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(Cf. 1 Corinthians 10:4; Numbers 20.) What rock was this? Travellers have described such rock; but we do not know that it was this one. But we do know that it existed; that the waters which flowed from it followed Israel; which is what Paul means by saying that the "rock followed them;" and that this rock was a type of Christ - not Christ himself, but a type of him. Note -

I. THE RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN CHRIST AND THE ROCK,

1. In nature. A rock is like Christ; it is stable, solid, fit for a foundation. A rock may be a great defence. "Be thou my strong Rock, a House of defence to cover me." A refreshing shade. "The shadow of a great rock," etc.

2. In the fact that the rock was smitten ere the waters flowed out.

3. Moses, the Law's representative, was the smiter. And to obey the Law, Christ was smitten.

II. THE STREAMS WHICH FLOWED FROM IT. These tell of what from Christ flow to us - pardoning mercy, sanctifying grace, spiritual consolation, eternal life. And as those streams, so these are free, satisfying, copious, constant.

III. THE INQUIRIES SUGGESTED. Have we drunk of them? If not, do so. Are we drinking of them? Invite others. - S.C.

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KJV: He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

WEB: He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.