“That Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4, Numbers 20:1-13)
The story in Numbers 20, where Moses strikes the rock in the wilderness to bring forth water for the Israelites, is a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ—our Rock, who was struck for our salvation. As we explore this passage, we will see how God used this moment to point forward to a future reality that would change the course of history forever.
The Setting: Israel in the Wilderness
At this point in the journey of the Israelites, they had been wandering in the desert for many years. The grumbling of the people had become a familiar refrain—complaining about lack of food, water, and leadership. In Numbers 20, they arrive at Kadesh, a place where once again they face the problem of water scarcity. The people are frustrated and begin to quarrel with Moses and Aaron. They question why God brought them into the wilderness, hoping to die there in misery.
The people are in despair. They forget God’s past provision and miracles, and they lose faith in His ability to care for them in the present. In their frustration, they forget that they are journeying towards a promised land, a place of abundance that God had already prepared for them.
The Command to Moses: Speak to the Rock
God instructs Moses and Aaron to take their staff and speak to the rock in front of them, and from it, water would gush forth. This seems like a simple command, but it is filled with deep significance.
It’s important to note that God’s instructions were clear—Moses was to speak to the rock, not strike it. This subtle difference is where we see the foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
Moses Strikes the Rock
Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses, in his frustration with the people, strikes the rock twice with his staff. The water flows as God promised, but Moses’ disobedience in not following God’s command has consequences.
God tells Moses and Aaron that they will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land. While God still provides for the people, this moment serves as a reminder that God’s ways must be followed precisely, even when the circumstances are difficult.
Jesus: The Rock Who Was Struck
In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul makes a profound statement: “That Rock was Christ.” What an incredible revelation! Moses striking the rock wasn’t just about bringing water to a thirsty people—it was a prophetic act pointing to Jesus, who would be struck for the salvation of humanity.
Jesus, like the rock, is the source of living water. Just as Moses struck the rock to release water for the Israelites, Jesus was struck (through His crucifixion) to release living water for the world. The Apostle John records Jesus’ own words about this in John 7:37-39:
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Jesus is the ultimate Rock, the One who satisfies our deepest thirst—the thirst for righteousness, for salvation, and for eternal life.
The Striking of the Rock: A Picture of the Cross
In the wilderness, the rock was struck once and brought forth water. In the same way, Jesus was struck once—through His death on the cross—and brought forth living water for all who would believe. The image of the rock being struck foreshadows the moment when Jesus, the Rock of our salvation, would be pierced for our sins.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was not a random or accidental event—it was God’s perfect plan of redemption. He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). Just as the rock in the wilderness provided water for the Israelites, Jesus’ death provides eternal life for all who come to Him in faith.
The Significance of Jesus as the Rock
Throughout Scripture, God is often referred to as a Rock (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 18:2). This Rock is steadfast, immovable, and reliable—always a source of refuge and salvation. Jesus, as the Rock, embodies these characteristics perfectly. He is the foundation upon which we build our lives, and He is the One who provides us with everything we need: forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.
In 1 Peter 2:6-8, Jesus is described as a “living stone” that was rejected by men but chosen by God. He is the cornerstone of our faith, the Rock upon which we stand. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He makes it possible for us to be reconciled with God and to receive the living water of the Holy Spirit.
A Call to Respond
Just as the Israelites had to respond to God’s provision by drinking the water from the rock, we too are called to respond to Jesus, the true Rock, by coming to Him in faith. He offers us the living water of eternal life. Will you drink from the Rock that was struck for you? Will you place your trust in Him as your Savior and Lord?
As we reflect on the story of Moses striking the rock, let us remember that Jesus was struck for us. He was pierced for our sins so that we might have eternal life in Him. Let us drink deeply from the well of salvation and live with gratitude and awe for the Rock that was struck on our behalf.
