Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous provision of water from a rock is a significant event in the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's providence and power in sustaining the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This miracle is recorded in two primary instances in the Pentateuch, each highlighting different aspects of God's relationship with His people and their response to His provision.1. Water from the Rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:1-7) The first instance occurs at Rephidim, as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The people, facing severe thirst, quarreled with Moses and expressed doubt in God's provision. In response, God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb with his staff, the same staff used to perform previous miracles in Egypt. Moses obeyed, and water gushed forth from the rock, providing for the needs of the people and their livestock. This event is recorded in Exodus 17:6 : "Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink." The place was named Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling) because of the Israelites' contentious behavior and their testing of the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7). 2. Water from the Rock at Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13) The second occurrence takes place at Kadesh in the Desert of Zin, near the end of the Israelites' 40-year wilderness journey. Once again, the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron due to a lack of water. God instructed Moses to take the staff and speak to the rock to bring forth water. However, in a moment of frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as commanded. Despite Moses' disobedience, water still flowed abundantly from the rock, quenching the thirst of the congregation and their animals. This event is detailed in Numbers 20:11 : "Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink." The place was again called Meribah, reflecting the people's contention and the LORD's holiness being demonstrated. Due to Moses' failure to uphold God's sanctity before the Israelites, he was denied entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12). Theological Significance These miracles underscore God's faithfulness and ability to provide for His people in seemingly impossible situations. They also highlight the importance of obedience and faith in God's instructions. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:4 , refers to the spiritual significance of these events, stating, "They all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ." This interpretation suggests a typological understanding, where the rock symbolizes Christ, the source of spiritual sustenance and life. Lessons and Reflections The miracles of water from the rock serve as a reminder of God's provision and the necessity of trust and obedience in His promises. They also illustrate the consequences of disobedience and the importance of honoring God's holiness. These events continue to inspire faith and reliance on God's unfailing care and guidance throughout the journey of life. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 17:5,7And the LORD said to Moses, Go on before the people, and take with you of the elders of Israel; and your rod, with which you smote the river, take in your hand, and go. Nave's Topical Index Library The Church of God. Acts XVII Faith and Life Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ... Christian Cemeteries. On the Interpretation of Scripture Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; The Iranian Conquest Christ a Complete Saviour: Resources What is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the miracles of Jesus? What miracles did Jesus perform? | GotQuestions.org Does God still perform miracles? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit of Different Kinds Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Despised Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Neglected Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were not to Be: Purchased Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit were to be Sought After Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Christ Was Endued With Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated by the Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Confirmation of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated for the Edification of the Church Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Communicated: Upon the Preaching of the Gospel Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Counterfeited by Antichrist Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Dispensed According to his Sovereign Will Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Enumerated Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Foretold Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Might be Possessed Without Saving Grace Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Poured out on the Day of Pentecost Miraculous Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Temporary Nature of Related Terms |
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