1. When the Israelites stood in need of water, the Lord commanded Moses to smite the rock with his rod, from whence they should be supplied. See Exod. 17, 3–7. This, indeed, was a very simple means to effect a miracle of so great a benevolence. With the rod the rock was smitten, and the result was a beautiful stream of water, to allay the thirst of a numerous host. Neither the rod nor the rock possessed any natural qualities to effect this production of water. With these means the Lord connected an invisible operation, not to be accounted for on the principles of natural philosophy. The text saith, " the Lord stood before Moses, upon the rock in Horeb," v. 5. Now the Lord standing upon the rock, crowned the smiting with a miracle. St. Paul calls this rock a spiritual rock, which was Christ, of which all the Israelites did drink. I. Corin. 10. This rock, indeed, could be called Christ, because it was not by itself. Christ, as real God, (man he was not then, yet,) was connected with it, for he stood upon it.

Back: In confirmation of the preceding...

Next: But could not God...