Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, rocks serve as significant symbols and instruments of divine intervention, particularly in the miraculous provision of water. Two notable instances in the Old Testament highlight this phenomenon, both involving Moses and the Israelites during their wilderness journey.1. Water from the Rock at Horeb (Exodus 17:1-7): The first miracle occurs at Horeb, as recorded in Exodus 17. The Israelites, having departed from the wilderness of Sin, find themselves camped at Rephidim without water. The people quarrel with Moses, expressing their fear of dying from thirst. In response to their complaints, Moses cries out to the LORD for guidance. The LORD instructs Moses to take his staff, the same one used to strike the Nile, and go to the rock at Horeb. The LORD promises to stand before Moses on the rock, and Moses is to strike it. Upon doing so, water miraculously flows from the rock, providing for the needs of the people. This event underscores God's provision and faithfulness, even amidst the people's doubt and rebellion. 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.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel." 2. Water from the Rock at Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13): A second miraculous provision of water from a rock occurs at Kadesh, as detailed in Numbers 20. Once again, the Israelites face a dire lack of water, leading to complaints against Moses and Aaron. The LORD instructs Moses to take the staff and, along with Aaron, gather the assembly. However, this time Moses is commanded to speak to the rock to bring forth water. In a moment of frustration, Moses strikes the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it. Despite this deviation from God's command, water still gushes forth abundantly, quenching the thirst of the congregation and their livestock. This incident, however, results in severe consequences for Moses and Aaron, as their actions are seen as a failure to uphold God's holiness before the people. 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." These miracles of water from the rock serve as powerful reminders of God's sovereignty and provision. They also highlight the importance of obedience and faith in God's instructions. The Apostle Paul later reflects on these events, drawing a spiritual parallel in 1 Corinthians 10:4, where he identifies the rock as a symbol of Christ, the spiritual sustenance for believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 17:6Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 20:11 Library Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy Canaan on Earth The Life of Christ. A Psalm of Remembrance The Course and Crown of a Devout Life Acts XXVII His Name --Wonderful! The Fig-Tree. Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. ) La Brea Resources What is shamanism? | GotQuestions.orgDoes God have free will? | GotQuestions.org What is animism? | GotQuestions.org Rocks: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rocks used as Places for Idolatrous Worship Rocks used as Places for Shelter by the Poor in Their Distress Rocks used as Places of Observation Rocks used as Places of Safety in Danger Rocks were a Defence to a Country Rocks: Bees often Made Their Honey Amongst Rocks: Casting Down From, a Punishment Rocks: Christ As a Stumbling Stone to the Wicked Rocks: Christ As Foundation of his Church Rocks: Christ As Refuge of his People Rocks: Christ As Source of Spiritual Gifts Rocks: God As Creator of his People Rocks: God As Defence of his People Rocks: God As Refuge of his People Rocks: God As Salvation of his People Rocks: God As the Strength of his People Rocks: God's Power Exhibited in Removing Rocks: Hammers Used for Breaking Rocks: Important Events often Engraved Upon Rocks: Inhabited by Wild Goats Rocks: Man's Industry in Cutting Through Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Broken in Pieces by the Wind Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Fire Ascended out of Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Rent at the Death of Christ Rocks: Miracles Connected With: Water Brought From Rocks: Often Composed of Flint Rocks: Often had Holes and Clefts Rocks: Often Sharp-Pointed and Craggy Rocks: Selah in the Valley of Salt Rocks: Selahammahlekoth in the Wilderness of Maon Rocks: The Ancestor of a Nation Rocks: The Olive Tree Flourished Amongst Rocks: The Shadow of, Grateful to Travellers During the Heat of The Rocks: Tombs often Hewn out of Related Terms |
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