THE ROCK WAS CHRIST (EXOD. 17:1 -7)
Updated: Sep 30
In Exodus 17:1–7, the Lord leads Israel “according to the commandment of the LORD” to Rephidim—yet there is no water. Their thirst exposes what is in the heart: they quarrel, grumble, and finally ask the chilling question, “Is the LORD among us or not?” (ESV). Massah and Meribah become a courtroom where the redeemed people put God in the dock.
But God answers in astonishing grace. He tells Moses to take the elders and the staff of judgment, and then he says, “Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock… Strike the rock, and water will come out” (Ex. 17:6). The Lord proves his provision, protection, and presence—not by crushing his people, but by giving life.
The apostle Paul unveils the deeper mystery: “the Rock was Christ” (1 Cor. 10:4). In the wilderness, God stood on the Rock and received the blow so water could flow. At the cross, Christ was struck under divine justice so mercy and life might flow to sinners.
If you are in a dry place, don’t test God—come to Jesus and drink. He is with you, and he is for you.
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