The miraculous provision of water from a rock is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's providence and care for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This event is recorded in two primary instances in the Pentateuch: Exodus 17:1-7 and Numbers 20:1-13.

Exodus 17:1-7: Rephidim

The first occurrence takes place at Rephidim, shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. The people, having journeyed through the Desert of Sin, found themselves without water and began to quarrel with Moses. In their distress, they questioned, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?" (Exodus 17:3).

In response, Moses cried out to the LORD, fearing the people's anger might lead to violence against him. God instructed Moses to take some of the elders of Israel and his staff, the same one used to strike the Nile, and go to the rock at Horeb. The LORD promised to stand before Moses on the rock, and Moses was to strike it. Upon doing so, water would flow out for the people to drink. Moses obeyed, and water gushed forth, quenching the thirst of the Israelites. This place was named Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling) because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?" (Exodus 17:7).

Numbers 20:1-13: Kadesh

The second instance occurs at Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin, during the later stages of the Israelites' wanderings. Here, the community again faced a lack of water, leading to complaints against Moses and Aaron. The people lamented their situation, expressing regret for leaving Egypt and accusing Moses of bringing them to a barren land.

Moses and Aaron sought the LORD at the Tent of Meeting, where the glory of the LORD appeared to them. God commanded Moses to take the staff and, with Aaron, gather the assembly. This time, however, Moses was instructed to speak to the rock before their eyes, and it would yield its water.

In a moment of frustration, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff instead of speaking to it as commanded. Water still flowed abundantly, providing for the congregation and their livestock. However, because Moses did not uphold God's holiness before the Israelites, he was told he would not lead the assembly into the Promised Land. This location was also named Meribah, reflecting the Israelites' contention and the LORD's demonstration of His holiness (Numbers 20:13).

Theological Significance

The episodes of water from the rock are rich in theological meaning. They underscore God's faithfulness and provision, even amidst the people's doubt and rebellion. The rock, struck to bring forth life-sustaining water, is seen by many Christian theologians as a typology of Christ, who was "struck" for the salvation of humanity. The Apostle Paul alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 10:4, stating, "They all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ" .

These narratives also highlight the importance of obedience and faith. Moses' failure to follow God's precise command at Kadesh serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience, even for a leader as revered as Moses. The events at Massah and Meribah continue to serve as a testament to God's enduring patience and mercy, as well as a call to trust in His provision and timing.