The Lord on Trial

Who are the people ultimately complaining against in v. 2?

 R. Kent Hughes tells us: “When God does not do for us what we think he ought to do, in the way we think he ought to do it, we complain about it.” In what ways does this happen in your life?

What do they accuse Moses (and God) of doing in v. 3? Why is it a ridiculous accusation? See Ex. 14:11-12; Ex. 16:3.

What happens in Ex. 17:6? The events of this quarrel are similar to those that will take place at the same location and through which Moses will not be allowed to enter Canaan (see Num. 20:2–13).

To test God is to demand that he prove himself true (see Dt 6:16; Lk 4:12). See Psalm 95:7-9 also Ps. 78;40-41. Why is it sinful to test God?

Who does the rock point to? See 1 Cor. 10:1-4. R. Kent Hughes: “The Bible often refers to God as a Rock. He is ‘the Rock of Israel’ (Gen. 49:24; cf. Isa. 30:29), ‘the Rock…[whose] works are perfect’ (Deut. 32:4), the Rock who is a fortress and a refuge (Ps. 18:2). He is ‘the Rock of our salvation’ (Ps. 95:1; cf. Deut. 32:15). In keeping with this imagery, the rock that Moses struck with his rod was a symbol of

God and his salvation.” James Hamilton, Jr. adds: “Jesus not only presents himself as the light of the world (John 8:12), but he also presents himself as a rock-like source of water, only he offers something better than water: the Holy Spirit (7:37–39). In the same way that Jesus is himself the fulfillment of the manna from heaven and the pillar of fire, he is the fulfillment of the rock from which the water flowed.

Read v. 7. How could they wonder if God is with them?

Matthew Henry says: “It is a great provocation to God for us to question his presence, providence, or promise.” Why?

Read Heb. 3:12-19. What will you do this week to guard against an unbelieving heart? See Heb. 12:1-2.