We know the Israelites are guilty and deserve to be condemned. We know God is innocent and deserves to be vindicated. But God tells Moses, “Strike the rock” (v 6). Moses brings down the rod of judgment on God. God takes the judgment that his people deserve. As a result blessing flows to the people. In this case it literally flows for water comes out from the rock to quench the people’s thirst (v 6). Paul says, “That rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). “For they drank from the spiritual rock that
Page 149