Numbers 20 Meaning: Why Moses Struck the Rock and How it Points to Jesus
The Struck Rock: Honor the Holiness of Jesus In Numbers 20 , we reach a heartbreaking yet profound moment in the wilderness. The generation that left Egypt is passing away, and a new generation faces the same old problem: thirst. While Moses’ frustration leads to a personal loss, the spiritual imagery here provides a critical warning and a beautiful promise regarding Jesus Christ . The Rock That Was Struck Twice In Exodus 17 , God commanded Moses to strike the rock to bring forth water. But here in Numbers 20, God tells Moses to simply speak to the rock. The First Striking: This symbolized the first coming of Jesus. He was "smitten by God, and afflicted" ( Isaiah 53:4 ) on the Cross to release the living water of salvation. The Command to Speak: Because Christ died "once for all" ( Hebrews 10:10 ), He never needs to be struck again. We now access His grace simply by speaking to Him in prayer and faith. By striking the rock again in anger, Moses unintentionally ...