Finding Christ in the Old Testament - Exodus 17:1 - 16

Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Exodus 17:1–16

Here, in the wilderness of Rephidim, the people again test the LORD, thirsting and complaining as if He had not already brought them through sea and desert. But the LORD, patient in mercy, commands Moses to strike the rock at Horeb. From it, living water flows. This is no mere survival tale; it is a type. The Apostle Paul writes, “the Rock was Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:4). Struck once, water flows—not just for Israel, but for the world. Christ, smitten on the cross, is the Rock from whom flows the Spirit, baptism, and life. He was not struck twice; once was sufficient. From His riven side came blood and water.

In the second half of the chapter, Israel faces Amalek. Moses, with hands lifted in intercession, is assisted by Aaron and Hur. The battle is won not by swords, but by prayerful dependence on God’s power. Hands held high prefigure the cross again—Christ, whose outstretched arms won the victory over sin and death, and whose intercession continues even now. Yahweh-Nissi—“The LORD is my Banner”—declares the LORD as our identity, our covering, our triumph. Christ is our Rock. Christ is our Victory.

Devotion
God gives water from the Rock and victory through prayer. We are not saved by our striving but by the One who was struck for us and now stands for us. In thirst and in battle, Christ remains our refuge.

New Testament Verse
1 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV)
“…and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.”

Collect
Almighty God, who satisfied Your people’s thirst in the desert by water from the rock, and who gave victory through the uplifted hands of Your servant, grant us to trust in Christ, our smitten Rock and heavenly Intercessor, that we may drink deeply of His mercy and triumph in His name; through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure:
Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
— LSB 761:1, Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Now and Forever, Unto the Ages of Ages, AMEN!