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Squeezing Water out of A Rock

A curious Old Testament story got Moses in a tough spot

James Jordan
Spiritual pursuits
2 min readJan 11, 2025

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Photo by James Jordan

There are a lot of wild stories in the Bible about the Israelites getting out of Egypt. Plagues of various kinds. Moses picks up a staff that turns into a snake, and vice versa. The Red Sea splits so they escape on dry ground.

The miracles continue as they make their way to the Promised Land.

In Exodus 17:6, the Israelites are in the desert with no water. God tells Moses to hit a rock with his staff, and water flows from the rock. It would have to have been a lot of water for all the people and animals. The spirit of God was there, and there was no question that God had provided the water.

Interestingly, this happens again later, with a different result.

In Numbers Chapter 20, they are close to entering the Promised Land. There is no water and people are grumbling. They often grumbled and had little faith, and it’s easy to see how Moses became frustrated.

Moses asks them, “do We have to get water for you?” God Told Moses to speak to the rock. Moses hit the rock twice, and the water came out and they had plenty.

It is curious that this time God was upset with Moses and his brother Aaron. God chastised them for their lack of faith and trust.

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Spiritual pursuits
Spiritual pursuits

Published in Spiritual pursuits

Spiritual pursuits is a publication dedicated to positive spiritual pursuits, learning to go deeper in this world.

James Jordan
James Jordan

Written by James Jordan

Teller of tales, many of which are actually true. Award-winning journalist, and the William Allen White Award for reporting.

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