Exodus 17:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 17:6
6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt 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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 17 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, redemption, discipleship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 17:6
6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt 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.
Analysis
Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb—This verse is central to understanding Christ in the Old Testament. God says 'I will stand...upon the rock' (צוּר, tsur)—YHWH positions Himself ON the rock that Moses will strike. The Hebrew עַל־הַצּוּר (al-hatsur, 'upon the rock') places God receiving the blow meant for rebellious Israel. Moses strikes the rock and water gushes forth; Paul explicitly declares 'that Rock was Christ' (1 Cor 10:4). The striking pictures divine judgment falling on the Substitute. Water flowing from the smitten rock represents life flowing from Christ's wounded side (John 7:37-39, 19:34). This is gospel in dramatic type: God takes the blow; thirsty sinners drink freely.
Historical Context
Horeb is another name for Sinai region. The rock struck at Rephidim provided water for approximately 2 million people plus livestock—a massive miracle authenticated by the elders' witness.
Reflection
- How does God standing ON the rock to receive the blow picture penal substitutionary atonement?
- What does water gushing from the smitten rock teach about life flowing from Christ's crucifixion?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 8:15, Nehemiah 9:15, Psalms 46:4, 78:20, 105:41, 114:8