's provision and presence in our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 17:6
This verse describes the event where God instructs Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, bringing forth water for the Israelites. It directly connects to the miraculous transformation mentioned in Psalm 114:8.

Numbers 20:11
Another instance where Moses brings water from a rock, highlighting God's continued provision despite the Israelites' disobedience.

1 Corinthians 10:4
Paul refers to the spiritual rock that followed the Israelites, identifying it with Christ, thus connecting the Old Testament event to New Testament theology.

Isaiah 48:21
This verse recalls God's provision of water from the rock, emphasizing His faithfulness and care for His people.
Sermons
The Natural and the SupernaturalR. Tuck Psalm 114:8
The Soul's ExodusS. Conway Psalm 114:1-8
The Spiritual ExodusC. Short Psalm 114:1-8
The Workings of the Eternal WillHomilistPsalm 114:1-8
People
Jacob, Psalmist
Places
Egypt
Topics
Flint, Fountain, Pool, Rock, Spring, Springs, Standing, Stone, Turning, Turns, Waters, Water-spring
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 114:8

     5580   thirst

Psalm 114:7-8

     1230   God, the Lord

Library
February the Third Transforming the Hard Heart
The Lord "turned the flint into a fountain of waters." --PSALM cxiv. What a violent conjunction, the flint becoming the birthplace of a spring! And yet this is happening every day. Men who are as "hard as flint," whose hearts are "like the nether millstone," become springs of gentleness and fountains of exquisite compassion. Beautiful graces, like lovely ferns, grow in the home of severities, and transform the grim, stern soul into a garden of fragrant friendships. This is what Zacchaeus was like …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Rhapsody
This has been explained in the Introduction (pages xii-xiii) as a term applied to a highly characteristic form of prophetic literature, amounting to spiritual drama: actual dramatic dialogue and action being combined with other literary modes of expression to produce the general effect of dramatic realisation and movement. Some of the examples (I-III) are complete rhapsodies; IV is a discourse that becomes rhapsodic at its conclusion; V is a rhapsodic morceau, a single thought cast in this literary …
Various—Select Masterpieces of Biblical Literature

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Exegetic.
(i) As of the De Spiritu Sancto, so of the Hexæmeron, no further account need be given here. It may, however, be noted that the Ninth Homily ends abruptly, and the latter, and apparently more important, portion of the subject is treated of at less length than the former. Jerome [472] and Cassiodorus [473] speak of nine homilies only on the creation. Socrates [474] says the Hexæmeron was completed by Gregory of Nyssa. Three orations are published among Basil's works, two on the creation …
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Effectual Calling
THE second qualification of the persons to whom this privilege in the text belongs, is, They are the called of God. All things work for good "to them who are called." Though this word called is placed in order after loving of God, yet in nature it goes before it. Love is first named, but not first wrought; we must be called of God, before we can love God. Calling is made (Rom. viii. 30) the middle link of the golden chain of salvation. It is placed between predestination and glorification; and if …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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