2.5. "CAMPED IN REPHIDIM - BUT NO WATER" (Exodus 17:1-7)

Again the people find fault with Moses because there is no water to drink (Exodus 17:1-7 ). Still they complain and fail to trust. How prone we are to fail in the same way. In answer to the cry of Moses the Lord again in grace intervenes. The smitten rock brings forth New Testament truth.

As such He is our shelter, safety, strength, supply. The Lord said,

Exodus 17:6 "Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock ...".

God was in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:19 ). The rock would be as dry as the desert it was part of, but God on the rock and in the rock, could do anything. The source of living water is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36 ).

"You shall strike the rock." "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." Isaiah 53:5. Smitten vicariously for us. "Wounded = pierced, a term appropriate to crucifixion." Ryrie

Exodus 17:5 "Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river,"

The rod of judgment that had turned the river to blood.

Isa 53:10 "Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When you made His soul an offering for sin..."

Psalm 78:20 "Behold, he struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed."

1 Corinthians 10:4 "And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ."

"Rabbinic legend held that a material rock actually followed the Israelites. Paul, however, says that it was Christ who was with Israel all the way." Ryrie

So the Lord is with us - His supply is always available.

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Do you find it remarkable that at Rephidim the people contend and complain again?
   • Had the Lord failed to provide at any time?
   • Is it possible to become a chronic grumbler and so tempt the Lord?
   • How disturbing is it for Leadership to have to endure repetitive wrong accusations?

2. What right action of Moses is it safe for you to follow?
   • Do you hear the frustration and serious assessment of the situation in what Moses said to the Lord?
   • Do you believe that what the Lord wants for Leaders in similar situations today is total dependence on Himself?

3. How did God respond to Moses and the need of the people?
   • Can you explain Paul's statement "that Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:4 )?
   • What does the smitten rock mean to your salvation and health?