Topical Bible: Symbols and Similitudes: The Rock That Was Struck, of Christ

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The imagery of the rock that was struck is a profound symbol within the biblical narrative, representing Christ and His redemptive work. This symbol finds its roots in the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament, offering a rich tapestry of theological significance.

Old Testament Background

The primary reference to the rock that was struck is found in the book of Exodus. As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, they faced a dire lack of water. In Exodus 17:6 , God instructs Moses, "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." Moses obeys, and water miraculously flows from the rock, providing life-sustaining refreshment to the Israelites.

This event is not merely a historical account but serves as a typological foreshadowing of Christ. The Apostle Paul explicitly connects this Old Testament event to Christ in 1 Corinthians 10:4 , stating, "and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ."

Theological Significance

The striking of the rock is emblematic of Christ's suffering and sacrifice. Just as the rock was struck to provide water, Christ was struck, or crucified, to provide the living water of salvation. Isaiah 53:4-5 prophetically speaks of the Messiah's suffering: "Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows... He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities."

The water flowing from the rock symbolizes the life-giving grace that flows from Christ's atoning work. In John 4:14 , Jesus speaks of this living water, saying, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life."

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament further illuminates this symbol through the crucifixion of Christ. As the rock was struck once to provide water, Christ's sacrifice was a singular, sufficient act for the redemption of humanity. Hebrews 9:28 affirms this, stating, "so also Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many."

Moreover, the imagery of water is consistently associated with the Holy Spirit and the new life believers receive through Christ. In John 7:38-39 , Jesus declares, "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this, He referred to the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive.

Practical Implications

For believers, the rock that was struck serves as a reminder of the sufficiency and completeness of Christ's work. It calls Christians to rely on the grace and provision that flow from His sacrifice. The symbol encourages a life of faith, drawing from the spiritual nourishment that Christ provides, and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the rock that was struck is a profound symbol of Christ's redemptive work, illustrating the provision of spiritual life through His sacrifice. It serves as a testament to the continuity of God's salvation plan from the Old Testament to its fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.

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Exodus 17:6
Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.
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1 Corinthians 10:4
And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
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Library

Introduction.
... admits into the number almost all similitudes indiscriminately. ... to the language of
dramatic symbols rather than ... these diverse effects; the same rock on which a ...
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