He opened the rock.
The rock at Horeb
I. The source whence the waters are said to have sprung. A rock is in many respects an appropriate emblem of Christ.
1. It suggests the ideas of stability and unchangeableness.
2. Chosen by God Himself.
3. Smitten.
II. The uses for which they were designed.
1. To save from death by thirst.
2. To purify.
3. To refresh.
“Hungry and thirsty,” we are told, “their soul fainted in them.” But the same waters that saved them from perishing, renewed their strength, and enabled them to prosecute their journeyings to Canaan with fresh vigour and alacrity. And is it not thus with the weary and heavy-laden traveller to Zion, when supplies from the Redeemer’s grace are afforded to his soul?
III. The manner in which the waters flowed from the opened rock.
1. Abundantly. So it is with the grace of Christ. It is “exceeding abundant.” Its efficacy to save, to purify, and to refresh our souls is inexhaustible.
2. Freely. So with the blood of Christ. It is open even to the vilest and guiltiest.
3. Constantly. No drought could exhaust nor cold arrest the waters which the Israelites enjoyed in the wilderness; so neither shall any worldly trial deprive the true Israel of the reviving streams of the Redeemer’s grace. Goodness and mercy shall surely follow the ransomed of the Lord through all their earthly pilgrimage. (P. Grant.).