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. BeholdThe word "behold" is a call to attention, urging the listener or reader to focus on what is about to be revealed. In Hebrew, the word is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an imperative to observe something significant. This divine command emphasizes the importance of the forthcoming miracle, inviting the Israelites to witness God's power and provision firsthand. I will stand there before you
This phrase underscores God's personal involvement and presence in the situation. The Hebrew word for "stand" is "עָמַד" (amad), which conveys the idea of taking a position or being present. God's promise to stand before Moses signifies His readiness to act and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. It reassures the Israelites of His constant guidance and support. by the rock at Horeb
Horeb is another name for Mount Sinai, a place of great significance in the biblical narrative. The "rock" symbolizes strength and stability, often representing God Himself in Scripture. The Hebrew word for "rock" is "צוּר" (tsur), which can also mean a fortress or stronghold. This setting at Horeb foreshadows the giving of the Law and highlights the sacredness of the location where God reveals His power. And when you strike the rock
The act of striking the rock is both literal and symbolic. The Hebrew verb "נָכָה" (nakah) means to strike or smite, indicating a forceful action. This act of obedience by Moses is a demonstration of faith, trusting in God's instructions despite the seemingly impossible task. It also prefigures Christ, the Rock, who was struck for our salvation, as interpreted in 1 Corinthians 10:4. water will come out of it
Water, in this context, is a symbol of life and sustenance. The miraculous provision of water from the rock illustrates God's ability to provide for His people's needs in the most unexpected ways. The Hebrew word for "water" is "מַיִם" (mayim), which is often associated with life, cleansing, and the Holy Spirit. This miracle serves as a reminder of God's life-giving presence and His provision in times of need. for the people to drink
The purpose of the miracle is clear: to quench the thirst of the Israelites. The phrase emphasizes God's compassion and care for His people. The Hebrew word for "drink" is "שָׁתָה" (shatah), which implies satisfaction and fulfillment. This provision not only meets a physical need but also reinforces the spiritual truth that God is the ultimate source of sustenance and satisfaction. So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel
Moses' obedience is highlighted here, as he acts according to God's command. The presence of the "elders of Israel" serves as witnesses to the miracle, ensuring that the event is recorded and remembered by the community. This public demonstration of God's power strengthens the faith of the Israelites and establishes Moses' leadership. The Hebrew word for "elders" is "זְקֵנִים" (zeqenim), indicating those with wisdom and authority, who play a crucial role in affirming God's work among His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt. In this passage, Moses is instructed by God to strike the rock to provide water for the Israelites. 2. The IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and are now journeying through the wilderness. They are in need of water, which leads to this miraculous event. 3. HorebAlso known as Mount Sinai, this is a significant location where God reveals His power and provision. It is the place where Moses strikes the rock to bring forth water. 4. The RockSymbolic of God's provision and presence. In the New Testament, the rock is often seen as a type of Christ, who provides living water. 5. The Elders of IsraelLeaders among the Israelites who witness the miracle, serving as representatives of the people and validating the event. Teaching Points God's ProvisionGod provides for our needs, often in unexpected ways. Just as He provided water from a rock, He can meet our needs in miraculous ways. Obedience to God's InstructionsMoses' obedience in striking the rock as God commanded is a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Christ as the RockThe rock at Horeb is a foreshadowing of Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance and living water to all who believe. Witnessing God's MiraclesThe presence of the elders as witnesses underscores the importance of community in experiencing and affirming God's work. Faith in Times of NeedThe Israelites' need for water and God's provision is a lesson in trusting God during times of scarcity and need. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the event at Horeb demonstrate God's faithfulness to the Israelites, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives today? 2. In what ways does the rock at Horeb serve as a type of Christ, and how does this deepen our understanding of Jesus' role in our spiritual lives? 3. What can we learn from Moses' obedience in this passage, and how can we apply this lesson to our own walk with God? 4. How does the presence of the elders as witnesses to the miracle at Horeb emphasize the importance of community in our faith journey? 5. Reflect on a time when God provided for you in an unexpected way. How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's provision in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Corinthians 10:4Paul refers to the spiritual rock that followed the Israelites, identifying it as Christ. This connection highlights the typology of Christ as the source of living water. John 4:10-14Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman about the living water He provides, drawing a parallel to the physical water provided in the wilderness. Numbers 20:8-11Another instance where Moses is instructed to bring forth water from a rock, but with different instructions, highlighting obedience and faith. People Aaron, Amalek, Amalekites, Hur, Israelites, Joshua, MosesPlaces Egypt, Horeb, Massah, Meribah, Nile River, Rephidim, SinaiTopics Behold, Blow, Chiefs, Drink, Drunk, Elders, Hast, Horeb, Rock, Sight, Smite, Smitten, Stand, Standing, Strike, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 17:6 4354 rock Exodus 17:1-6 5580 thirst Exodus 17:1-7 4278 spring of water
5473 proof, through testing
5924 quarrelsomeness Exodus 17:3-6 1330 God, the provider Exodus 17:4-7 8614 prayer, answers Exodus 17:5-6 1680 types Exodus 17:5-13 4512 staff Exodus 17:6-7 1416 miracles, nature of Library Nature of the Renderings
From the text we now turn to the renderings, and to the general principles that were followed, both in the Old and in the New Testament. The revision of the English text was in each case subject to the same general rule, viz. "To introduce as few alterations as possible into the Text of the Authorised Version consistently with faithfulness"; but, owing to the great difference between the two languages, the Hebrew and the Greek, the application of the rule was necessarily different, and the results …
C. J. Ellicott—Addresses on the Revised Version of Holy ScriptureJehovah Nissi
'And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah Nissi [that is, the Lord is my Banner].' --EXODUS xvii. 15. We are all familiar with that picturesque incident of the conflict between Israel and Amalek, which ended in victory and the erection of this memorial trophy. Moses, as you remember, went up on the mount whilst Joshua and the men of war fought in the plain. But I question whether we usually attach the right meaning to the symbolism of this event. We ordinarily, I suppose, think …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The War of Truth
Now, beloved, this scene of warfare is not recorded in Scripture as in interesting circumstance to amuse the lover of history, but it is written for our edification; for we remember the text which says--"Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our profit." There is some profit to be derived from this--and we believe a peculiar profit, too, since God was pleased to make this the first writing commanded by Divine authority as a record for generations to come. We think that the journeys …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857 How Churches Can Help Ministers.
Text.--And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses's hands were heavy, and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon: and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side and the other on the other side: and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.--Exodus xvii. 11-13. You who read your Bibles will …
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion Exhortation to Prayer.
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John Newton—Olney Hymns The Waters of Meribah
'Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2. And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3. And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 4. And why have ye brought up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Intercessor
'These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Thou Me with …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: St. John Chaps. XV to XXI Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Reaction against Egypt
THE XIth DYNASTY: HARMHABI--THE HITTITE EMPIRE IN SYRIA AND IN ASIA MINOR--SETI I. AND RAMSES II.--THE PEOPLE OF THE SEA: MINEPHTAH AND THE ISRAELITE EXODUS. The birth and antecedents of Harmhabi, his youth, his enthronement--The final triumph of Amon and his priests--Harmhabi infuses order into the government: his wars against the Ethiopians and Asiatics--The Khati, their civilization, religion; their political and military constitution; the extension of their empire towards the north--The countries …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 5 Jehovah. The "I Am. "
WHEN Moses in the desert beheld the burning bush God answered his question by the revelation of His name as the "I Am." "And God said unto Moses, I am, that I am: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you" (Exod. iii:14). He who spake thus out of the bush to Moses was the same who in the fullness of time appeared upon the earth in the form of man. Our Lord Jesus Christ is no less person, than the I AM. If we turn to the fourth Gospel in which the Holy …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory "Because the Carnal Mind is Enmity against God, for it is not Subject to the Law of God, Neither Indeed Can Be. "
Rom. viii. 7.--"Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Unbelief is that which condemns the world. It involves in more condemnation than many other sins, not only because more universal, but especially because it shuts up men in their misery, and secludes them from the remedy that is brought to light in the gospel. By unbelief I mean, not only that careless neglect of Jesus Christ offered for salvation, but that which is the …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Ninth Sunday after Trinity Carnal Security and Its vices.
Text: 1 Corinthians 10, 6-13. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial, and perished by the serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 17:6 NIVExodus 17:6 NLTExodus 17:6 ESVExodus 17:6 NASBExodus 17:6 KJV
Exodus 17:6 Commentaries
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