Exodus 17:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will stand {H5975} before {H6440} thee there upon the rock {H6697} in Horeb {H2722}; and thou shalt smite {H5221} the rock {H6697}, and there shall come {H3318} water {H4325} out of it, that the people {H5971} may drink {H8354}. And Moses {H4872} did {H6213} so in the sight {H5869} of the elders {H2205} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will stand in front of you there on the rock in Horev. You are to strike the rock, and water will come out of it, so the people can drink." Moshe did this in the sight of the leaders of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

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.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 17:6 records a pivotal moment of divine intervention in the wilderness, where God, in His unwavering faithfulness, commands Moses to strike a rock at Horeb, miraculously bringing forth abundant water for the thirsty Israelites. This event powerfully demonstrates God's immediate and tangible presence among His people, His steadfast commitment to provide for their most desperate needs, and the crucial role of Moses' obedient leadership in manifesting God's power. It stands as a profound testament to divine provision amidst human complaint and serves as a significant foreshadowing of greater spiritual realities, particularly the ultimate source of life in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This miraculous provision of water at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7) is situated within a recurring narrative pattern of Israelite complaint followed by divine provision that characterizes their wilderness journey. Immediately preceding this event, the Israelites had murmured against God and Moses for lack of food, leading to the miraculous provision of [manna and quails](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quails from Heaven"). The narrative in [Exodus 17](/exodus/17 "Exodus 17 - Water from the Rock and War with Amalek") shifts the focus from food to a desperate need for water, intensifying the people's grumbling to the point of questioning God's very presence among them (Exodus 17:7, "Is the Lord among us or not?"). God's response through Moses' striking of the rock is thus a direct, compassionate answer to their physical need, while simultaneously serving as a powerful rebuke to their spiritual doubt and lack of trust. The subsequent battle with Amalek (Exodus 17:8-16) further highlights the ongoing challenges and God's continued protection and vindication of His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan was inherently perilous, marked by extreme scarcity of vital resources, especially water. Ancient Near Eastern nomadic peoples understood that access to water sources was critical for survival, and its absence could lead to death for both humans and livestock. The Israelites' "thirst" (Exodus 17:3) was not a mere inconvenience but an existential threat, fueling their bitter complaints against Moses and, by extension, against God. Their murmuring reflected a deep-seated fear and a failure to remember God's past miraculous interventions, such as the [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea"). The location, Horeb, is significant as it is often used interchangeably with Mount Sinai, the very place where God would soon establish His covenant with Israel (see [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai")). God's appearance "upon the rock in Horeb" therefore prefigures His imminent, tangible presence and the giving of the Law from this sacred mountain, reinforcing His authority and commitment to His people even before the covenant formalization.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 17:6 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader narrative of the Exodus and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, demonstrating God's consistent care for His people despite their unfaithfulness and murmuring. This miracle reinforces God's **Sovereignty over Creation**, showing His ability to manipulate natural elements to meet human needs. It also highlights the theme of **Obedient Leadership**, as Moses' faithful execution of God's specific and seemingly illogical command is essential for the miracle to occur, thereby validating his role as God's chosen mediator. Furthermore, the event serves as a powerful instance of **Testing and Doubt**, as the Israelites' questioning of God's presence (Exodus 17:7) reveals their spiritual immaturity and lack of trust, setting a precedent for future wilderness rebellions. Ultimately, this passage contributes to the overarching theme of God preparing His people for the Promised Land, teaching them absolute dependence on Him for their very survival.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Horeb (Hebrew, _Chôrêb'_):** From the root meaning "desolate," Horeb is a generic name for the Sinaitic mountains, often used synonymously with Mount Sinai (H2722). Ironically, this "dry place" becomes the site of abundant water. God's presence "in Horeb" emphasizes that this miracle is not random but occurs at a divinely designated, sacred location. This sets the stage for the upcoming giving of the Law and reinforces God's sovereign control over the wilderness environment and His people's destiny, establishing Horeb as a significant place of divine encounter and revelation.

* **Smite (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** A primitive root (H5221) meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it denotes a decisive, forceful, and physical blow. The act of "smiting" the rock is crucial for two reasons: firstly, it demonstrates Moses' complete and public obedience to God's specific, counter-intuitive instruction; secondly, it sets up a significant typological distinction from the later incident at Meribah (Numbers 20:11), where Moses was commanded to *speak* to the rock but instead struck it again, leading to severe consequences for his disobedience. Here, the single, decisive strike is the divinely ordained means of provision.

* **Rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** Properly, a cliff or sharp rock (H6697); generally, a rock or boulder. Figuratively, it denotes a refuge, strength, or stability, frequently used as a metaphor for God Himself (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God as the Rock")). Here, it becomes the physical medium through which God's life-giving power is manifested. Its inherent solidity and apparent barrenness heighten the miraculous nature of the water flowing from it, making it a powerful symbol of God's ability to bring life from seemingly impossible circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb;":** This opening clause emphasizes God's personal, immediate, and visible presence. The "Behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinnēh_) draws attention to a significant divine declaration, signaling the gravity and miraculous nature of what is about to transpire. God is not merely issuing a command from a distance but is actively present, overseeing, and enabling the miracle. His standing "upon the rock" signifies His authority over creation and His intimate involvement in the provision, making the rock a literal and symbolic point of divine encounter and a testament to His immanence.

* **"and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink.":** This is the core command and promise, outlining the specific action and its miraculous outcome. Moses is the chosen instrument, instructed to perform a specific, physical action ("smite the rock"). The immediate and direct consequence is the miraculous outpouring of water, explicitly stated as being "out of it" (the rock), confirming its supernatural origin and divine source. The purpose is clear and compassionate: "that the people may drink," directly addressing their desperate, life-threatening thirst. This sequence highlights God's power to use humble and seemingly impossible means to achieve extraordinary, life-sustaining results.

* **"And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.":** This concluding statement affirms Moses' immediate and public obedience to God's command. The presence of the "elders of Israel" serves as a crucial witness, validating both the divine instruction and the miraculous outcome. It underscores Moses' role as God's faithful servant and reinforces his authority as a leader, demonstrating that he acted directly under God's command. This public demonstration of obedience and divine power was intended to silence the people's murmuring and confirm God's active and present care among them.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 17:6 employs several powerful literary devices that enrich its theological and narrative impact. **Symbolism** is profoundly at play, with the rock representing God's steadfastness, His unwavering presence, and His capacity to provide life from barrenness. The water, in turn, symbolizes life, sustenance, and divine blessing, directly addressing the people's existential need. The verse also utilizes **Divine Command and Fulfillment**, a common and powerful narrative pattern in the Pentateuch where God issues a specific instruction, and it is immediately followed by its successful execution. This pattern demonstrates divine authority, human obedience, and the certainty of God's word. The stark **Contrast** between the Israelites' desperate thirst and murmuring (Exodus 17:3-7) and God's immediate, abundant provision through the rock highlights His boundless grace, patience, and miraculous power. Furthermore, the entire event serves as a profound **Foreshadowing** or **Typology**, particularly in later New Testament interpretation, where the rock and its life-giving water are understood to prefigure Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of spiritual life and eternal sustenance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 17:6 is rich in theological significance, primarily revealing God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereign provision for His people, even in their moments of doubt and rebellion. It underscores that God is not distant but intimately involved in the daily needs of His covenant people, demonstrating His power to bring forth life from impossible circumstances. The miracle at Horeb also highlights the importance of obedient leadership, as Moses' faithful execution of God's command was the conduit for the divine provision. Furthermore, the event profoundly foreshadows the ultimate spiritual provision found in Jesus Christ, who is the true "Rock" from whom living water flows, satisfying the deepest thirsts of humanity. This narrative reinforces the biblical theme of God sustaining His people in the wilderness, preparing them for the promised land, and teaching them dependence on Him alone through a visible demonstration of His power and presence.

* [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The Spiritual Rock")
* [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")
* [Psalm 78:15-16](/psalm/78-15-16 "Psalm 78:15-16 - God Provides Water from the Rock")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of water from the rock at Horeb offers timeless lessons for believers navigating their own "wilderness" experiences. When faced with overwhelming needs, scarcity, or profound uncertainty, this passage calls us to remember God's enduring faithfulness and His power to provide in ways beyond our comprehension. Just as the Israelites' physical thirst was met by a miraculous outpouring, our spiritual and emotional thirsts can be quenched by turning to the true source of life. Moses' swift and public obedience, despite the seemingly illogical command to strike a rock, challenges us to cultivate a faith that trusts God's specific instructions, even when they defy human logic. This narrative encourages us to approach our difficulties not with murmuring and complaint, which betray a lack of trust in God's presence, but with patient expectation and faithful obedience, knowing that our God is able to make a way where there seems to be no way, satisfying our deepest needs through His abundant, miraculous grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "wilderness" areas of your life are you currently experiencing a profound sense of need or thirst?**
* **How does the Israelites' murmuring against God and Moses challenge your own responses to difficult circumstances?**
* **What seemingly illogical or counter-intuitive commands might God be asking you to obey in faith today?**
* **How does the provision of water from the rock deepen your understanding of God's character and His commitment to His people?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Moses to strike the rock here, but later commanded him to speak to it (Numbers 20:8)?**

Answer: The distinction between striking the rock in Exodus 17:6 and speaking to it in [Numbers 20:8](/numbers/20-8 "Numbers 20:8 - Speak to the Rock") is crucial for understanding God's specific instructions and Moses' later failure. Here, at Horeb, God explicitly commanded Moses to "smite the rock" (נָכָה, _nâkâh_), a singular, decisive act. This act, as later interpreted by Paul in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The Spiritual Rock"), typologically represented Christ being "struck" or crucified once for all, providing the living water of salvation. In Numbers 20, after years of wilderness wandering, the people again complained about water. God commanded Moses to *speak* to the rock. However, Moses, exasperated by the people's rebellion, struck the rock twice in anger, claiming the miracle for himself ("shall *we* bring forth water?") rather than simply obeying God's precise instruction. This act of disobedience, striking the rock a second time when it was to be spoken to, dishonored God and prevented Moses from entering the Promised Land. The difference highlights God's demand for precise obedience to His specific commands for each moment and the theological significance of Christ's singular sacrifice.

**What is the significance of the location "Horeb" in this event?**

Answer: Horeb, often synonymous with Mount Sinai, is a highly significant location in the biblical narrative. It is the mountain of God, where Moses first encountered God in the burning bush (see [Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Exodus 3:1 - Moses at Horeb")). Later, it would be the place where God would descend in fire and thunder to give the Law to Israel (see [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai")). By commanding Moses to strike the rock "in Horeb," God is not only providing for their immediate physical need but also establishing His presence and authority at a place that would become central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with Him. The miracle at Horeb thus serves as a powerful precursor to the profound divine revelations and covenant establishment that would soon follow, underscoring God's active presence and preparation for His people's future.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miraculous provision of water from the rock in Exodus 17:6 finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul explicitly connects this Old Testament event to Christ, declaring that the Israelites "drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ" ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - The Spiritual Rock")). Just as the barren rock was struck once to bring forth life-sustaining water for a thirsty people, so too was Christ "struck" – crucified on the cross – once for all, to provide the living water of the Holy Spirit and eternal life for all who believe. Jesus Himself proclaimed, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water'" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). This living water, which Jesus offers, is the Holy Spirit, satisfying the deepest spiritual thirst that no physical water or earthly provision can quench (cf. [John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "John 4:13-14 - Jesus Offers Living Water")). The single striking of the rock in Exodus 17 also foreshadows the singularity and sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice; He was crucified once and for all, making the later command to *speak* to the rock (Numbers 20) and Moses' disobedience in striking it again a tragic prefigurement of the error of seeking to re-crucify Christ or diminish the completeness of His one, perfect sacrifice. Thus, the rock at Horeb stands as a powerful type of Christ, the true source of life who satisfies our spiritual thirst eternally.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Numbers 20:9

And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him.

Numbers 20:11

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts [also].

Nehemiah 9:15

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.

Deuteronomy 8:15

Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, [wherein were] fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where [there was] no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint;

Psalms 105:41

He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places [like] a river.

Psalms 78:15

He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave [them] drink as [out of] the great depths.