Biblical Context:
The event of Moses striking the rock is recorded in two significant instances in the Pentateuch, specifically in the books of Exodus and Numbers. These events occur during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings after their exodus from Egypt, a period marked by frequent challenges and divine interventions.

Exodus 17:1-7:
The first instance is found in Exodus 17:1-7. The Israelites, having journeyed from the Desert of Sin, camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, expressing their fear of dying of thirst. Moses cried out to the LORD, who instructed him to take some of the elders of Israel and his staff, with which he had struck the Nile, and go to the rock at Horeb. The LORD promised to stand before Moses on the rock, and Moses was to strike the rock, resulting in water flowing out for the people to drink. Moses obeyed, and water gushed forth, quenching the thirst of the Israelites. This place was named Massah and Meribah because of the Israelites' quarreling and testing of the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7).

Numbers 20:1-13:
The second instance occurs in Numbers 20:1-13, near the end of the Israelites' 40-year journey. The Israelites arrived at the Desert of Zin, and again, there was no water. The people assembled against Moses and Aaron, lamenting their situation and expressing regret for leaving Egypt. Moses and Aaron went to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. The LORD instructed Moses to take the staff and, along with Aaron, gather the assembly. He was to speak to the rock before their eyes, and it would yield its water. However, Moses, in frustration, struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out abundantly. Despite the provision of water, the LORD was displeased with Moses and Aaron for not trusting Him enough to honor Him as holy in the sight of the Israelites. As a result, they were not permitted to lead the assembly into the Promised Land. This place was called the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed Himself holy among them (Numbers 20:13).

Theological Significance:
The events of Moses striking the rock hold deep theological significance. They highlight themes of faith, obedience, and the holiness of God. In Exodus 17, Moses' obedience to God's command to strike the rock demonstrates God's provision and faithfulness despite the people's lack of trust. In contrast, the Numbers 20 account underscores the importance of following God's instructions precisely. Moses' deviation from God's command to speak to the rock, instead striking it, reflects a lapse in faith and obedience, resulting in severe consequences for both Moses and Aaron.

These narratives also serve as a typology of Christ, as the Apostle Paul later interprets in 1 Corinthians 10:4, where he identifies the rock as Christ, providing spiritual sustenance to the Israelites. The striking of the rock can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice, from which living water flows to quench the spiritual thirst of humanity.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:
From a moral and ethical perspective, these accounts teach the importance of trusting in God's provision and the necessity of obedience to His commands. They serve as a reminder of the consequences of failing to honor God as holy and the need for leaders to exemplify faithfulness and integrity. The narratives encourage believers to rely on God's guidance and to approach challenges with faith, trusting in His ability to provide and sustain.